Utah politicos weigh in on gun violence solutions


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SALT LAKE CITY — While giving an address about gun violence, President Barack Obama said he wants to see fast action on changes to the nation's gun policy.

Obama's remarks came after naming a task force led by Vice President Biden, to address gun violence. The President said he wants concrete solutions no later than next month.

Gun control is a complex subject that has been taboo for a long time, but as the outpouring of grief continues in Connecticut, it's at the top of many people's minds, and Utah politicos say it's a good time to take advantage of the dialogue.

President Obama called on Congress to help craft new direction on gun policy based on the recent dialogue about preventing mass shootings.

"That conversation has to continue but this time, the words need to lead to action," President Obama said.

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The president urged congress to vote in January for a ban on assault weapons, as well as a ban on high-capacity magazines. He also wants to close the gun show loophole, so all gun purchases are subject to background checks.

So far, most of Utah's Congressional delegation is either silent or ambiguous about what they'd like to see done.

Congressman Jim Matheson says now may be a unique opportunity to talk more openly about gun policy.

"My sense is there is a genuine desire — and this crosses party lines — I think there is a genuine desire to put everyone's collective heads together and keep this from happening again," Matheson said.

"We have to make sure we don't live in a fortress, and we hunker down and jump at shadows. But at the same time, can we do more as it relates to those with mental health issues? I think yeah, we probably can," said Congressman Jason Chaffetz.

A gun-related dialogue in Washington is as extraordinary as retailers like Dick's sporting goods and Walmart suspending sales of certain guns.

"When you see kind of the market taking into account this tragedy and these steps, I think it follows that our leaders and politicians that have control over this can take a more thoughtful approach to the next step," said Hinckley Institute of Politics President Kirk Jowers.

You could probably apply these principals of 'coming together' to the Fiscal Cliff as well.

Jowers suggests both sides need to start with the common end goal rather than staking out differences right away.

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Richard Piatt

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