Guns in America more deadly than smog_美文_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Guns in America more deadly than smog

In the vacuum of congressional action, many states decided to act on their own. While there were some bright spots like the election of a pro-gun control governor in the National Rifle Association's home state of Virginia, the results favor less gun control. A mere 39 measures restricting gun control were passed in states mostly controlled by Democrats. But in states mostly controlled by Republicans, 70 measures liberalizing gun ownership became law.

Perhaps most ominously, in the swing state of Colorado where a shooting in a cinema left a dozen people dead, the fear that Giffords ascribed to Congress also extends to the state legislature. Last year, Colorado was one of the states to enact tougher gun control measures such as requiring background checks on any prospective gun buyer. Enraged, the gun lobby mounted recall campaigns that resulted in the ousting of two pro-gun control lawmakers and the resignation of a third.

As the spokesperson for the Gun Owners of America said, "What happened in Colorado should send shock waves through every legislator's heart that's been supportive of gun control." And he is right on target. This is an election year in which one-third of the US Senate, all of the House of Representatives, and many state legislative and gubernatorial races will be fought. Few of the incumbents want to touch this potentially lethal political issue now, if ever. In this epic gun battle, the gun lobby is the clear winner.