(The Verge) – Within the past few years there have been far too many instances of gun violence. As of late, gun control has been the ultimate debated issue among not only the American people, but also the government. On Wednesday January 30th, there was a Congressional hearing held to discuss the controversies dealing with gun control. Obviously, there is a huge disagreement among the political parties regarding this matter. Whether you are for or against stronger gun control, it is hard to deny that the speech given by Gabrielle Giffords was anything less than heartwarming.
Gabrielle Giffords is a retired Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives. She represented the state of Arizona from 2007 until she officially resigned on January 25th, 2012. Two years ago Giffords suffered head wounds during a Tuscon shooting spree that killed six people. To this day, she is still recovering from the horrific experience. During the hearing, a fearless Gabrielle Giffords spoke to a room full of people that she knew did not all agree with her. During her short, but moving speech she stated, “Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something. It will be hard, but the time is now.” All people, no matter what party you are affiliated with, should recognize the truth in these words.
Giffords’ husband, Mark Kelly who is a former astronaut, testified as well. While both of them own guns, they have formed a political action committee called Americans for Responsible Solutions that backs law makers who support gun restrictions. When Kelly spoke at the hearing he stated, “We’re simply two reasonable Americans who realize we have a problem with gun
violence, and we need Congress to act.”
While both political parties made many reasonable statements at the hearing, it is safe to say that the words stated by Gabrielle Giffords should resonate with us more than anything else. She has a first hand experience regarding the issue and was brave enough to convey to us her struggles and beliefs. Her speech may not change everyone’s minds, but it does not change the fact that she spoke the truth.
