Gun Control - Protecting our Children and our Communities.
An editorial from Carolyn Leighton

Those of us reeling from the heartbreaking murder of innocent children and educators gunned down by "legally" purchased guns, are reeling with grief and feelings of powerlessness, wondering what we can do to prevent the next senseless killing event.

If we want change, we must take a stand and encourage others to stand with us. We cannot allow pro gun lobbyists to shape our future - we must make our voices heard!

You can help ensure that this petition on Gun Control will be reviewed by the White House and receive an official response by asking your friends and family to sign the petition as well.

Send an email to your friends and family or use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to help promote this petition on gun control.

Sign the gun control petition and Email this link to your friends and family:
http://wh.gov/RN6U
http://signon.org/sign/ban-assault-weapons

Statistics from the Huffington Post:

U.S.'s ranking in guns owned per 100 people
270 to 300 million - Estimated number of guns owned by Americans. That's about one for every American citizen.
158 million - Number of background checks conducted since the FBI was mandated to do so by Congress in 1993.
70 to 80 million - Number of Americans who own guns.
45 million - Number of Americans estimated to own handguns.
16.8 million - Number of background checks for gun sales in 2012.
8.5 million - Number of background checks for gun sales in 2002.
154,873 - The record number of background check calls the FBI reported receiving on Black Friday this year.
700 to 2000 - Cost of a .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which some reports indicate was the type of firearm used in the attack in Newtown, CT.
200 - Percent profit boost for gunmakers since Obama was elected in 2008.
96 - Percent of the $3 million that gun lobbyists donated during the 2012 election that went to Republicans.
87 - Percent of children killed in the 23 wealthiest nations who are American.
80 - Percent of gun deaths from the 23 wealthiest countries that are American deaths.
78 - Percent of Americans who favored making the sale of firearms "more strict" in 1990.
62.8 - Percent of people who own guns in Wyoming, the state with the highest rate of gun ownership in the U.S.
62 - Percent of 125 online sellers who said they "probably couldn't pass a background check."
47 - Percent of Americans who report owning a gun.
44 - Percent of Americans who favored making the sale of firearms "more strict" in 2010.
40 - 45 - Percent of U.S. households that own a gun.
33 - Percent increase in Winchester's ammunition sales since 2007.
16.2 - Percent of people who own guns in Connecticut.
4.44 - Percent that gun manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Company's stock fell on the day of the Newtown school shooting.

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and are not those of WITI.