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Elected Republicans at all levels must consider gun control

FILE - In this Monday, July 7, 2014, file photo, Chicago police display some of the thousands of illegal firearms they have confiscated so far this year in their battle against gun violence in Chicago. The recent mass shooting at an Oregon community college has put the debate over gun violence and gun control into the center of the presidential race. At least some of the Republicans who are running have pointed to Chicago as proof that gun control laws don't work. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File))
FILE - In this Monday, July 7, 2014, file photo, Chicago police display some of the thousands of illegal firearms they have confiscated so far this year in their battle against gun violence in Chicago. The recent mass shooting at an Oregon community college has put the debate over gun violence and gun control into the center of the presidential race. At least some of the Republicans who are running have pointed to Chicago as proof that gun control laws don't work. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)) M. Spencer Green AP

No other political position defines the blackheartedness of elected Republicans at the federal, state and local levels as does their refusal to even consider legislation to expand firearm background checks or other reasonable gun control measures that might protect U.S. citizens from the seemingly endless horror of mass shootings in this country. That stance alone should keep rational voters from electing them.

Robert Kushner

Bradenton

This story was originally published October 11, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Elected Republicans at all levels must consider gun control ."

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