Obama announces gun control measure in emotional address today

YOUNGSTOWN

Tears streaking his cheeks, President Barack Obama launched a final-year push Tuesday to tighten sales of firearms in the U.S., using his presidential powers in the absence of tougher gun restrictions that Congress has refused to pass.

But some Youngstown-area gun dealers and police say the result will be a bigger black market for guns – or no change at all.

“I support everything our leaders do to try to help, but no matter what legislation we pass, bad guys will always try to get their hands on guns,” said Campbell Police Chief Drew Rauzan. Though he appreciates that the president wants to do something to help, Rauzan said there is no way to ever keep a gun out of the hands of someone who wants one.

The president struck a combative tone as he came out with plans for expanded background checks and other modest measures that have drawn consternation from gun-rights groups, which Obama accused of making Congress their hostage. Palpable, too, was Obama’s extreme frustration at having made such little progress on gun control since the slaughter of 20 first-graders in Connecticut confronted the nation more than three years ago.

“First-graders,” Obama said woefully, resting his chin on his hand and wiping away tears as he recalled the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. “Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad.”

Read more about the issue in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.