Mayor Bloomberg Discusses Growing Support For Common-sense Proposals To Reduce Gun Violence In Weekly Radio Address

January 20, 2013

“Good Morning.  This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

“A little more than a month ago, a lone gunman shot his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and took 26 innocent lives – including the lives of 20 young children. That day will surely go down as one of the most tragic in our nation’s history. But it may also go down as the moment that America finally said: Enough. Enough of our friends, our neighbors, and our children lost to gun violence. And enough of laws that do too little to protect our communities and keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

“Today, Americans from every state – and from both political parties – are demanding change. And since the Sandy Hook tragedy more than 100 mayors from across the country have joined the bi-partisan coalition of Mayors Against Illegal Guns that I helped create. That brings our total membership to more than 800 mayors. More than one million Americans have also signed our coalition’s ‘Demand a Plan’ petition – which you can find and sign at ww.demandaplan.org.

“Americans are speaking up – and as we saw last week, President Obama is listening. On Wednesday, he issued a comprehensive set of proposals to reduce gun violence and keep our communities safe. His plan includes all of the common-sense measures our petition called for: measures like strengthening the background check system; banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; and toughening penalties for gun traffickers.

“President Obama and Vice-President Biden deserve a lot of credit for standing up and supporting these steps. Now it’s up to Congress to act on them – and it’s up to all of us to make sure they do, by continuing to make our voices heard. We have to explain to our leaders in Congress why these measures are so important: Why it’s in their constituents’ best interests, and their best interests, to pass these laws. On Friday, I was in Washington meeting with mayors from around the country and discussing how we will do everything possible to make sure Congress seizes this moment and does the right thing for our country. And I hope you will, too.

“It was 45 years ago this spring that America lost one of its greatest heroes when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed by gunfire. Since then, more than 400,000 Americans have been killed by guns – more Americans than were killed during all of World War Two. Tomorrow, as communities around New York City come together to celebrate Dr. King’s life and leadership, let’s vow to continue building an America he would be proud of: One where every voice is heard, and every life cherished – and all are able to pursue their dreams, free from the scourge of gun violence.  

            “This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.  Thanks for listening.”