At least 13 people were shot in New York City in the last week and all I can think to say is, "What is going on around here?" Is it the summer heat? Is it unemployment? Is it a lack of education and social service programs? Why this recent rash of shootings? Why now? Does it have anything to do with the tragedy in Colorado?

The next thing that comes to mind is, "Where is Governor Cuomo in all of this? And why was the Mayor so quick to point a finger following the move theater massacre in Aurora, but he has nothing to say about the shooting spree across the five boroughs?"

Furthermore, what are our lawmakers in Washington doing? They're awfully good at sidestepping the issue. It's time to politics aside and do something about these innocent lives that are being shattered. Enough is enough.

A drive-by shooting injured a two-year-old girl and five others in Brownsville, Brooklyn last night. It comes on the heels of the murder of a four-year-old, a 14-year-old, and a multiple shooting at Harlem's Rucker Park. Today, lawmakers and activists called for $200 million to build youth centers, create scholarships and start programs aimed at curbing gun violence in high-crime neighborhoods.

Also today, Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes was officially charged with 24 counts of murder and 116 counts of attempted murder. In response to the movie theater massacre, members of Congress in New York pitched federal legislation to restrict the sale of ammunition online and by mail. The bill would force licensed dealers to report to authorities any sale of more than 1,000 rounds. What do you say?

Should restrictions be placed on the sale of ammunition? What's your reaction to last night's drive-by shooting in Brooklyn? Do you support more tax dollars going toward building youth centers in high-crime areas? If not, what ideas do you have to combat gun violence?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

The politicians in the high crime areas are hopeless. They are only interested in more money - for themselves. They don't need more funding or more non-profits - all they need is a little common sense.

If they don't like the city policing, why don't they do it themselves.

Get some responsible adults together and do their own policing. They should have about a dozen responsible adults along with a few police at every street fair, playground and sporting event in their own communities. That should take care of the behavior problems.

I know when I worked in Manhattan in the bad old days, I certainly liked seeing those red beret guys around.

Lots of luck.

Pat
Jackson Heights

I am in favor of the restriction of ammunition sales- but still think 1,000 rounds is still way too high. It is incomprehensible to think that a law like this was not in place to begin with. How could a sale of 6,000 rounds not get flagged?

As for my tax dollars going toward a $200 million dollar effort to curb this violence, I am not in favor of that. There seems to be a particular mindset that exists in people who are prone to settle their small differences with extreme violence, without any regard whatsoever of an innocent life taken in the crossfire. There are already youth centers-I don't think youth centers will change this mindset. Personally I think it starts with the family, and families today are pretty fractured. Most of these shootings have occurred at "peaceful" organized basketball games, and the drive by shootings are clearly gang related.

There has to be change in the CORE values and thinking of the members of these communities. Mothers crying and peaceful rallies will not get the job done.

Make owning an illegal gun in NYC a felony with mandatory jail time of 10 years.

Thank you John as always.

Marie
Bay Ridge

Violence is a way of conflict resolution for some people,for others it is a manifestation of mental illness or terrorism. I believe that an effort should be made to protect innocent people from the crossfires of whatever violence is being played out.

Rosalie from Canarsie

If the police would spend more time arresting criminals than stopping and frisking innocent people, the violence might be controlled and stopped.

The focus is just wrong. Guns don't shoot people, people shoot people.
Arrest the shooters and lock them up for life.

If guns and ammunition are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns and ammunition. Criminals will always find a way to obtain any kind of weapon.
If sharp knives were banned, do you really think a killer wouldn't figure out how to get a sharp knife?

A large factor in the increase of street crime is the prohibition of drugs.
If drugs were legalized, the prices would plummet. There would no long be a need to rob, steal and kill to get drugs. In this respect, government prohibition of drugs is the cause of crime. Just like during Prohibition, when the government prohibits human action, even worse human action follows.

Will government officials ever learn? I'm not optimistic.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

The recent tragic shootings of a little 4 year old boy and several adults and a 2 year old girl in our city are real and tragic reminders that violence is increasing,and must be stopped. City Community leaders,along with the Mayor,the 5 District Attorneys,and the Police Commissioner need to convene to attempt to come up with a solution that will stop this spike in gun violence and other crimes. We need to see more of a police presence on foot ,so that they are more visible throughout the city.We should also have more mounted patrols,along with an increased squad car presence. The citizens of this city are entitled to have decent protection,and should not have to be in constant fear about being assaulted,robbed or shot.The police department needs to hire more officers,and the budget for such an undertaking should be increased ,not decreased.

