New Common Sense: The Newtown Tragedy and Our First Principles

JANUARY 22, 2013    |   Discover more at Heritage's First Principles webpage The Newtown Tragedy: Issues, Policies, and Our First Principles All Americans—regardless of their philosophical or political leanings—abhor the death of innocent human beings and had a visceral reaction to the killing of 20 schoolchildren and six staff members in Newtown, Connecticut. How should we address the problems involving school safety, mental illness, the cultural climate, and the misuse of firearms? How do we implement appropriate solutions consistent with the Constitution, including the Second Amendment guarantee of the right to keep and bear arms, the traditional role of the states in our federal system, and the central significance of family? Nancy Pelosi: Reader of the Constitution Last week the Members of the House of Representatives (including Nancy Pelosi) took a break from the normal hurly-burly of lawmaking to actually read the Constitution, out loud, on the House floor. The Constitution isn’t especially long; it’s well-written, and lawmakers have already sworn to uphold it, so it can’t hurt for them to hear it read. But what’s more important is what happens after the dramatic reading.  Will Obamacare Go the Way of Prohibition? Steve Benen on MSNBC’s “The Maddow Blog” dismisses congressional efforts to repeal all or parts of Obamacare and admonishes conservatives to get with the program. Why? He says Obamacare “is here to stay.” What makes Obamacare untouchable? Congress considers countless pieces of legislation “to amend” this legislation or that statute. Already, Congress has just repealed Obamacare’s massive long-term care entitlement. Consider a public policy that was so “settled” it became part of the Constitution. Quote of the Week "In this springtime of hope, some lights seem eternal; America's is." - Ronald Reagan For more quotes, visit westillholdthesetruths.org     About The Heritage Foundation Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute — a think tank — whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400 | heritage.org