Teen Age Gun Violence Deaths and The GOP

 According to a report in the New Orleans Advocate of Aug. 21, youths 1-19 years of age who died by gun violence hit a record number and exceeded that killed in auto related deaths.  The source of information comes from the 2020 CDC Kids Count Data Center which was the last full year account reported and covers the year 2020.

The article notes the top ten states with the highest average gun deaths per 100,000 people in 2020.  Number one on the list was Louisiana, followed by #2 Mississippi, #3 Arkansas, #4Missouri, #5 South Carolina, #6 Indiana, #7 Alabama, #8 Illinois, #9 Georgia and #10 Tennessee.  Eight of those top ten states are governed by the GOP while two are governed by democrats, Louisiana and Illinois.  The record deaths in 2020 for those youths ages 1-19 was 29.5% higher than in 2019 per the CDC report.

The report indicates that society as a whole is subject to gun violence deaths and that younger children are included in a large way.  And the rate keeps climbing.  There are stats that indicate that states with weaker gun laws tend to have the most violent gun related deaths in all categories.  

The gun related deaths the CDC and other groups track provide evidence over time that more needs to be done to control the sale and use of firearms.  The blame game has not resulted in a better out come and gun violence deaths have increased what should be an alarming rate to everyone since the assault weapons ban expired.  The Federal government also allowed President Clinton's financial help to the states expire that put 100,000 police officers on the streets of America.  That was a double whammy to a program that worked.  

Congress needs to step up to the plate, meet its obligation to protect and serve and reverse the carnage of gun violence deaths.  The second amendment has not kept us safe nor has the so called tough talk and without a doubt, the record increase in gun ownership has not kept us safe.  Congress must ack and must act soon.  It is the only answer left.

This commentary written by Joe Lorio