Governor Orders Confederate Flag Removed from Virginia State License Plates

Tanya’s Comment: Very good news. The tide seems to be finally turning against the display of the Confederate flag. The flag is not just a symbol of the history of the American Civil War, but has come to be used as a symbol of racism and all its violent manifestations. It has been used to terrify Black people with its promise of lynchings, torture, and murder, and to whip up racist hysteria. Finally, it’s reign is nearly over. 

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In U.S., Shootings by Americans Continue to Outnumber Islamic Terrorist Attacks

Courtesy of Commons.Wikimedia.org

If you still think Islamic terrorists pose one of the gravest threats to Americans, it’s because you haven’t seen the stats on gun violence. BillMoyers.com, as well as a small number of other high quality news organizations (including The Guardian) fill in the gaps left by many bigger news providers to give us a true picture of who presents the biggest threat.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley Finally Agrees Confederate Flag at State Capitol Must be removed

Tanya’s Comments: It’s about time that Republicans acknowledge what the Confederate flag means to Black people, and most Americans in general. This move represents progress. I commend Gov. Haley for making this tough (for her political career), but brave decision. 

“A day after thousands mourned the slayings of nine black worshipers at Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, leaders of diverse ages, races and backgrounds came together to say a symbol of segregation has no place at the state Capitol.” (CNN.com)

Stray Bullet Kills 3-Year-Old in Philadelphia

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When I read a news story like this, I can’t help but to wonder what a gun rights advocate must think when he or she reads the same story (theDailyBeast.com):

Court Upholds Florida Law That Punishes Doctors For Talking About Guns

Tanya’s Comment: Treating gun violence as a public health issue is completely proper given the amount of people who are killed, including accidentally, by guns every year. For the NRA to have the power to prevent the medical community (researchers and doctors) from doing its job is insane. Doctors have a responsibility to their patients, but their hands are tied if they can’t discuss guns with patients they fear may be in danger of hurting themselves or others with a firearm.

The Secular Jurist

Several years ago, the American Medical Association advised doctors to ask their patients about firearms and “educate patients to the dangers of firearms to children” in the name of public health. But doctors in Florida may be suppressed from giving this medical advice, now that a federal appeals court upheld a Florida law that became known as the “physician gag rule” because it punishes doctors for talking about guns.

The ruling could have major implications as policymakers examine gun violence as a public health issue. The National Rifle Association-backed law it upheld imposes severe limits on when doctors can ask their patients about guns or keep records in their patients’ charts about firearm safety. Doctors who are found to have violated the provision risk sanctions or loss of their license.

At least ten medical associations and the American Bar Association argued that the law should be struck down because doctors…

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Victims of Domestic Violence Shouldn’t Be Made Victims to Guns

Courtesy of americansforresponsiblesolutions.org

 

I recently received this message in an email from a group called Americans for Responsible Solutions, of which I am a member. It was started by Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband to fight for gun control laws:

Good Source of Info On Gun Deaths, Statistics, etc.

Photo courtesy of insidetheegg.files.wordpress.com

 

Propublica.org, an independent online news organization, has compiled a thorough collection of gun-related articles on their website. It’s a great resource for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of gun violence in America.

The website lists a variety of gun-related articles and research, grouped by subject/issue. Issues covered: Are mass shootings increasing?; gun deaths among women and children; the NRA; how politics protect gun dealers who sell guns used in crimes; “Stand Your Ground” laws; and others.

Gun Violence Takes a Child’s Life, And Many More, in Chicago

Courtesy of progressillinois.com/sites/progressillinois.com

 

There have been many mass shootings in America just within the past few years. But among these high-profile murders are countless low-profile ones like this, reported by ChicagoTribune.com:

Petition Forces Target To Ban Customers From Carrying Guns in Stores

Courtesy of Everytown.org

 

I received this news in an email yesterday (July 2) from Everytown.org, a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense gun policies, and of which I am a member. This is great news for anyone who cares about reducing gun violence in America:

74 School Shootings Since Sandy Hook

Photo courtesy of Mass.gov

 

Everytown.org reports that since the December 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where 20 children and six adults were shot to death, there have been at least 74 school shootings in America.