Political Quotes

“these tragic incidents involving students bringing guns to school have taught us that we must proceed on two tracks. Government's first responsibility is to protect our citizens, particularly our young people, from violence. The only way to do that when a student brings a gun to school is to get them out of the classroom, off the streets, and in front of someone who is in the best position to determine what steps to take. The legislation I am introducing today with Senator Gordon Smith will help that happen. Mr. President, all over my state people are calling out for help. The Springfield Chief of Police and the Governor both recognize that the way we currently deal with kids and guns is not working. These kids are slipping through the cracks--only to resurface in deadly and dangerous ways. Mr. President, our current policies are not working. They are not serving anyone. Simply put, when it comes to kids bringing guns to school, we can and must do a better job. We must stop the violence before it spreads across one more school yard. The memorial fence at Thurston High School is the last memorial fence I ever want to see--in Springfield, Oregon, in Pearl Mississippi, in Jonesboro, Arkansas--or anywhere else in the country. Let it end here. Today, Senator Smith and I are introducing legislation that encourages states to pass laws to require a student who brings a gun to school to be held for up to 72 hours and undergo a psychological evaluation.”