Biden to mayors: "We have to act" on gun violence

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden addresses the 81st Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) at Capital Hilton Hotel January 17, 2013 in Washington, DC. Biden delivered remarks on gun control during the opening plenary luncheon of the meeting. / Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

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Biden: "No illusions" about difficulty of gun control

The day after President Obama unveiled a sweeping set of proposals for reducing gun violence in America, Vice President Joe Biden pushed the nation's mayors to join in the campaign, urging them to "use every fiber in our being" to help stop "the carnage on our streets and in our schools."

Speaking before the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Biden outlined the bullet points of Mr. Obama's plan -- which was developed based on Biden's recommendations -- and reiterated the administration's sense of urgency on issues relating to gun violence in the wake of a mass shooting in Newtown, Conn.

"That tragedy, in all my years in public life, I think has affected the public psyche in a way that I've never seen before," he said. "I know we don't have absolute unanimity in this ballroom, nor do we in any ballroom, but we all know everyone acknowledges we have to do something. We have to act. I hope we all agree there's a need to respond to the carnage on our streets and in our schools."

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Biden: "Overwhelming consensus" on gun control

As the Obama administration prepares to embark on a potentially epic congressional debate on gun control, Biden acknowledged the difficulties in taking on the gun lobby. But he argued that "we have no choice" but to confront the challenge.

"I've been in this fight a long time. I have no illusions about the fight's that in front of us. I have no illusions about distortions that will come from all sides. But I know full well the political obstacles that will be thrown up against us are not impenetrable," he said. "There are some who say the most powerful voice in this debate belongs to the gun lobby... I think they're wrong. This time it will not be like times that have come before. Newtown has shocked the nation."

Biden stressed the president's call for bans on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, arguing that weaponry of that nature isn't necessary for hunting -- and that a 12-round clip shouldn't be necessary to kill a deer.

"If you've got 12 rounds, it means you've already missed the deer 11 times," he said. "High capacity magazines are not worth the risk."

Sympathizing with mayors for their relative lack of power to enact gun legislation in their cities, Biden also spoke about everyday gun violence in cities across the country. He sought support among the audience for universal background checks for gun-buyers, as well as the implementation of laws to prevent gun trafficking.

But ultimately, he argued, the conversation isn't just about gun violence -- it's also about broader cultural questions.

"I think we can begin an endeavor that stops the coarsing [sic] of American culture and society. I think we can begin to turn this around," he said. "It's not all because of guns. It's a lot of other things. But maybe what happened in Newtown is a call to action."

[logictoo]

There is a shortage of ammunition. Some agencys are rationing practice ammunition to law enforcement. Even .22 caliber is hard to find. Seems it is being sold as fast as retailers can get it. Many types of firearms are being sold out too.

[mjvwsr]

We're not to judge all Muslims by the acts of a few "crazies," but the acts of a few American crazies is enough to judge all Americans who own guns.

[nearl451]

So why did George H. W. Bush resign from the NRA?

Even he can't stand you extremist reactionaries.

Republicans of the past used to be a lot more sensible on this issue.

Biden and Obama have it exactly correct.

[nearl451]

Also....Ronald Reagan unequivocally supported the Brady Bill.

[DancyD]

Please get this done!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve0YFlLf-po

[Type_Z]

Is Biden holding a large shiny object by a string, waving it before their eyes?

[nearl451]

I think your tinfoil is hanging in front of your eyes, dear.

[raymailhot]

Detroit hasn't had a conservative politician for at least 50 years, all have been democrats. Even they don't bother claiming the ridiculous assertion that this violence is due to law abiding citizens owning guns. Biden basks in the light of ignorance to the point of being humorous.

Biden and his goofy club of liberals are still trying to get the biggest punch out of the deaths of these 20 young children by getting the big cities to question their hundreds of children that die each year to the same kind of violence?

[Type_Z]

With their hands out to get $$$$ from Obama. We're losing our hearts and souls.

[nearl451]

I know. While I'm working 60+ hours per week for a corporation, I have my hand out the entire time.....earning it. like the epitome of liberalism I am.

[DOGGYPANTS]

Biden and his Democrats have done such a terrible job, that our major cities are in ruin. Large swaths of LA are like the Tribal areas of Afghanistan where gangs rule. Detroit schools are so bad that Dan Rather produced a mini series, "A National Disgrace" and It was during Granholm's reign that MI schools nose dived. Chicago is Murder City. Even Toledo, Ohio, under Marcy Kaptur's reign for 30 years, is the US leader, not in glass, but in child slavery and child prostitution. In our urban schools, children learn more about diversity and leftism than they learn about math, English, and science. Ask any teacher, in urban schools, Blacks use the "N" word with impunity.

[ammo17]

have you ever been so disgusted by our corrupt and dysfuntioal government.i can see us having the same problem that the russians had in 1917 when they over threw the czar.and we have a lot of czars in this country.

[nearl451]

You NRA cowards aren't overthrowing anything.

Lighten up Francis.

[ammo17]

the mayor of chicago has to go to head of the line,then the mayor of new york.did you ever notice the mayors with the biggest illegal gun problem are the ones with the biggest mouths.

[NotLobamatomized]

Almost anything can be used as weapon, joe biden and his equally ignorant boss doesn't seem to get it.
The real issues here is mental health, but it's not really on obama self promoting agenda.
timothy mcveigh did not need assault weapons and/or 10-round plus clips to do his evil deeds.

[nearl451]

No. you don't seem to get it. 100 round clips have risk to kill too damn many people in too short a time.

It is too high a risk of multiple deaths.

Biden is dead nuts on target.