Aileen Barrett

54 Simmons
University Park, PA 16802

Senator Bob Casey

2nd Street NE
Washington, DC 20002

Dear Senator Casey,

My name is Aileen Barrett. I am a first year student in the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State
University. I, like you, am from Scranton, Pennsylvania. I am sure you have heard about the
young boy who was shot and killed from Prescott Elementary school in our neighborhood. I am
sure you feel the heavy heart that I do, which prompted me to write this letter.

I know the name Caroline Previdi holds a lot of weight to you. It is the name of one of the
children murdered in the Sandy Hook shootings. I know the name Akyra Murray possesses the
same value. She is the 18-year-old honors student from Philadelphia's West Catholic high school,
who was killed in the Orlando Pulse night club shooting while visiting family in Orlando for a
weekend. I hope you will add Josiah Colemans name to your list of heavy hearted
remembrances. He was a fourth grader with a world of potential, whose life was ended far too
short.

I, first, want to commend you and thank you personally for your efforts to enact gun control
legislation in the past few months. Thank you for having the courage to do what is right and
speaking out against gun violence. Thank you for sacrificing your A rating from the NRA to
act on something in which you believe. Thank you for filibustering on the Senate floor to
demand votes on gun legislation, highlighting Akyra Murray's death in Orlando. I know it was
not easy to change your opinions on gun control. You are a model to our representatives,
promoting what is best for the American people, not what will ensure easy reelection.

Yet, despite your efforts there has been no meaningful federal action on gun violence in years.
But, as you said, it is un-American to surrender to this problem. Despite the current political
climate that was brought in with the new administration, I hope that you will continue to be a
proponent of decreasing gun violence in America. The tide has turned significantly since
President Obamas push for gun legislation just a few months ago. It now looks very grim that
gun control will be on the federal agenda any time soon. So I think it is time that we look at it
from a different angle.

I urge to support Democratic Senator Edward Markeys proposed Senate Bill 834, which would
end the decades long funding ban on gun violence research, and allow the Center Disease
Control and Prevention to take meaningful strides in understanding the issue at its core, as a
public health issue. If this legislative funding was passed, I believe it would be the first step in
stemming the issue of gun violence in an effective way. If enacted, we, as a nation, could see
dramatic decline in gun deaths.
To support my request, I invite you to take the time to read the attached Issue Brief I have
composed detailing a proposal to change the way we look at the daunting issue of gun control.
Based on a recent study by the American Health Policy Association, there is strong data to
suggest the value in approaching gun violence as a public health issue rather than a political
debate is substantial. This changed outlook could enact true change in our nation, creating
change visible in the reduction of the American death toll due to gun related injuries.

In your words I don't think new gun laws are going to change us. The issue of gun violence is
too deeply ingrained into our culture to be truly rectified by legislation. The political divide is
too strong to allow for compromise on this issue. Instead, it must come from a change in the tone
of the conversation in order to have meaningful change.

The research and data that I have found can provide meaningful strides to the efforts that you
made just a couple months ago. I hope that you will read my brief and share it with your
constituents.

Thank you for your continued and dedicated service.

Best,
Aileen
 UP in Arms:
Changing the Debate about
Gun Violence

ISSUE BRIEF:
AILEEN BARRETT | APRIL 2017
An issue guide detailing a proposal to change the approach to the debate of gun
violence in America. Based on a recent study by the American Health Policy
Association, there is strong data to suggest the value in treating gun violence as a
public health issue rather than a political debate is substantial. This changed outlook
could enact true change in our nation by reducing the death toll due to gun related
injuries.

UP IN ARMS Barrett - 2 -


GUN VIOLENCE HITS HOME
During the week of March 17th 24th, 2017 the death toll resulting from gun violence increased by 654.1
One of those fatalities was a ten-year-old boy who was accidentally shot and killed by his 11-year-old
cousin in his family home.
It wasnt in a classroom full of innocent kindergartners. It wasnt in a church full of passionate worshippers.
It wasnt in a nightclub full of prideful celebrators. It wasnt religiously or racially motivated. It wasnt an
act of hate or malice. It was nothing more than an accident in a family home; but it was tragic, nonetheless.
The tragedy caused no nationwide uproar. It got no prime-time media coverage. It warranted no presidential
speech or moment of silence in Congress. It did, however, leave a family in shambles, a school in shock,
and a profound sense of wide-eyed confusion in his adolescent classmates.
Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence in the United States. This year alone, a mere four
months into 2017, there have already been 492 unintentional shootings, on track to surpass the 2,199
accidental shootings from 2016.2 492 people killed by accident. Just one of those disrupted an entire
community, but the lives of 491 other friends and families, were impacted in 491 unique and heart
wrenching ways.

