Howard Dean: “We all feel horror, sadness, and anger as we learn more about the horrific shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the police…”

“We all feel horror, sadness, and anger as we learn more about the horrific shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the police officers' lack of response. I wondered, what were they afraid of? One part of the answer is clear: semiautomatic weapons. For the sake of us all, we must pass the assault weapons ban, just as we did in 1994. Let us remember, the ban was backed by three former Presidents: Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan. And it was supported by police leadership then as it is today. Republicans in 1994 had the courage to stand up to the gun lobby, and yet Republicans in 2022 cannot find such courage. I don't know why. Instead, they blame DAs and mayors and really anyone but themselves, ourselves. We are Members of Congress with the power to ban weapons that civilians are using to murder neighbors, strangers, children, and even police officers. No more decapitated children. No more slaughtered shoppers or parade goers. Let us find the courage to act. Tikkun olam, as the Jewish tradition teaches. Let us repair the world. ____________________”