(Note: "What's Up, NCC?" periodically publishes the writing of NCC students, including members of the Vignette, the campus newspaper, about issues in the news. In the story below, Janelle Clausen, the newspaper's features editor, reports on "Ending Gun Violence," the title of an April 18 talk at the college by New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel. Ms. Clausen's article originally appeared in the Vignette.)
Gun Control Debate Comes to Nassau
Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel raises awareness about gun violence and tries to answer citizens' concerns
Since Newtown, "gun control" has been on the lips of many politicians, and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (D-Great Neck) was not the exception at NCC last Thursday, nor has she ever been.
Nearly 100 Nassau residents and members of the college community flooded the 11th floor of the Tower through security screenings to hear the assemblywoman's take on gun violence and voice their concerns.
Schimel has been a long-time advocate for reducing gun violence, serving on the Board of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence for nearly 20 years before becoming the co-chair of the bipartisan New York Chapter of State Legislators Against Illegal Guns in 2011. She was also involved in the drafting of the NYSAFE Act, the first assault weapons ban in New York State in 2000, and other measures.
Schimel presented gun violence statistics, stating the importance of reducing these instances. In comparison to other peer industrialized nations, the United States ranked as "the most armed nation" and arguably one of the most violent.
"We should be embarrassed," she declared. "We've got 30,000 murders versus our closest number, 173. It's quite a difference, isn't it?"
Paired with this, according to Schimel, is $40 billion a year in costs from gun injuries "on the public dole." She said that she'd much rather invest that money in other things such as education and healthcare.
Schimel said that the gun culture is here to stay because of how profitable it is, but called for regulations to try to curb the violence. Having spoken with Governor Cuomo and state police, she said that she was expecting facts that would prove that the laws work. She dismissed the idea that the government aimed to take guns, as they're a viable means of defense.
Among one of the regulations in place was the recent passage of the NYSAFE Act, which Schimel claims to have been part of. The NYSAFE Act, often called the "Gun Control Act," was signed into law in February. Schimel described it as an attempt to keep guns out of the hands "of people who shouldn't have guns," such as the "violent mentally ill, people with restraining orders, children, and past felons." It also set limits on the amount of rounds a person could carry. She didn't understand why it took 13 years to pass, but was confident that the pending NRA lawsuit against it wouldn't stand due to the Heller decision.
Schimel was critical of the recent failure of Congress to pass background checks described as "the middle ground."
"I was hoping that yesterday in Washington there would be middle ground, background checks, not even universal!" she said. "Dead. Done. Now what?"
Schimel cited that 90% of the people (the "silent majority") supported such measures, and said that they need to speak up. "Who," she questioned, "are politicians hearing from?"
In the question and answer session that followed, Nassau residents and members of the college raised their concerns about gun control and the latest legislation. Despite [cultural program coordinator] Phyllis Kurland's calls to keep inquiries below two minutes, many warranted more complex answers than the time allotted.
Among the concerns were the seven round capacity limits not excluded for retired officers, health records, usage of other weapons, rifle registry, sales issues, and how it is hurting law-abiding citizens.
NCC faculty member Paul Pilipshen raised concerns regarding the safety of his wife from the round limitations and the right to choose. "Why do you want to make my wife less safe?" he asked.
Schimel responded that nearly everything is regulated and firearms should be no exception. To conclude, she stated, "If she can't take down her perp in seven rounds, that's a concern too."
Before long, mentions of the Second Amendment spurred people from their seats to get on line to ask questions.
NCC resident Ray, a competitive shooter, saw issues with the rifle registry, pasing down weapons to his son, and the apparent necessity to get rid of a lot of magazines despite the fact that they're not hurting anyone. The issue was personal on both sides, but momentarily brought Schimel to silence.
"What do you recommend I tell my kids when I can't leave them my rifles that I've shot competitively for twenty years?" he asked.
After Kurland cut their debate short so others could step up, NCC student Julius Schultz raised a comparison point between the weapons used in crimes. While Schimel did not have the statistics, it came down to a question of lethality.
"Ironically, the same day the Newtown shooting happened . . in China there was a man who . . . stood at the door and was stabbing people," she said. "Horrible, horrible. But by the same token, everyone survived those stabbings."
NCC resident Steve came up with statistics and felt that the SAFE Act was targeting law-abiding citizens, thus meaning that the laws would not do anything to curb crime. Schimel and his conversation quickly dissolved into interruptions against one another.
"Criminals and madmen don't have to follow the law . . . by definition that's what makes them madmen," he said. "They will do nothing to stop the next mass murder."
"So we shouldn't have laws?" she said rhetorically in the exchange.
While most of those stepping up were critical of the gun control propositions, NCC Professor Marcia McNair wondered why nobody was raising their voices in favor of stricter measures, particularly at this debate.
"Why do you think it's so difficult to galvanize the silent majority who is for gun control?" McNair asked.
Schimel asked the audience if this was the first time people actively participated politically on this issue. She also stated that this is a single issue for some, so more time could be dedicated by those particularly passionate. The gun lobby has the ability to rally their base.
"Most of the constituencies have other things they think about," she said.
Schimel acknowledged and praised the right to peaceful assembly, however, and claimed to have "walked among them." She felt that "the opportunity for discourse" was valuable. She said that people should never feel "scared of anyone."
After the formal session, Schimel spoke with some of those in attendance. When asked about the debates that ensued, Schimel said that she welcomed the competition.
"It would be boring if there wasn't opposition," she said.
--Janelle Clausen
Vignette, April 26, 2013
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