THE NARRATIVE RECURS

Sadly, the tragic story of gun violence is often quickly
overshadowed by the buzz of the next tragic story. Just a
week later, a shooting in San Bernardino, California,
claimed the life of another elementary school student,
and left another family and community in shock. It is a
recurring narrative in cities all over the nation. Each day,
on average, 7 children or teens are shot and killed in
America.3 Each year, over 33,000 Americans are killed
by guns and 78,000 are injured.4 These disturbing
statistics demonstrate that deaths or serious injuries
caused by gun violence are becoming commonplace in
our culture. A headline flashes across our news screens,
we bow our heads in a moment of silence, then continue
on with our own lives. Tragedy occurs again and again, Figure 1. Source: Gun Violence by the Numbers
and although government officials express their sorrow
and outrage, and vow to put an end to it, it continues.

ARMED AMERICANS
There is no question that the issue of gun violence is deeply rooted in American culture. The U.S. has more
guns per capita than any other country. There are more than 350 million guns in circulation in the United
Statesapproximately 113 guns for every 100 people.5 The issue of gun violence and control is just as
deeply ingrained into our politics. It is an aggressively contentious topic, divided sharply across party lines,
preventing any action from coming to fruition. Yet, with thousands of Americans dying preventable deaths
each year, this issue cannot continue to be curtailed by the political divide.
UP IN ARMS Barrett - 3 -

Figure 2a. Source Small Arms Survey 2008 Figure 2b. Source Adam Lankford, PhD; Violence and Victims 2016

ACTING FOR PROTECTION

Gun violence legislation deserves the urgency its death toll suggests, which requires the cooperation of
policymakers and organizational leaders. We, as a nation, must continue to applaud lawmakers who have
promoted such legislation in the past, but must continuously remind them that there is much work left to
do. After years of gun control legislation getting lost in the web of the constitutional rights debate and after
hundreds of failed attempted gun legislation, it is time to change the tone of the conversation. The goal is
not to limit the Second Amendment or to ban guns for legal gun owners, the goal is to keep Americans safe.
Gun violence is a public health issue, not a right to protection issue. In order to effectuate meaningful
change and as a first step toward protecting American lives from guns, I propose the following:

Support Senator Democratic Senator Edward Markey proposed Senate Bill 834 to grant the CDC
at least $10 million annually of a minimum of six years to fund research in gun violence prevention
and education6

Approach the issue of gun control the same way other health issues were addressed: health
promotion, behavioral change and consumer product safety to lead to effective policy that will
prevent deaths and injuries from guns

Allow for the conversation of gun violence to change landscapes by taking it out of the volatile
political climate and into pediatrician offices and classrooms, where our nations children can learn
about protecting themselves from gun violence before they are put in danger
 UP IN ARMS Barrett - 4 -


WHY OUR APPROACH TO GUN VIOLENCE ISNT WORKING:
A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

There is no question gun violence is a multifaceted issue that rears its ugly head in many different variations.
Even if the government was able to compromise on legislation, one fix-all bill would be inadequate to cover
all the distinct ways victims are killed.7 Causes of death range from homicide to suicide, from criminal
intent to accidental, or from terrorism to
domestic disputes turned deadly. While
mental health issues are often cited as a
factor in many of these deaths, others
factors include acts of rage, drug and
alcohol involvement and firearm
inexperience.
The newsworthy events appearing in
headlines are often mass shootings, which
are defined as a singular incident involving
four or more victims.8 Statistically, mass
shootings account for a tiny fraction just
a few percent of gun-related homicides
in the United States.
Figure 3 Source: Gun Violence Archive, as of June 13, 2016

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public

Health observed that while mass shootings have
occurred at triple the rate of occurrence in 1982
to 2011, and now occur every 64 days on
average, they still do not make up the majority of
deaths from gun violence.9

The mass shooting attacks in Columbine,

Aurora, Newtown, Charleston, San Bernardino,
and Orlando, were senseless tragedies that
received major news coverage. Combined
casualties from these shootings totaled 121
deaths. But with the total number of American
lives lost yearly from guns over 200 times that
number, there are many other types of gun
violence that do not receive as much media
coverage.10
For example, more deadly are the number of
those killed in suicides, where the victim self- Figure 4. Source: CNN
inflicts the fatal gunshot. On average, more than
UP IN ARMS Barrett - 5 -


60% of gun deaths are suicides.11 Ranking second are
homicides, which are usually committed with a smaller
handgun, compared to assault weapons commonly used
in mass shootings. Next, are unintentional shootings that
arise from a host of unfortunate circumstances such as
improper storage and misfires.12

MEDIA FIRE:
Given the fact that gun violence manifests itself in
numerous ways, and is so much broader than the
headlines that flash before us on the 24-hour news cycles,
recent attempts at gun control legislation have been
virtually ineffective.

