Comments and discussion

In this part of the study guide, we will give you some suggestions on things you might want to consider, comment upon, and discuss regarding President Barack Obama’s remarks on common-sense gun safety reform. Remember that you should avoid making personal or emotional claims and that you should always argue for your opinion.

First, we recommend you focus on the example of Gabby Giffords and the way in which she is involved in Barack Obama’s speech. Giffords was a former member of Congress and, in 2011, she was critically injured when she was shot in the head near a supermarket in Tucson. Luckily, she survived and was even able to attend Obama’s speech. Why do you think Obama mentions her in his speech? Do you think that, through her example, he is trying to manipulate or convince the Congress to get on board with his proposals? It is possible that Obama felt that Gabby Giffords’ example would be more effective in persuading Congress as many of them would have known her personally.

You could also comment upon the following statement:

The United States of America is not the only country on Earth with violent or dangerous people. We are not inherently more prone to violence. But we are the only advanced country on Earth that sees this kind of mass violence erupt with this kind of frequency. It doesn't happen in other advanced countries. It’s not even close. (ll. 58-63)

In the above quotation, Obama claims ...