Inaction ensures slaughter continues in the US
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Articles in The Nation on June 14 focused attention on the shocking slaughter in Orlando, Florida. As would expect have been many notifications of condolences from US president and other world leaders.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is under scrutiny after failing to take early action against the perpetrator, a supposed supporter of ISIS. Both presumptive presidential candidates have weighed in, to gain voter support – Trump by promising to temporarily ban Muslims entry to US, and Clinton by seeking a ban on semi-automatic rifles
Once again the fundamental question of tighter weapons laws remains unheeded, simply because of powerful lobbying from the National Rifle Association and weapons manufacturers, who hold sway over the major parties through financial contributions. To date, no president from either side or politicians have seen fit to push for tighter weapons controls.
It’s time for US to wake up and take action to implement tight controls and ban automatic and rapid-fire assault weapons. If not accessible, there is less chance of these kinds of incidents occurring, as shown by similar laws in other countries. To use the right to bear arms as per the US Constitution is a weak excuse, given that it was written when muskets were the weapons! President Obama must show leadership and take steps to remedy lack of weapons controls and restrictions.
Ray Gregory
