Opinion Sampler: Gun battle, Obama vs. the NRA ...
— Now is the time: Obama poses no threat to Utah — Salt Lake Tribune EditorialPresident Obama's list of executive orders and legislative proposals intended to reduce firearms deaths in the United States is reasonable, balanced and worthy of support. The program, entitled "Now Is the Time," does not, and would not, violate the Second Amendment or deny any American reasonable means of defending their persons, families and property.Suggestions — such as the one that drifted up from Washington County the other day — that the state of Utah can or should nullify those actions within its borders — is an irrational reaction that might sound good in a tea party fundraising appeal, but makes no rational or constitutional sense. ...
— Gun laws need a push from the public — Denver Post EditorialPresident Obama's proposals to curb gun violence are sensible, moderate, enjoy broad public support — and will have a devil of a time getting enough votes to pass Congress. ...
— Do more to keep guns from the dangerous — Orange County Register EditorialThe Second Amendment, ensuring the right to keep and bear arms, is part of our nation's fabric. It is culturally significant and is something that has brought our country great pride, great success and at times, great pain. As President Barack Obama and lawmakers begin to address the topic, and America now engages in a broad debate about guns and their place in our society, this is an opportunity for serious discourse and, perhaps, even some consensus. ...
— A forgotten right — Arizona Republic EditorialNo part of the Bill of Rights is more important than any other, regardless of what gun-rights or gun-control advocates might think at the moment. We have a right in this country, for example, to peaceably assemble.And while that inalienable right usually is interpreted as a bulwark against governmental interference with political protests, the First Amendment's free-assembly provision also means what it literally says: We have a right to gather in public places.Such as in our schools. Or in our theaters. Or in the parking lots of our shopping centers on sunny Saturday mornings. Peaceably. Without fear. Of governments or madmen. ...
— In honor of Gun Appreciation Day, some facts about guns — San Jose Mercury News ... Homes with firearms have three times the risk of homicide and five times the risk of suicide as other homes, according to a 1993 CDC study. ...
— Conspiracy cockroaches — Ogden Standard-Examiner EditorialThe YouTube videos claiming that the Newtown massacre of school children was a fake hatched by the government to — depending on one's delusions — either promote more gun control or create a sinister oppressive government — is just another example of how conspiracy cockroaches scuttle out of the dark corners of society after a major news event. ... To riff on Jane Austen, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a national tragedy must be in want of wingnuts, malcontents and cranks." ...
— President takes gun violence seriously; not so the Missouri House — St. Louis Post Dispatch Editorial
— Time for gun action must begin today — Des Moines Register Editorial
— NRA again becomes obstacle to public safety — Sacramento Bee Editorial
— Obama's good push for saner gun safety — Kansas City Star Editorial
— Obama goes all in on guns — Los Angeles Times Editorial
— President's push for firm gun laws — San Francisco Chronicle Editorial
— President Obama takes measured steps against gun violence — Los Angeles Daily News Editorial
— Time is right for the debate on guns, including in the halls of Congress — Fort Worth Star-Telegram Editorial
Background:
— Obama unveils sweeping $500 million gun violence package — AP/Salt Lake Tribune
— Now Is The Time — White House report
— Gun plan a tough sell for Utah lawmakers — Salt Lake Tribune