NB: the fact that the accidental/negligent firearms-related death rate continues its dramatic decline in the U.S. was buried in the 75th paragraph of the 110-paragraph Times epic Children and Guns: The Hidden Toll and unmentioned in the following press release.
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Based on an expose in Sunday’s New York Times suggesting that so-called “accidental” shooting deaths of American children are radically underreported, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is calling on Congress and state legislatures to take immediate action to address the lack of adequate government oversight of guns. These deaths should always be referred to as negligent, not “accidental,” and all adults whose guns are used in the shootings of children should be held accountable and punished by federal and state laws.
Due to manipulation by the gun lobby and Congress’s acquiescence, firearms have been specifically exempted from regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A 1976 amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Act specifically states that the CPSC “shall make no ruling or order that restricts the manufacture or sale of guns, guns ammunition, or components of guns ammunition, including black powder or gun powder for guns.” As a result, the CPSC can regulate teddy bears and toy guns but not real guns.
And in state after state, gun rights advocates and lobbyists have cited phony federal numbers as proof that child gun deaths are inconsequential and that state storage laws are unnecessary. We must no longer allow special interest groups that stand to profit from a proliferation of guns drive state laws based on studies built from these flawed government statistics.
We call on Congress to immediately pass HR 2464, sponsored by CongresswomanRobin Kelly, which would put guns and firearms under the watch of the CPSC along with toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals. In addition, state legislatures must enact laws that hold adults accountable for children accessing firearms. Currently, fewer than 20 states have such laws in place.
For too long, we have entrusted our elected officials to ensure that the shooting deaths of American children are being actively addressed, prevented, and reported. The mothers of America are saddened and sickened that federal and state legislators have turned a blind eye to this crisis, and we demand action now.
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. In just nine months, the organization has more than 100,000 members with a chapter in every state in the country. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter @MomsDemand.
SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America