John
Fresh Meadows

Did all of these so called politicians just wake up. The outer boroughs in particular have been like THE OK CORRAL for years and it took Colorado to make them aware of the situation. So said the wise men and women let us all call for $200 mill to build youth centers, etc. Where did the kids all got before? What happened to the houses of worship? They had functions going on at one time. So it goes to show us that these politicians don't even know what they are talking about. Now how many rounds of ammo did this shooter have in his clips? Yet they make a decision to pass a law saying that no one can purchase any more than 1,000 rounds. Think about that. It doesn't make sense.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD SOMETHING = DOESN'T THE POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS HAVE VENUES FOR THESE KIDS TO GO TO AFTER SCHOOL AND ON SATURDAYS. I THOUGHT THEY DID BUT AGAIN, IT IS UP TO THE PARENTS AND OR GUARDIANS TO TAKE A STAND AT HOME WHERE IT ALL STARTS EVERYDAY WHEN THEN ARISE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE DAY AND CONTINUE TO GET INVOLVED UP UNTIL THERE BED TIME. THEY HAVE TO LAY DOWN THE LAW WHICH IS THE PARENTS AND OR GUARDIANS LAW AND NOT THE CHILDREN'S LAWS.

maxxiee
mp

These thugs are blatantly sending messages telling everyone just how much they can not be stopped. So the bill will force licensed dealers to report any sale of more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Buyers will get around that easily by buying 100 rounds from this dealer etc, etc. Who'll report that? Seriously this is Grand Plan!? Yea youth centers, scholarships, programs aimed at curbing gun violence is Not going to put hundreds of easy criminal dollars into the pockets of these people and make them feel like kings/queens of the world! GOOD LUCK WITH THAT! More of My tax money being flushed into the East River.

Terry
Queens

I would like to praise Rep. Carolyn McCarthy [D-Mineola] for her stance against assault weapons and high capacity magazines.She has seen first hand the devastation to friends and families, whose love ones were killed by madman. Congress woman McCarthy lost her husband and her son who was badly injured by a shooter on the LIRR in 1993 and feels the pain with what happen in Colorado. The killing has to stop for we have lost children and young adults not to mention the assault to those in law enforcement. McCarthy said on NBC'S Meet the press," A lot of our politician's know it is the right thing to try to fight for something to save lives. They don't have the spine anymore. They pander to who's giving them money." Well ain't that the truth. I believe assault weapons and high capacity magazines need only be sold to those in law enforcement. What respecting sportsman needs a AK-47 to hunt a defenseless animal in most cases. We all need to support Rep. Carolyn McCarthy by signing a petition that she has posted that will stop the sale of high capacity magazines.The bill also closes a gaping loophole that allowed magazines manufactured before the ban to still be sold or transferred. I urge all to go to, Support HR308.com and to sign the petition. We have a voice and we will use it. As for myself I have signed the petition.

Frederick
Glen Oaks Village.,N.Y.

I think that if "an individual" wants to purchase ammo then he/she needs to go in-person and legally make the purchase.

I suppose my comment will not be fair to homebound individuals. Oh well. My concern is... why are people waiting until "AFTER" the person purchases 1,000 rounds of ammo that the sellers should "REPORT" that someone has just purchased 1,000 rounds of AMMO. So while "SOMEBODY", "SOMEWHERE" is supposed to be checking this report someone else is getting ready to make swiss cheese out of unsuspecting law abiding citizens. 1,000 rounds just sounds a bit high to me??? Now I suppose "SOMEBODY" could purchase 200 rounds of ammo 5 separate times and stockpile it?

As for the building of more youth centers that is all well and good, and it may save a few youths who may be straddling the fence between becoming a thug or being a good citizen. Sadly, the thugs won't be using those centers unless they are standing outside the centers waiting for the "good kids" who are coming out trying to walk home and trying to bully them into selling drugs for fast money. Maybe it is time to purchase the city's/country's biggest Dyson Vacuum Cleaner to suck these parasites from the crevices of our streets?

kathy from Throggs Neck da bronx

Gun control is a political issue. Our mayor has good motives and he cares. But Washington politics are destroying our country and innocent lives.

Anthony tribeca new york.

How do countries like England+Japan keep guns out of their countries?? They have the answers. Calling it 'self-defense' issue when NO gunshot tragedies ever are, is as insane as idea that 'we' can 'arm ourselves' for a revolution in the time of drones+nukes!

TVCoach

The city can start by flushing the hundreds of hardened criminals out of NYC Housing projects. These tax-subsidized housing complexes have become hotbeds for gun violence.

