Using the Dead to Make a Point

The victims of the shooting earlier today in Blacksburg haven't been dead for a full day, and already Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Self Defense Gun Violence can't wait to use them to score political points. Here's an excerpt from a quote by Mr. Helmke in a Brady Campaign press release:

"...we've done nothing as a country to end gun violence in our schools and communities. If anything, we've made it easier to access powerful weapons.

"We have now seen another horrible tragedy that will never be forgotten. It is long overdue for us to take some common-sense actions to prevent tragedies like this from continuing to occur."

Contrast the Brady Campaign's exploitation of this horrible crime with this statement from the National Rifle Association:

The National Rifle Association joins the entire country in expressing our deepest condolences to the families of Virginia Tech University and everyone else affected by this horrible tragedy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.

We will not have further comment until all the facts are known.

I'm almost always up for a spirited debate on gun control, but now really isn't the time. Now is the time to mourn the dead and keep those they left behind in our thoughts.