Rally Against Gun Violence in Palo Alto

Demonstrators said no member of Congress should oppose universal background checks for people attempting to buy guns. They stand for tougher penalties for illegal purchases. They said they want more funding to help states deal with mentally challenged persons, especially since they may try to purchase guns. They asked "who would wonder why?" when our media is full of gun violence, and shooting people is glorified in TV and movies.

Rally participants in Palo Alto's Lytton Plaza this evening said that unfortunately supporters of the National Rifle Association's position will oppose reasonable legislation to ban semi-automatic and military-style firearms. They gathered to demand that measures proposed in Congress be debated and votes taken. They raised our candles and then our cell phones to tell House Speaker Boehner that although Republicans may oppose some of the measures he must allow them to come to a vote.

The rally was organized by the officiously behaved O.F.A. (Organize for Action) group representing Menlo Park and Palo Alto. The Raging Grannies sang some right-on songs....