Figure 5
Every time a mass shooting occurs, it reignites a similar
debate about gun control. How could we have stopped
the latest slaughter? Should we ban high-capacity assault weapons? Increase mental health screenings?
Require universal background checks for gun purchases? Outraged citizens look to Congress to take action
in the aftermath of tragedy, but are disappointed as representatives fail to pass effective and meaningful
legislation.

SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY

The massacre of 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut shocked the
nations conscience and catalyzed calls to congressional lawmakers to do more than offer thoughts and
prayers. In the wake of Newton, many argued that a tragedy of this scale demanded meaningful action. But,
still, Congress remained idle. President Obama, frustrated and visibly shaken by the loss of young lives in
the Sandy Hook massacre, took matter into his own hands with executive actions.

This is our first task as a society: keeping our

children safe. This is how we will be judged. We
cant put this off any longer.
President Obama, 2013
UP IN ARMS Barrett - 6 -


The White House, anxious to take action,
assembled a task force led by then Vice-
President Joe Biden and introduced an
ambitious set of proposals designed to
Recommended
stem gun violence. The proposal was requiring
criminal
broken down into four key subsections: background
checks for all gun
law enforcement, the availability of sales
dangerous firearms and ammunition,
Instituting a
school safety and mental health. While federal gun Reinstating the
trafficking assault weapons
none of the executive actions would have statute, among ban
other policies.
specifically stopped anyone from buying
a gun, they addressed other issues such
as mental health, background checks,
and safety.14 Cost of
Executive Order
Package: $500
President Obama signed 23 executive million Restoring a 10-
Allocating funds
actions in January of 2013 and made 12 to hire more
round limit on
ammunition
police officers
proposals to Congress. His efforts magazines

gained support from notable gun control

associations, such as Coalition to Stop
Gun Violence. Executive director Josh
Horowitz backed the President, saying:
This is a monumental moment. Its a Providing mental Eliminating
health services in armor-piercing
long time coming and were thrilled the schools bullets

presidents putting the full weight of his

office behind this. Were ready to push
this thing through.15

Despite this, through the efforts of gun Figure 6. President Obamas 2013 Executive Action Objectives
lobbyists, all of President Obamas actions
were blocked by Congressional leaders.

None of the 12 congressional proposals passed, and not a single new gun control bill has been passed since
Sandy Hook. The National Rifle Association opposed every new proposal, including high-profile ones for
universal background checks and a renewal of the Assault Weapons Ban.16 Since Sandy Hook, Congress
has held 25 more moments of silence to honor victims of gun violence.

Despite the intention of acting to resolve the issue, Obama's actions became, ironically, ammunition for
right wing conspiracy theories about gun confiscation. In 2013, the year the executive actions were issued,
more guns were sold than any other of President Obamas term. In the years since these efforts, the United
States has seen the pace of high-profile mass shootings increase proving that the issue of gun violence
cannot be rectified by imposed federal action.17

 UP IN ARMS Barrett - 7 -


ORLANDO PULSE NIGHTCLUB

Fast forward two years, and another high scale gun tragedy struck this nation. The largest mass shooting in
American history. At the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, a shooter opened fire and fifty people were
murdered. Again, this prompted another push for Congressional action. Four Congressional Amendments
regarding tightening gun purchasing background checks were proposed, two from Democrats and two from
Republicans. Just a week after the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, the Senate voted. All four pieces
of legislation failed, falling largely along party lines. Republicans supported looser versions of gun control
proposals and Democrats supporting stricter versions.18 The votes mirrored that of the session held just
months earlier after the San Bernardino, California attacks. After hundreds of deaths, four votes on two
pieces of legislation, and one filibuster, there was zero compromise and lots of finger pointing. Congress
passed no legislation, and there was no change and no progress.

