I’m not sure if “America” will read this blog post, but I do know that there are regularly Americans who read this blog. So if that’s you, please pass it on to the rest of your country.
Whatever your opinion on the politics of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, his bold leadership on gun control in 1996 is an important legacy. In the wake of the Port Arthur massacre, when 35 people were killed, Howard brought in sweeping gun reforms. These reforms have changed Australia for the better.
It was good to hear that US President Barrack Obama mentioned Australia’s example in being tough on guns after another school shooting in the US. I’m saddened with every new report of more school shootings in the States and baffled by how easy it is to get a high powered gun. Just get rid of the Second Amendment from the Constitution, amend it out of there! I hope and pray Obama has the bullets to stand up and lead.
I’m not sure if you’ve seen these 3 videos, they were shared around via social media last year, but they are worth watching. John Oliver compiled them for The Daily Show, and they show how government-mandated gun control actually can work. He highlights the political leadership of Howard (as well as Tim Fischer and Rob Borbidge) in bringing about the changes.
See below for the 3 part series:
(Note: there is coarse language that has been beeped out)
Amen! I’d never seen the 2nd & 3rd video before. We have to be thankful for those political leaders who weren’t afraid to make tough decisions.
amen to your amen!
To suggest that gun control would be an effective measure would be to ignore facts. After the Australian gun ban, there was no notable change in murders or violent crime.
Violent crime is more greatly affected by education and poverty. Guns have very little to do with the matter. America does not have a gun problem… America has a cultural problem. And until the cultural problem is addressed, the problem will continue. Control doesn’t work. Only Jesus works.