CeaseFirePA Responds to Gun Safety Vote

from the inbox:

CeaseFirePA reacted to the Senate's failure to enact new gun legislation, including an expansion of the background check system, with disappointment and determination. Shira Goodman, CeaseFirePA Executive Director, explained, "We are disappointed in the outcome of the vote, but our will to fight for commonsense gun laws is strengthened by the fact that the vast majority of the American people support such laws, as did the majority of U.S. Senators, including Senator Pat Toomey and Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania."

Across the nation, Americans are learning that it is not always easy to make their elected officials listen.  They are seeing firsthand that the gun lobby uses money and a broad network to perpetuate myths, lies and baseless fears.  These tactics, combined with procedural issues in the Senate, thwarted the will of the American people.

But as mothers and fathers continue to transform themselves into citizen activists and join together with a focused message and a resounding voice, elected officials who ignore them will do so at their own peril.  CeaseFirePA has been praising Senators Toomey and Casey for being leaders on this issue and for working for bipartisan solutions.  "Although Pennsylvania's Senators stood up for Americans, many others will be forced to explain why they chose to stand up for the gun lobby instead." 

"Pennsylvania is indeed a keystone state when it comes to the issue of commonsense gun laws," said Goodman.  There is a wave of change sweeping across Pennsylvania, and we intend to carry that wave throughout the nation.

"Those who would believe that yesterday's vote will sap our energy or bring an end to our work have gravely underestimated the power and will of the American public," urged Goodman. "We will continue to fight for commonsense safeguards with renewed vigor, not only to honor the victims of gun violence but because the vibrancy of our democracy demands it.  And, together we will succeed."