How far we've come since the launch of Moms Against Guns! On this occasion celebrating mothers everywhere, I want to take time to share a special thank you for all that you have done to support and advance the cause of Moms Against Guns.
You have been there to support us every step of the way—and we have taken many important steps, and reached significant milestones, in our journey toward more effective laws to protect our children from the violence caused by illegal guns:
- To date, we have 4,349 signatures, which represent your voices and letters sent to
specific legislators, demanding they support their constituents and the passage of
common sense gun laws. In this voting year, we must be vigilant in showing our
power at the ballot box—those who want to protect our children should stay in
office; those who don't should be out.
- We participated in two major rallies in the capitol in Harrisburg that brought together
citizens, victims' families, law enforcement, mayors from throughout the Commonwealth,
Governor Rendell and many others who want legislation to stem the flow of illegal guns
in Pennsylvania.
- Last month, we witnessed an historic vote in the PA House of Representatives. The House
debated and voted on a handgun safety proposal for the first time in a decade. The proposal,
requiring handgun owners to report lost or stolen handguns to the police, was unfortunately
defeated by a 76-to-126 vote, but we gained significant support and more 'yes' votes than
anyone expected.
- Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia was the first mayor in the state to take an official stance to pass laws to combat the alarming rate of gun violence in our communities. These laws, which are not yet able to be enforced, would: limit handgun purchases to one a month; make it a crime to not report a lost or stolen gun within 48 hours; allow police to confiscate guns with a judge's approval from people considered a danger to themselves or others; prohibit gun possession by people subject to protection from abuse orders; and ban semiautomatic weapons with clips that hold 10 or more rounds.
I have no doubt that with your ongoing support, we will see more effective gun laws passed. We will win our efforts to secure our communities, protect our families and keep kids alive.
In the words of Margaret Mead, "Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Pennsylvania's children belong to all of us. Mother's Day is a day to celebrate not only mothers but also each and every child - a blessing, a gift - to every mother.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe Mother's Day—and a great big hug.
Lynne Honickman
Founder
Moms Against Guns
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See our videos on the Moms Against Guns YouTube Channel |
