Scott Summers says:  Rockford suffered twenty homicides in 2007. A Rockford attorney was shot in the back two weeks ago. And now, the NIU tragedy.

Gratuitous, senseless gun violence isn't “speculative”, Mr. Manzullo. It's fact.

Common-sense restrictions are desperately overdue. You could begin, Mr. Manzullo, by introducing federal legislation to:

• Ban assault weapons and sniper rifles.

• End internet and mail order sales of guns and accessories.

• Limit gun purchases to one a month.

• Restrict bulk handgun sales.

• Require drug testing as a condition of FOID (firearm owner ID card) issuance

• Ban large capacity ammunition magazines.

But we all know, Mr. Manzullo, that you'll do nothing of the sort. After all, you do have an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association, don't you?

As the Illinois Green Party candidate for Congress for Rockford and far northwestern Illinois, I -- Scott Summers -- will eagerly strive to earn an “F” from the NRA.

I'll introduce or co-sponsor legislation to do all of these things – and more.

I support very strict gun control measures.

Unfortunately, there are far too many guns in circulation to control them very well.

Accordingly, I intend to augment gun control initiatives with ammunition control.

Did you know that a .22 caliber bullet costs about a nickel? Larger caliber bullets range from about a dime to fifteen cents each.

A bullet should cost at least as much as a cigarette.

I propose an excise tax on ammunition, with proceeds to be deposited in a trust fund for the sole benefit of innocent victims of gun violence.

Similarly, gun owners should have to provide proof of personal liability insurance as a condition of Firearms Owner's Identification card (FOID) issuance.  (Automobile owners must carry insurance.  So should gun owners.)

The social costs of guns should be borne by gun users -- not the victims of violence, and not the general public (in the form of untoward law enforcement expenses and in the form of Medicaid support for people rendered destitute by gun violence). Gun owners should pick up the indirect and unintended financial consequences associated with their privilege. Yes – privilege.

Let me be clear.  Although I personally would prefer that there be no guns at all, I'll not -- not -- interfere with careful and conscientious hunters and sportsmen and collectors.

I believe that most people are profoundly weary of the consequences of gratuitous gun violence. They yearn for common sense measures.

As Congressman, I will stand up for gun and ammunition control. And I'll be strident – and fearless – about it.

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Chicago Sun-Times, February 16, 2008: Senator talks guns in wake of NIU
www.suntimes.com/news/nation/797907,CST-NWS-bamside16.article

MILWAUKEE -- Barack Obama said Friday that the country must do ''whatever it takes'' to eradicate gun violence following a campus shooting in his home state, but he believes in an individual's right to bear arms.

Summers says: sorry, Senator, you're trying to have it both ways.

newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/02/daley-says-niu.html
(Chicago mayor Richard M.) Daley said he believes America "is getting immune" to the issue of gun violence. 
"It doesn’t disturb us anymore. I think there’s something wrong with our conscience. There is something wrong with our leadership. I am not asking the candidates to commit political suicide. I am asking the candidates to be real leaders."

Summers says: amen to that, Mayor. I couldn't have said it better.  And I intend to lead on this issue.

Lake Barrington gun plant targeted by March, August 28, 2007
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=26722

“Barrington Hills Village President (and 16th district Democratic congressional candidate) Robert Abboud is a proud gun owner but supports banning assault weapons.”

Summers says: Well, okay: banning assault weapons is a good start. Thank you for that, Mr. Abboud. Now – tell voters more about the “proud gun owner” part.