What measures, if any, should we take on a federal level to reduce levels of gun violence?
U.S. Representative
Mary Peltola
Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative
Guns are a large part of Alaska’s culture and I support the right of Alaskans to own guns. That said, my hometown in Bethel, Alaska, had our country’s first school shooting, so I recognize the need for our government to take action on gun control. Congress should pass commonsense restrictions on the sale of assault weapons. We need to enact legislation such as secure storage laws, reasonable waiting periods and universal background checks in order to protect our communities, while still protecting people’s Second Amendment rights.
(Editor’s note: The school shooting in Bethel was Alaska’s first school shooting, but not the country’s first.)
Sarah Palin
Republican candidate for U.S. Representative
The reasons for gun violence and mass shootings are sick people and a sick culture. Government can take some direct action, such as prioritizing funding for mental health care, but the most important thing Congress can do is embrace a culture of life and promote the traditional values that have held human societies together for millennia. We should be doing more to encourage stable, two-parent families, stop attacking religious liberties and all our God-given freedoms and embrace time-tested moral values instead of succumbing to moral relativism.
(Editor’s note: Research shows that people who experience mental health challenges are more likely to be victims of gun violence or to die by suicide than to perpetrate violence on others.)
Chris Bye
Libertarian candidate for U.S. Representative
Let’s be truthful with one another: There is no new regulation or law that will end this violence. Assault and murder are already illegal and yet those laws do not prevent the violence from occurring. To end this, parents must become involved with their children. Dads and moms, check to see if your kids are playing GTA, Fortnite or COD, if you do not know what these are, you should find out today. Review what entertainment they are watching. Be involved in their social life. Community leaders, neighbors and others must become involved in their communities. If this is to end we need to have an honest discussion about bullying and harassment. Don’t walk by it. Do not accept it.
Nick Begich
Republican candidate for U.S. Representative
I oppose gun control legislation. I strongly support our Second Amendment rights and will defend our right to keep and bear arms.