Missouri Legislator Has An Ironic Sense Of Humor

Received the linked article from The Old Philosopher.  Thanks, D.W.!  It's a great idea!  Some excerpts are below.

http://www.stlmag.com/news/politics/missouri-firearms-bill-guns-abortion-newman/
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Missouri Rep. Stacey Newman's bill would require anyone buying a gun to follow the restrictions of Missouri women seeking an abortion.

"Since Missouri is one of the strictest abortion-regulation states in the country, it is logical we borrow similar restrictions to lower our horrific gun violence rates," Newman said in a statement.

House Bill 1397 says that before Missourians could buy a gun, they’d have to:

• Meet with a licensed physician to discuss the risks of gun ownership at least 72 hours before attempting to buy a gun and obtain a written notice approval.
• Buy the gun from a licensed gun dealer located at least 120 miles from the purchaser’s legal residence.
• Review the medical risks associated with firearms, including photographs of fatal firearm injuries, and the alternatives to purchasing a firearm, including “materials about peaceful and nonviolent conflict resolution,” with the gun dealer orally and in writing.
• Watch a 30-minute video about fatal firearm injuries. (This requirement mirrors House Bill 124 from last year, which would have required women to watch a video with information about abortion they’re already required to receive from doctors orally and in writing.)
• Tour an emergency trauma center at the nearest qualified urban hospital on a weekend between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., when gun violence victims are present, and get written verification from a doctor.
• Meet with at least two families who have been victims of gun violence and two local faith leaders who have officiated, within the last year, a funeral for a victim of gun violence who was under the age of 18.

Newman knows her bill is doomed in the Republican-dominated legislature, but still wants to illustrate the contrast in legislative approaches to two public health issues.
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