By BARBARA MOHONSanta Fe
We have a gun violence problem in New Mexico, and sensible gun policy could be a solution.
America’s gun homicide rate is more than 25 times the average of other developed countries. An average of seven children and teens are killed with guns in the U.S. every day! The statistics are verifiable and numerous. In an effort to reduce gun violence in our community, I am a member of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
The New Mexico legislature is currently considering legislation to require expanded background checks for gun sales in our state. New Mexico requires background checks for guns sold by licensed dealers, but not all those sold at gun shows or over the Internet. We need to require the checks on all sales. In fact, when I moved to New Mexico 10 years ago, I was required to have a background check “for public safety” as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
It is not too much of an inconvenience for responsible gun owners. Gun ownership involves public safety, and gun purchasers should have to pass a background check in order to do so. Please call your State Representative and State Senator and ask them to support this bill as soon as possible. Background checks saves lives.
