Gabrielle Giffords had it right when she called them cowards in an op-ed piece published yesterday in the New York Times.

The cravens in question are U.S. senators who have effectively shot down any efforts at making it more difficult for criminals and mentally disturbed people to purchase guns.

The horrific Sandy Hook shootings stirred interest for a while as the public demanded action, but the National Rifle Association and associated gun lobby advocates have inspired such fear in the hearts of congressmen that they refuse to act.

Here is a truth: NO CIVILIAN has any need for automatic or even semi-automatic, military style weapons. Nobody. And no one with serious emotional instability or a criminal past has any need for guns that are capable of killing even one person, much less scores at one time. Some states and cities know that, and have taken action. Most individuals know that, and say so in polls.

But the gun lobby incites an ungodly fear that doesn’t come from their guns, but from the threat of political damage and withdrawn funds.

Congress’ refusal — or inability — to stand up to the gun lobby and do what is best for the American people demonstrates that they have allowed themselves to be taken hostage, without a shot being fired.

If the American people don’t hold them accountable, we will be complicit in their cowardice.

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