Exactly two years ago today near Tucson, Arizona, a gunman shot former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords several times, killed six people, and wounded twelve others in his attempt to kill Giffords.  In an ironic twist, Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly marked that anniversary by announcing the formation of Americans for Reasonable Solutions to focus efforts on establishing stricter gun control policies in this country.

Finally, some high profile citizens have taken the first step to create a common sense approach to gun ownership.  This blogger has written on the subject of gun control before and doesn't want to harp on it.  No, wait a minute!  I do want to harp on it, because the NRA has warped any sense of sanity that previously existed about a sound approach to the type of guns, ammunition, and background checks that should constitute legal ownership.  Some of the spokespeople for the NRA spout nonsense that more guns in more people's hand will make us safer.  Ridiculous!  All one has to do is research the number of people killed by guns in America and contrast that number with every other first world country.  Check it for yourself, readers.  It should both shock and sadden you.

Ham on Wry supports the second amendment and has no desire to disarm those who have a legal right to own guns and can demonstrate they are of sound mind.  This requires background checks and a limit on the type of guns available to people who aren't part of a law enforcement agency of some type.  No one can ever convince me that assault rifles are acceptable defense weapons for private citizens.  They were developed for the military and designed to fire multiple rounds in order to as many people as possible.

It is far past time for the silent majority to raise its voice in support of making changes to the status quo of gun ownership.  Take assault rifles off the shelves, along with the ammunition used in them, and close the loopholes that exist for weapons purchase at gun shows.  Anyone who buys a gun, publicly or privately, should be required to undergo a background check before the purchase.  Now Americans for Reasonable Solutions can be our voice.  Thank you Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly for taking on the" elephant in the room" that we have long ignored.