What Senate gun control measures mean for mass shootings
While it’s surprising to some that any gun legislation has passed at all, there are questions about whether the legislation goes far enough.
It’s not news that mass shootings are common in the U.S. This past fourth of July, at least 10 people were killed in different mass shootings in Illinois, Indiana, New York and elsewhere.
These tragedies occurred in the wake of the federal government finally passing gun control legislation. But many — including President Joe Biden — don’t believe the bill went far enough, which leaves questions about what more needs to be done to prevent mass shootings.
“Really, the most significant thing about it is really the politics, is the fact that it did pass.” — Mike Debonis, Washington Post Congressional reporter.
Listen: What the Senate’s gun control legislation means for limiting future mass shootings.
Guests
Mike DeBonis is a Washington Post congressional reporter covering the House of Representatives. He says what matters most is the fact that after about 26 years of gun control laws not passing Congress, the most recent one did.
“Really, the most significant thing about it is really the politics — is the fact that it did pass,” says DeBonis.
Stephanie Hartwell is the dean of Wayne State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and a professor of sociology. She says fostering trust between people is one of the most crucial values in order to keep each other protected and safe against gun violence.
“I’m always amazed at how wonderful human beings are,” says Hartwell, “but losing that trust, and not being able to trust human beings, it impacts everything.”
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