Specifically, we are calling on Congress to: Recognize the devastation of homicide and violence suffered by communities which experience a disproportionate amount of violence across the nation; and the traumatic repercussions experienced by children, youth and families who are constant witnesses to these events by providing funding, research and trauma informed programming to combat these circumstances. These resources and programs will serve to interrupt the "contagion" of violence and the number of homicides in heavily impacted communities. Deem homicide a public health epidemic for men of color ages 13-34, as supported by our nation's statistical data. Furthermore, allocate funding, education, advertising and research resources to address the rapidly growing social crisis. Pass gun bills, pending in the House and Senate, that will minimally, reduce gun violence through background checks; closing gun show loopholes; and restricting the sale of guns to individuals who are under age; mentally ill, or have criminal records. Reform and amend the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) in order to provide equal access to benefits, without discrimination, to families of victims of crimes in communities with high rates of homicide. In addition, provide community based mental health services and support to families who have lost loved ones to violence.

I, Dr. Patricia M. Harris have started this petition because since 1993 on the steps of an inner city high school, I saved one student but failed to save another from gun violence. I too could have been killed, however, the gunman decided to run instead of shooting me in the back. There isn’t one day of my life that I do not think about the ordeal. Our country is worsening and we are in a state of emergency with gun violence. It is clear to many that gun ownership and the lack of its control takes precedence over the brutal, savage, and inhumane execution of innocent men, women and children. Enough is Enough! Denial that, “No More Needs to Be Done” will only allow violence to continue and fester. How many more children must die? How many more innocent worshipers must die? How many more innocent by-standers must die? Just how many more people must die? Let’s WAKE UP and Ignite powerful voices for stricter laws for the possession, use, abuse, and control of Gun Violence.

For too long politicians in Washington have sat on their hands and let the NRA use fear to prevent action. It is time to come to grips with the realization that stemming the massive flow of illegal and legal guns into our cities is a fight for the lives of our mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. We have let America down when it comes to addressing the gun violence epidemic in too many of our neighborhoods.

To urge the Governor of the State of Illinois to find the resources to support the work of the Chicago, Chief of Police and provide the necessary resources to effectively reduce gun violence in the City of Chicago or declare a state of emergency. We can no longer say that this is a Chicago problem because this great nation that we call America can no longer allow our most vulnerable citizens to be gunned down and remain silent. We must, Save the Children! The children of our country that have not been convinced that they have a future to look forward to.

I am stating this petition because I feel that I paid my debt to society by serving my prison sentence. It is unconstitutional to infringe on a persons second ammendment rights. If one does not show to posses a violent personality; there should be no reason to strip of such a clear written right in the Constitution of USA. It is a fact that the cities with the most gun laws are where the most gun crimes occurr. If a criminal believes he might face death if he attempts to commit a crime, he will very likely look somewhere else for an easy target. Please help me bring this to the attention of the Patriots of the USA. We live in very uncertain times and knowing that I can not protect myself, family, and property worries me greatly. Police can not protect a person, they arrive after the phone call is made of a crime. I am not given any right of protection. Please help me and millions of Non-Violent Americans regain our God given right by signing this petition!

As an American we are required to have a driver's license AND insurance to drive a car. The personal liability is similar. Gun violence can kill your personal economy. We must require all gun owners to carry proper insurance.

In the aftermath of yet another mass killing we need a solution to excessive gun use that could actually work politically and economically.

An NRA board member is blaming the murdered pastor of Emanuel AME Church because he didn't allow concealed weapons in church. Charles L. Cotton complained that as a state senator, the Rev. Clementa Pinkney voted against concealed carry legislation, and claimed that "eight of his church members might be alive if he had expressly allowed members to carry handguns in church." Guns have no place in churches, and the National Rifle Association needs to immediately remove Charles L. Cotton from their board and apologize for his comments.

I'm simply sick of endless preventable deaths in America.

The moral authority of and respect for the Pope is a gamechanger on an issue like this.

I am a faculty member in a state school in Texas. My lectures hold up to 250 students. The thought of teaching a lecture in front of loaded guns frightens me. It should frighten parents, friends, and loved ones as well. School is challenging enough without this stress! On top of that, there is no requirement for a mental health screening to own a gun, and this bill could lead to dire consequences. Let your voice be heard. Protect our teachers and students. SAY NO to Texas Campus Carry!!! (This opinion reflects my own and not that of the campus I work for)

I am a graduate student and military veteran in Nevada. There are campus police who are armed and are available to protect students. More guns on campus leads to more danger for all people involved. As a student, I don't want to have to worry about other students who may or may not be armed in what is otherwise a safe place. This bill is absurd and should be defeated. http://www.reviewjournal.com/leg-edu/campus-carry-gun-bill-could-be-sent-assembly-floor-soon