PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE
Yes, we can
Platform
Democrats believe that we must finally take sensible action to address gun violence. While responsible gun ownership is part of the fabric of many communities, too many families in America have suffered from gun violence. We can respect the rights of responsible gun owners while keeping our communities safe.
Commonsense Gun Safety Law
Common
sense alternatives to arming everyone are critical to the very survival of this
nation. A good starting point, in my judgment, is stronger enforcement of
existing regulations and discussion of additional regulation, licensing, and taxation.
Our system leaves much up to States; and the Florida legislature has failed tragically
in this area. Yet nonpartisan surveys, like the one on the left from the Pew
Research Center, find most Republicans--and gun owners--agree on key issues.
Solution: The Gifford Law Center details States with relevant laws, key elements, and model laws. We should support candidates who will support commonsense gun laws.
Specifics for Florida
Like most Americans, I don't want to take away anyone's gun used for self-defense, hunting, or target practice. I see grey areas even in existing Florida laws, like the new 'red flag' or risk protection petition that takes away guns and gun rights if a judge thinks someone a threat to themselves or others. It has been used on some individuals with no history of violence or mental illness; and even some who don't own a gun!
On the other hand, Florida is the only State where it isn't illegal to lie about a criminal record to get a gun. Nor does it makes sense, as explained here, that those selling guns at 'flea markets' and such aren't bound by regulations for gun shows and gun shops!
Stop contributing to the national problem
Press
reports show
staggering growth in "gun manufacturers", with Florida now second only to
Texas. Federal (ATF) monitoring is "outmatched, and that's a public danger when
police departments across the country rely more frequently on the expertise of
the ATF to respond to gun violence." Before the recent surge, Trace the Gun showed only two States had a higher "percentage of guns recovered in a crime within
two years of original sale - a strong indicator of gun trafficking." We only
have two of "Ten Key State Laws That Curb Illegal Gun Trafficking". For
example, it is not illegal in Florida to buy a gun for someone who can't!