Figure 7. Four Senate Bills Rejected by Congress, 2015

CHANGING THE DEBATE

The American people want change in gun laws. Overwhelmingly, 92% percent of Americans support
expanded background checks and 85% support preventing those on terror watch lists from buying guns.19
A Gallup poll reports that 31% of Americans consider themselves very dissatisfied with the nations
laws and policies on guns. 37% support stricter gun laws. 55% believe laws covering the sale of firearms
should be made stricter.20 Political webs prevent action from Washington. The polarizing nature of the gun
violence debate restricts comprise and progress. Inaction from the federal government proves that waiting
UP IN ARMS Barrett - 8 -


for Washington is ineffective. This can no longer be a debate of constitutionality. This can no longer be a
debate of political party; right wing or left wing; pro-gun or anti-gun. Instead, the issue should be
approached as a comprehensive public health issue to address this ongoing crisis. For too long, we as a
nation, have failed to take on this devastating problem in our communities and we cannot afford to wait any
longer.

Figure 8. Source: Gallup

GUN VIOLENCE: A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE

THE NUMBERS DONT LIE

Although guns kill more people than most deadly diseases, no federal funding is available to help study
how to best curb the startling statistics. The numbers speak for themselves. Yearly 30,000 Americans die
from gun-related injuries. That number puts guns ahead of prominent public health issues such as HIV,
Parkinson's disease, malnutrition, hypertension, intestinal infection, peptic ulcer, anemia, viral hepatitis,
biliary tract disease, atherosclerosis and fires.21 Yet, the funding for research on gun violence lags far behind
other leading causes of death, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical
Association. In JAMA it was stated that "Gun violence had 1.6% of the funding predicted ($1.4 billion
UP IN ARMS Barrett - 9 -


predicted, $22 million observed) and had 4.5% of the volume of publications predicted (38,897 predicted,
1,738 observed). Gun violence has killed about as many individuals as sepsis. However, funding for gun
violence research was about 0.7% of that for sepsis and publication volume about 4%. In relation to
mortality rates, gun violence research was the least-researched cause of death and the second-least funded
cause of death after falls. 22

FAILURE TO FUND

In 1997, federal legislation passed which stated none of the funds made available for injury prevention
and control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be used to advocate or promote
gun control. The authors of the study noted that "similar restrictions were subsequently extended to other
agencies, including the National Institutes of Health. Although the legislation does not ban gun-related
research outright, it has been described as casting the research community mute. 23 The bill was initiated
by the National Rifle Association. Infuriated by CDC-funded research suggesting that having firearms in
the home sharply increased the risks of homicide, the NRA incited members of Congress to strip the centers
funding for gun violence research to a mere $2.6 million.24 Currently, the CDC studies all types of violence.
There's a program on child abuse and youth violence, and the public health agency collects data on suicides
and sexual assaults. Yet, there is no federal research in place for gun related deaths.

Mortality Rate Versus Funding and Publication Volume for 30 Leading

Causes of Death in the United States

Figure 9. Mortality Rates vs. Funding and Publication Volumes for Leading Causes of Death in U.S.
Source: NPR
UP IN ARMS Barrett- 10 -


Remarkably, 20 years later, the funding ban on gun violence research has continued. This legacy was seen
in Congress rejection of bills to provide $10 million in funds to research the causes of gun violence and
the ways to prevent it, as instructed by President Obamas 2013 executive order. 25

Research has proven an effective tool in reducing mortality rates from various leading causes of death.
Without it, experts are left blind in finding viable methods to curtail the issue of gun violence.26 To put this
current situation in perspective, Mark Rosenberg, former head of CDC injury prevention program said: If
research on cancer were stopped for a single day, there would be a huge protest. But this research has been
stopped for 20 years. 27

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Looking comparatively at other public health issues, gun violence is among the deadliest issues facing
Americans. Gun deaths rival tobacco use, automobile crashes, and obesity as a leading cause for premature
death in the United States for people ages 1-24.28 The approach as to how these issues were addressed and
continue to be combatted is evidence that tangible change can be achieved by effective policy promoting
health, behavioral change and consumer product safety to prevent deaths and injuries. For example, results
from research allowed legislation to pass to make cars safer. Federal mandates for effective seatbelts,
controlled speed limits, and protective airbags caused the number of deaths from vehicle incidents to
dramatically decrease. Similarly, it was federal research that brought to light the severe health effects from
tobacco use. Educating the public on these health hazards and enacting legislation restricting smoking in
public caused the numbers of smokers and those who die from its effects to plummet.29 These issues once
seemed as hopeless as gun control may seem now. Federal funding to support research allowed these issues
to be presented to the public as health issues. People were educated and spurred to actioncreating notable
progress. Today, automobile crash fatalities have declined 25 percent since 2004 and tobacco-related
illnesses have also declined as fewer adults smoke.30

