Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Message

On Wednesday, I sat in the Senate Gallery and witnessed one of the most shameful episodes in the history of that chamber. 45 Senators caved under pressure from the National Rifle Association and killed a modest, bipartisan bill that would have expanded background checks on gun buyers and saved countless lives. When the clerk called the final roll call for the vote, my outrage erupted along with that of Tucson shooting hero Pat Maisch (Pat grabbed the high-capacity ammunition magazine from gunman Jared Loughner when he went to reload).

"SHAME ON YOU!" we shouted simultaneously from the gallery. That led to us being detained by U.S. Capitol Police who...you guessed it... ran a background check on us before releasing us from custody.
  Like you, I am disgusted that the Senate failed to act this week. But I assure you, this fight is far from over. As President Obama said following the Senate vote, "I see this as just round one." And it's possible this bill could be back—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid changed his vote to NO at the last minute in a procedural move so that he can bring the legislation up for consideration again if necessary.
  For now, however, we must send a very clear message to the 45 Senators who capitulated to the NRA and put gun industry profits over the safety of our loved ones. You can find a list of Senators who voted NO on expanding background checks here. And their direct-dial phone numbers are available at this webpage.
Call as many of these 45 Senators as you can. Tell them how disgusted you are by their NO vote on background checks. If you are their constituent, tell them they have lost your vote. And tell them you will be speaking to their donors who you know personally.
Round 1 went to the NRA and their lackeys. But they made a huge strategic blunder by overreaching and angering a nation. Now we will show them, with great clarity, that there is a political price to be paid for putting our loved ones in the line of fire. Let's get working and change this Congress into one that care mores about our kids than padding the wallets of NRA demagogues like Wayne LaPierre.
  Sincerely Lori Haas Organizer