Paul Tonko: “America is hurting. The hearts of Americans are made heavier by the acts of violence that are driven by anger and fear…”

“America is hurting. The hearts of Americans are made heavier by the acts of violence that are driven by anger and fear and hate and insensitivity. We need to step up and heal as a nation with lives lost innocently, with the lives of those who protect us day-to-day lost tragically, with those pulled aside for routine traffic stops end up in a scenario where life oozes from them senselessly. America hurts. We need to come together as a nation. We need to understand that there is so much that unites us, far more than what divides us. Respect for each other must drive and compel and challenge us as a society, as a nation, to do far better. Congress needs to lead in that regard. We need to be part of that coming together to understand through intellect, concern, compassion, through our wisdom--through our hearts that are burning with love--that love conquers hate. We can accomplish that with the prevention of gun violence. Let's come together and heal. ____________________”