We are capable of effecting the same kind of change with respect to gun-related deaths and injuries as we
have seen on these other issues. It can be done by moving out of the political landscape and taking a public
health approach.
UP IN ARMS Barrett- 11 -

CHANGING THE SCOPE OF THE ARGUMENT

Members of the medical community have been trying for years to broaden the conversations to include,
not just arguments about the Constitution or political ideologies, but a discussion about the toll gun violence
takes on public health. The goal is to change the scope of the argument and put it in the hands of those who
can enact immediate change. "We're not debating the constitutionality of firearms that exists," says Dr.
Georges Benjamin, executive director for the American Public Health Association. "Firearms exist and
people get hurt and die from firearms. There are ways for us in a nonpolitical manner to make people safer
with their firearms in a society." 31
Working to reduce incidents of gun violence in the same way as awareness campaigns that targeted tobacco
use or car accidents is a controversial approach. It is opposed by gun lobbyists and Republicans, who see it
as an effort to further restrict gun ownership and set precedents to seize firearms. But supporters, including
doctors and medical associations, say that labelling gun violence as a public health issue will save lives.
Today, doctors counsel patients about a range of safety issues, including wearing seatbelts, getting
vaccinated, and dealing with the dangers of drugs and alcohol. If gun violence was considered as one of
those concerns, it could openly be added to the discussion. Doctors could ask patients about whether they
keep a gun in the home and, if so, how it is secured. Pediatricians could speak candidly with young people
to teach them safety precautions. With information backed by research about preventative measures,
schools could compile curriculum to educate students on ways to protect themselves from gun violence.
Educating students now will reap benefits into the futureless gun violence and deaths.

SENATE BILL 384

This research requires government funding. In the early weeks of April 2017, Massachusetts Democratic
Senator Edward Markey proposed Senate Bill 834, which would grant funds to the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) to conduct or support research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention. More
specifically, this would grant the CDC at least $10 million annually of a minimum of six years, beginning
in 2018. In the event that the bill is passed in Congress, this would be the largest federal funding of research
since the limits were implemented against gun research in 1996. Legislation such as Senate Bill 834 are the
important first steps that must be taken in order to raise awareness and create changes surrounding the issue
of gun control and violence.32

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

Bill 384 is only the first step and further progress will no doubt be an uphill battle. In 2014 and 2015, Sen.
Markey and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) tried introducing similar legislation, but both were denied in
committee.
Yet, this bill has the support of numerous gun control groups, including Newtown Action Alliance,
Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, the Brady Campaign, Americans for Responsible
Solutions and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.
UP IN ARMS Barrett- 12 -


Sarah Tofe, research director for Everytown promoted the need to pass this crucial piece of legislation in
saying: The legislation introduced today would appropriate necessary and long overdue funds to the CDC
to reclaim their leadership when it comes to gun violence prevention research a role that has been
decimated for more than two decades thanks to a relentless campaign by gun lobby-backed legislators.

CONCLUSION

Tremendous potential exists if the issue of gun violence is removed from the web of Washington. Just as
the goal of research on vehicle safety was not to ban cars, the goal on gun violence is not to limit the Second
Amendment or to ban guns for legal gun owners. It is an issue of safety. Americans need to be able to
come together, leaving political biases at the door in the name of a true public health issue. By identifying
how we can work together, leverage each others expertise, networks, and resources, we can prevent the
greatest number of gun deaths and injuries.

The right to bear arms is ingrained in our Constitution and is not going to be removed or amended in the
near future. A public health approach to addressing the issues that arise from this fact will make this
consumer product and its users safer. It will make the use of guns safer, the environment with guns safer,
and people with their guns safer. It can save thousands of lives every year. By viewing this issue as a public
health issue, the tone of the debate changes and creates meaningful and effective action.

