As much as I, or anyone else, would like to see some progressive changes coming out of Congress this year, I am not too optimistic. I was pleased with many of the results coming out of Election Day; results including Obama earning a second term in office, fewer tea-partiers in Congress, and radical changes to gay marriage and marijuana laws in several states. I would like to see our country advance towards increased gun control, and perhaps even towards marriage equality.
We’ve entered the New Year with the Connecticut shooting fresh in our minds. Immediately following the attack, the nation saw widespread support for reforming gun laws. By now, however, the ripples of the initial impact seem to have subsided significantly, both in the media and in everyday conversation. In addition to the dwindling momentum, the NRA, as well as conservative members of Congress, will do anything and everything in their power to prevent gun laws from becoming stricter. Perhaps some reform will come, but I don’t expect anything too substantial.
Though the United States has made several landmark civil rights advancements in the past century, I don’t believe that we’re at a point in 2013 where that can simply stop altogether. After all, we can’t just teach our children that our nation ensures “liberty and justice for all”, only for them to learn that this is a blatant lie. Although 2013 may not be the year for the legalization of gay marriage, I at least hope for some progress towards marriage equality, especially on the federal level.
I agree with how you say that there may not be anything substantial legislation that will be passed on gun control. After the horrific incident in Connecticut, I think that there was big talk about radical change in gun control policy but I think that with the opposition is has faced with parties interested in gun usage, the reality is that there will be few major changes to the legislature.But we will have to see after the White House announces its proposal.
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