Connecticut demonstrated “strong support” for gun violence prevention laws?

Elizabeth Larkin, a spokeswoman for the state Democratic party was quoted in The Hartford Courant yesterday, and I’m trying to figure out what the heck she is talking about.

When asked about the recent recall of two state senators in Colorado, Larkin correctly stated the Centennial State is about 2,500 miles from Connecticut, but that’s all she got right. Larkin mentioned “strong support” for either the laws that recently passed, or possibly future legislation. From The Courant.

Connecticut is far-friendlier terrain for gun-control measures, which passed with bipartisan support, said Elizabeth Larkin, a spokeswoman for the state Democratic party.

“The people of Connecticut have demonstrated pretty strong support for gun violence prevention laws that fit our state,” she said. “Colorado is 2,500 miles away.”

I have a question for Mrs. Larkin. Where and when did Connecticut demonstrate pretty strong support when it comes to the laws that were actually passed and signed into law?

A Safer Connecticut – a state website – compiled all of the submitted emails from Connecticut residents who wanted to chime in on the possible legislation. I encourage you to start reading the submissions. Each of them are in PDF format and the files sizes are very small. A quick sample of 35 opinions showed there was a 6 to 1 ratio against the propose gun restrictions. I’ve seen some people mention 90 percent of the submitted opinions were against additional gun restrictions. My quick, non-scientific sample was 85 percent against.

The second opportunity was at the public hearings in late January. More than 2,000 Connecticut citizens showed up for the hearing and signed up to speak. Again, 90 percent or more of those who got to speak starting in the afternoon and into the early morning hours the next day spoke against additional gun restrictions on law-abiding citizens. From CT News Junkie, with my emphasis in bold.

More than 2,000 people traveled Monday to the state Capitol for an all-day public hearing on gun regulations that was scheduled as a response to the Newtown murders. Most asked lawmakers not to pass stricter gun control laws. …

While positions varied, members of the public primarily argued against the implementation of more restrictions on gun owners. …

… a vast majority of those who testified were of the opinion of John Barry, who told lawmakers that “only in Connecticut would a massacre of innocents result in a tax proposal.” Barry was referring to legislation by Sen. Beth Bye, D-West Hartford, which would place a tax on ammunition. …

There are 91 pieces of legislation this year seeking to tighten gun laws, according to Robert Crook, director of the Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen.

Crook observed that there were more pro-gun advocates at the hearing Monday than the opposition. …

Betty Gallo, a lobbyist for Connecticut Against Gun Violence, said she was heartened by the 100 advocates who turned out to testify in favor of strengthening Connecticut’s gun laws.

One hundred out of 2,000? So again, a question for Larkin. Where and when did Connecticut demonstrate pretty strong support?

What it comes down to is the people who had an opinion and took the time even to send a one paragraph email overwhelmingly were against the legislation Connecticut was proposing and eventually passed into law. Her statement is totally without merit, and the state legislature pushing through the legislation and ignoring those residents who spoke is quite honestly, a form of tyranny.

Fortunately for Connecticut legislators, we do not have a recall provision here in Connecticut. Yet since the state legislature make-up is so tilted in favor of Democrats, I’m not sure a bunch of recalls would help. I do think recall elections are based on one primary issue, and general elections throw a wider net when it comes to issues and this is a problem for those of us who want to toss these bums out. The gun control issue for some voters will be “past history” and other issues – mostly popularity and pure party-line votes – will drive who wins the next round.

Litigating the Issue

The lawsuit against the Connecticut legislation was files federal court on May 22, 2013. You can find general information at the Connecticut Citizens Defense League (CCDL) website. If you are able, they need serious help with the litigation fund. The state has all the money they need to fight this, yet we need to foot the bill on our end.

My $200 check is being put into the mail in the morning. What can you do to help? Send your checks to:

CCDL
PO Box 642
Groton, CT 06340

Your check must be made out to CCDL, and ensure you write 2A Litigation Fund in the note box on the check.