With Florida now numero uno in concealed gun permits and with thousands showing up to the gun show in Fort Lauderdale this past weekend comes today's news conference held by President Obama that aims to anger lots and lots of Floridians who just want to be able to buy themselves an assault rifle so they can pump 200 rounds in less than in a minute into deer, just like our forefathers did.
Obama unveiled his plan to reduce gun violence that included instituting a universal background check, banning military-style weapons, and improving mental health.
Joe Biden opened things up by saying "We have a moral obligation to diminish the prospect" that school shooting incidents could happen again.
Biden also said he and Cabinet members sat down with 229 groups to talk gun control this past week.
The VP also addressed Sandy Hook families, saying, "The president and I are going to do everything in our power to honor memories of your children."
During the presser, Obama introduced children who sent him emails in the wake of Sandy Hook.
"We should learn from what happened at Sandy Hook," one of the letters read. "I feel really bad."
Another read, "I'm not scared for myself. I'm scared for others. I have brothers, and I would not be able to bear losing any of them."
Obama pointed out that the nation's children know that sweeping changes are needed.
"This is our first task as a society," he said. "Keeping our children safe. This is how we will be judged. And their voices should compel us to change."
Obama cited a stat that says more than 900 Americans have reportedly died at the end of a gun in the past month. "And every day we wait, that number will keep growing," the president noted.
Obama also said he was going to sign 23 different executive actions regarding gun control. "I intend to use whatever weight this office holds to make them a reality.
"Congress must act soon," he then said. "I'm calling on Congress to pass some very specific propositions right away."
The proposals:
-Universal background check for anyone trying to buy a gun.
Obama pointed out that, despite background checks already being enforced in purchasing a gun, more than 40 percent of purchases are conducted without a proper background check.
"If you want to buy a gun, you should at least show you're not a felon or someone looking to do harm."
-A ban on assault rifles and ten-round magazines.
"Weapons designed for the theater of war have no place in movie theaters," Obama said.
Because GOPers and gun-humpers everywhere love Ronald Reagan, the president cited Reagan's letter to congress to ban military-style assault weapons when he was president.
-Tougher laws on people who buy guns and then sell them to criminals.
Obama called for severe punishment for anyone who helps criminals get their hands on guns.
-Put more cops back on the job and on the streets.
In his closing statements, Obama said, "We have to examine ourselves and our hearts and ask what is most important."
Earlier in the day, the NRA debuted a commercial calling the president a "hypocrite," because his daughters are protected by armed guards.
The White House called the NRA ad "repugnant and cowardly."
You can see Obama's 23 executive actions on gun safety here.
Follow @NewTimesBroward