Illinois Congressman whines about lack of 'gun control'

Illinois Representative Mike Quigley (D-5th Congressional District), although fairly new to Congress, has already established his bona fides as a gun-hater--although his rhetorical strategy could use some polishing, as seen in his op-ed piece about the McDonald v. City of Chicago case.

Since 1983, it has been illegal to purchase or own a handgun within Chicago’s city limits. Over the course of the 26 years since, Chicago has seen the number of registered handguns drop from more than 400,000 to fewer than 200,000. Guns have become scarcer, saving lives and creating safer neighborhoods in the process.

But the threat of gun violence has by no means dissipated. Chicago communities are still reeling from losses of neighbors, children and friends -- innocent bystanders caught by a stray bullet, someone in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Yep--he just pointed out that "gun violence" in Chicago has "by no means dissipated" after more than a quarter century of some of the strictest gun laws in the country--and that was part of his argument for continuing the laws . . . that he just admitted haven't helped.

Not a bright guy, apparently.

Last night, he treated the U.S. House of Representatives to some more of his wisdom:

Mister Speaker, today I had the honor of speaking with Chicago Firefighter Annette Nance-Holt, and Chicago Police Officer Ronald Holt. On May 10th, 2007, their 16 year old son Blair was shot and killed when a gang member opened fire on a crowded city bus. Blair jumped in front of another student to shield her.

When the child of two public servants gives his life to save another from the scourge of gun violence, I have to ask: are we prepared to do this for kids?

Over 500 Chicago Public school students were involved in gun incidents over the last two years. That’s two students for every member of this House who signed a brief urging the Supreme Court to put even more guns in Chicago’s streets and schools.

This Congress has allowed unlicensed dealers to sell guns at gun shows, to people on the terrorist watch list, and refuses to reauthorize the assault weapon ban. Congress has failed to hold the middle-ground on guns.

Blair Holt took a bullet to protect a stranger. Is it too much to ask this House to take a tough vote to protect our kids?

I must have missed the brief filed by members of Congress urging the Supreme Court to put guns in schools--and I try to follow these things.