ENDNOTES
1
Accidental Shooting Ledger (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2017, from
http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/past-tolls
2
Gun Violence Death Toll: 2016 Ledgers. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2017, from
http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/past-tolls
3
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2017, from
http://www.bradycampaign.org/key-gun-violence-statistics
4
USA Gun Violence Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2017, from
http://heedinggodscall.org/content/pfctoolkit-10
5
Gun Violence: Facts and Statistics. (2017, March 21). Retrieved April 14, 2017, from
https://injury.research.chop.edu/violence-prevention-initiative/types-violence-involving-youth/gun-
violence/gun-violence-facts-and#.WPGZ9WVouqA
6
Posted at 3:11 pm on April 10, 2017 by Beth Baumann. (2017, April 11). Senators Push for Federally
Funding Gun Control Research. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from https://bearingarms.com/beth-
b/2017/04/10/senators-push-gun-control-research/
7
Noble, A. (2013, April 09). Law enforcement says gun restrictions are ineffective: Survey. Retrieved
April 15, 2017, from http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/apr/9/survey-law-enforcement-
professionals-say-gun-restr/
8
Ingraham, C. (2015, December 03). What makes a mass shooting in America. Retrieved April 15,
2017, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/03/what-makes-a-mass-shooting-
in-america/?utm_term=.6f053ec1a6dd
UP IN ARMS Barrett- 13 -


9
Amy P. Cohen, Deborah Azrael, and Matthew Miller, Mark Follman, Gavin Aronsen, and Deanna Pan,
Follman, M., Caldwell, P., Schatz, B., & Dejean, A. (n.d.). Rate of mass shootings has tripled since 2011,
new research from Harvard shows. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/10/mass-shootings-increasing-harvard-research
10
Sharon LaFraniere, Sarah Cohen and Richard A. Oppel Jr. (2015, December 02). How Often Do Mass
Shootings Occur? On Average, Every Day, Records Show. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/03/us/how-often-do-mass-shootings-occur-on-average-every-day-
records-show.html
11
Sanger-Katz, M. (2015, October 08). Gun Deaths Are Mostly Suicides. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/09/upshot/gun-deaths-are-mostly-suicides.html
12
Fact Sheet: Accidental Shootings. (2016). New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. doi:10.18411/d-2016-
154
13
V. (2017, February 22). 40 Appalling Gun Violence Statistics. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from
https://vittana.org/40-appalling-gun-violence-statistics
14
FACT SHEET: New Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer.
(n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2017, from https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-
office/2016/01/04/fact-sheet-new-executive-actions-reduce-gun-violence-and-make-our Rothschild, M.
(2016, December 22).
15
No Gun Control Laws Have Passed Since the Sandy Hook Shooting. Retrieved April 13, 2017, from
http://www.attn.com/stories/13714/impact-of-president-obamas-post-sandy-hook-executive-actions Sola,
K. (2016, January 06). Here Are Obama's New Executive Actions On Gun Control. Retrieved April 13,
2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiesola/2016/01/06/obama-gun-control/#3e5aee6f3f36
16
Biden Revises NRA History on Background Checks. (2013, May 13). Retrieved April 15, 2017, from
http://www.factcheck.org/2013/04/biden-revises-nra-history-on-background-checks/
17
Why Have There Been More Mass Shootings Under Obama than the Four Previous Presidents
Combined? (2016, October 23). Retrieved April 15, 2017, from
http://truthstreammedia.com/2015/12/02/why-have-there-been-more-mass-shootings-under-obama-than-
the-four-previous-presidents-combined/
18
Phillips, A. (2016, June 20). The Senate voted on 4 popular gun control proposals Monday. Heres why
none of them passed. Retrieved April 13, 2017, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-
fix/wp/2016/06/20/the-senate-will-vote-on-4-gun-control-proposals-monday-heres-everything-you-need-
to-know/?utm_term=.b625b70c13a2
19
Agiesta, J., & LoBianco, T. (2016, June 20). Poll: Gun control support spikes after shooting. Retrieved
April 15, 2017, from http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/20/politics/cnn-gun-poll/
20
Gallup, I. (2017, January 18). Guns. Retrieved April 13, 2017, from
http://www.gallup.com/poll/1645/guns.aspx
21
Filip, I. (2014, June 30). Doctors' Role in Stopping Gun Violence. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/06/doctors-role-in-stopping-gun-violence/373524/
22
Wagner, L. (2017, January 03). Gun Violence Should Be Treated As A Public Health Crisis, Study
Says. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-
way/2017/01/03/508037642/study-says-gun-violence-should-be-treated-as-a-public-health-crisis
23
The NRA has blocked gun violence research for 20 years. Let's end its stranglehold on science. (n.d.).
Retrieved April 15, 2017, from http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-gun-research-
funding-20160614-snap-story.html
UP IN ARMS Barrett- 14 -


24
Shabad, R. (2015, December 02). Democrats renew push to reverse gun violence research ban.
Retrieved April 15, 2017, from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/democrats-renew-push-to-reverse-gun-
violence-research-restriction/
25
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