EDITORIAL: RI Legislature Must Stop All Action Until It Bans Assault Weapons and Extended Magazines
Friday, June 03, 2022
Rhode Island General Assembly leaders are sure to take action to ensure that they are safe.
There is a dedicated police force -- the Capitol Police -- complete with armed officers and metal detectors.
And, when there is a large rally at the State House, then the Rhode Island State Police are called in for additional protection.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhen COVID was a health threat -- the legislature closed down for weeks at a time. The public was banned from the building.
But now, there is a public health crisis for children, doctors and nurses, and shoppers at supermarkets.
Now, is the time for action.
Enough talking.
These issues have been debated for years.
There is too much risk of inaction and massive excuses. You either believe that an assault rifle that can shoot 45 rounds in a minute is a good idea or not.
The risk is that legislative leaders will pull out their fabulous bag of excuses: they could not meet a consensus, they ran out of time this session, they will appoint a legislative commission, or they will pass a watered-down version of legislation — ineffective and not protective.
The Rhode Island General Assembly was remarkably efficient in passing the legalization of cannabis — the legislation passed both chambers and was signed before we hit the month of June.
But, legislative leaders Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio have been reluctant to take a stand and have refused to lead on the issue of gun safety.
Both Shekarchi and Ruggerio have taken campaign donations from gun lobbyists.
After the mass killing in Buffalo — not a word from either leader.
Then, after the mass killing of 19 4th graders, the leaders refused to provide any commitment to gun safety legislation.
Their responses a week ago:
Speaker Shekarchi:
“Legislation is pending in this session and is under consideration.”
Ruggerio’s Spokesman Greg Pare:
“It is under review.”
On Tuesday, when activists, legislators, Attorney General Peter Neronha, and Governor Dan McKee rallied for sensible gun control — the two leaders were absent. They were nowhere to be found.
Like Buffalo, Uvalde, Tulsa and about 20 other communities found out in the past couple of weeks, the shootings can happen at any time.
The legislature should pause all other actions and immediately focus exclusively on legislation that bans assault rifles and extended magazines at a minimum.
If Shekarchi and Ruggerio are serious — big if — then they should schedule committee action for early next week and floor action by the end of the week. The signing ceremony could be just a week from now.
But, leaders need to lead.
Public safety is waiting.
An editorial is the opinion of a publication — specifically, the ownership.
While based on facts and news reporting, it is an opinion intended to discuss critical community issues. Often, the opinion is written with the intention of positive change.
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- EDITORIAL: RI Legislature Must Stop All Action Until It Bans Assault Weapons and Extended Magazines
