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Armed to the Teeth

January 24, 2011 by Kevin Mahoney

On January 8, 2011, armed with a 9mm Glock pistol Jared Lee Loughner, a mentally unbalanced individual, opened fire on a group of people.  Before onlookers could subdue him, Lougher managed to critically wound Arizona Rep. Gabriel Giffords and kill five others, including Chief Judge John Roll and Giffords’ community outreach director Gabe Zimmerman.

Nitwit politicians eager to exploit the carnage quickly blamed the usual culprits – the religious right, Fox News, and Sarah Palin – for creating an atmosphere that breeds hostility, if not outright murder.  The political right quickly responded by quoting liberals, most notably President Obama, who had used equally inflammatory language to fire up their base.  In short, Giffords clung to life in an Arizona hospital – not because Loughner was armed to the teeth – but because he had been unhinged by political rhetoric. 

There are as many as 100 million handguns in America.  Perhaps, as many as four million assault weapons.  We allow, even encourage, corporate weapons manufacturers to flood our streets with small weapons of mass destruction. Is it any wonder, therefore, that the emotionally unstable, drug addicted and dangerous citizens are able with little difficulty to acquire guns? That drug dealers, to protect their “turf,” regularly open fire in our neighborhoods, maiming and killing innocent men, women, and children? That drug addicts, emotionally unraveling without their daily fix, hold up our stores? Or that mentally deranged individual wreaks havoc on our national, emotional well-being and sense of security with his kamikaze attack on a member of Congress? 

Eventually, someone criticizes our lax gun control laws.  The National Rifle Association, citing the Second Amendment, responds by reminding us that guns don’t kill people, people kill people.

Gun control is not the answer.  There is simply no way to “control” access to guns when handguns and assault weapons are as easily purchased on our streets as a cup of coffee.  Only by prohibiting the manufacture of handguns and assault weapons can we put an end to the carnage.  The Second Amendment, even as interpreted by the NRA, does not bestow on weapons manufacturers a “right” to produce handguns and assault rifles. And as a society, do we not have the right to prohibit the mass distribution of “products” that are designed to kill?  Sometimes, the boldest answer is the only answer.

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Kevin Mahoney
Kevin Mahoney
Kevin J. Mahoney is a Boston, Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer recognized nationwide for his high-profile courtroom victories, bestselling book on cross-examination, Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination, novel insights into trial strategy, and numerous television appearances.
Kevin Mahoney
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About Kevin Mahoney

Kevin J. Mahoney is a Boston, Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer recognized nationwide for his high-profile courtroom victories, bestselling book on cross-examination, Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination, novel insights into trial strategy, and numerous television appearances.

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  • NS, a DUI client,about 1 month ago

    Attorney Mahoney,

    I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful and excellent job you did for me. You were quite impressive up there and you really did your homework catching her in a few lies from previous testimony. You are the best! Even though I never want to be in this situation again, if I know anyone I will give them your name.

    Thank Amy for me too! She is a great asset to have in your office! Very pleasant and understanding.

    Again thank you and go Celtics!
     

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  • about 1 month ago

    Kevin Mahoney recently represented me in a case for destruction of property and disorderly conduct. He was extremely thorough and persistent, and despite a great deal of evidence against me, he managed to get the felony charge dropped without having to go to trial.

    I had never been in legal trouble before and had no idea how to proceed, and without his counsel, I am sure that I would have gotten convicted.

    He listened to my specific needs and always acted in my best interest. His knowledge, attention to detail, and general courtroom presence continued to amaze me throughout the entire process.
     

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  • M.K.about 1 month ago

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    I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your efforts on my behalf. Your defense was truly outstanding. The court room skills that you demonstrated and legal knowledge were truly incomparable. I’m wishing you the very best in your future endeavors.

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    Is very knowledgeable and very professional. He has just represented me in a case lasting a year and a half, and he made sure I got a fair trial with a fair jury. He kept me well informed about what would be happening in the court room and always had a well thought out defense for any route of attack the D.A. would be planning on.

    My trial took 2 and a half days and after the jury deliberated for approximately 23 minutes they came back with a “Not guilty” verdict. I would recommend Attorney Mahoney to anyone I know, but I sure hope I dont need him again. : ) .
     

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