Letter: Greenwich Council VS Gun Violence Plan Card Drive This Weekend on The Avenue

The Greenwich Council Against Gun Violence is recognizing the one-year anniversary of the gun massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary school with its campaign “Honor Newtown. Make Your Voice Heard.” On December 7, 8 and 14 (weather permitting) the Council will ask shoppers on Greenwich Avenue (in front of the old Post Office) to sign Newtown Action Alliance holiday cards. The cards will be sent to selected members of Congress with a message urging them to pass universal background check legislation.  

In the time since 26 students and educators were slain in Newtown, it is estimated that nearly 31,000 people have died by guns in the United States. Last April, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation, with the support of the entire Greenwich delegation, strengthening gun regulation. Here in Greenwich, First Selectman Peter Tesei joined Mayors Against Illegal Guns, the bipartisan coalition of more than 1,000 mayors working to make America’s communities safer by keeping illegal guns out of dangerous hands. But in Congress, no action whatsoever has been taken to reduce the epidemic of gun violence in our country (despite the passionate support by our Congressional delegation).

The inaction in Congress is despite overwhelming public support for universal background checks, and majority support for stricter gun laws overall. According to the latest Quinnipiac national poll, 89 percent of voters support universal background checks, including 88 percent in households with guns. By a margin of 54-41 percent, voters support stricter gun laws.

The NAA holiday card carries a message of peace and hope, but also serves as a reminder for what needs to be done to address the issue of gun violence in America. Please take a moment during your holiday shopping to stop at our table to sign a card and make your voice heard.

Greenwich Council Against Gun Violence

P.O. Box 31223, Greenwich, CT 06831