Steve
Forest Hills

I am with Bedford stuyvesant unity youth resource inc. (bsuyri). We have developed a program to get the youth out of the streets and into activities. The solution id to educate them, employee, and make them economically empowered. They need something to occupy their time. They need to become aware of conflict resolution and critical thinking. They need to be engaged and capable of being innovative. We are ready, willing, and able to work with the youth for change.

Shante
Brooklyn

We have some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. It is the people not the gun. To stop the violence you need to address the people who are doing the shooting. Programs to refocus the youth coupled with harsher penalties for violent crime including the death penalty are one way to address this.

Kerri
Queens

In response to the call to increase prevention of gun violence by funding programs for children, Bloomberg states he is only willing to make tougher gun laws. Does he not notice that as NYC schools have crumbled under his watch, programs such as The Rucker Basketball Tournament, that has been historically immune from such issues, are now being riddled with gunshots stemming from his poorly educated young people who have turned to other activities. The Rockefeller Drug Laws made sure that more black and hispanic children in NYC grew up without fathers... I understand why King Bloomberg is gun ho about putting money into prison facilities instead of educational and recreational facilities. Does history have to repeat itself?

Shante
Springfield Gardens

I'm with Chris Rock: "We don't need gun control, we need bullet control.... If a bullet cost $5,000 there would be no more innocent bystanders getting killed." As silly as this might sound, if our elected officials are gun shy and can't agree on gun control legislation -- then let's go to Chris Rock's Plan B and make it outrageously expensive to buy a bullet. Moreover, this won't hurt the precious 2nd Amendment.

Fed up,
Gretchen
UWS

I need to know how come they shut down all of the stores and people selling boot leg handbags, and things over the internet. But they let you buy bullets and gun,s is money more important then people lives.

Sharon

Gun restrictions and youth centers are nice but more education, well trained cops on the street and a unified community is going to slow down the violence.

Jimmy from the Bronx.

Lets take $200 million from the NYPD $4.6 billion annual budget to build alternatives. They have so much money, they even setup a Facebook snooping unit. Sending cops to spy at universities while our murder each other? It makes no sense.

Frank - Sunset Park, Brooklyn

It is necessary to have psychological testing done for ammunition purchaser and holders on regular basis. other social factors need to be addressed as well

Z A

Though it's admirable the "lawmakers" are now calling for $200 million to build youth centers, etc., activists (including myself) have been calling for centers and programs for years to help stop the violence - to no avail. The "lawmakers" could easily come up with $200 million by using their discretionary funds/pork to help stop the violence if they truly wanted to. Seriously, how many centers can you build for $200 million dollars? "All lawmakers" are given discretionary funds/pork to help causes in their communities, but if you take a look at where their money goes, it is distributed mostly to organizations they or their family & friends are associated with, or distributed outside of the communities they represent, or the so-called organization is non-existent.

NYC has an "Ammo Bill" which I proposed to the City Council (via Councilman James Sanders, Jr.) in 2003, and Mayor Bloomberg signed the bill (INTRO 144-A) on January 17, 2005. MAG calls it "The BULLET BILL." Anyone wishing to purchase ammunition would present personal identification, the license/registration for the weapon they wish to purchase the ammo for, the make, model and serial number of the weapon, and be at least 21 years old. I also sent the same proposal to the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly, and to my congressional representative. Like so many other cities and states, enforcement of the laws is too lax.

Again, we need "FEDERAL GUN AND AMMUNITION LAWS" to stop "GUN VIOLENCE!on the State and National level.

Liz
Rosedale

This starts with the socio-economic and educational struggles that specific groups have been faced with generationally. Values systems have been eroded to intensify the deplorable and meaningless violence. An advanced society would use all means to address this issue that involve sustainable results, instead, there is a sentiment of unabashed despair.

K
Harlem

I don't think that youth centers will solve this problem, but if taxpayer money is used, then they should be built in all neighborhoods, not just high crime areas.

Debbie from Flushing

The folks who are shooting and killing are not the folks who will attend after school centers.
We cannot apply a band aid approach to this problem.

This senseless disregard is systematic of the violence and poverty in poor neighborhoods. Teaching kids how to take and pass a test is not the answer to hanging our neighborhoods so our children will live and succeed.

K from Hollis

All of this talk of gun control won't don anything because the rest of the states in this country will never go for it. Gun laws would not have stopped the Colorado shooter and every gun used in these shootings over the past few weeks are obtained illegally from the usual channels. The problem on most fronts is that people don't care for one reason or another and the empty policies from even emptier politicians won't help. When you have a gang of girls attacking people on the train with a knife it shows that there are deeper and more numerous problems then just the unfortunate soundbites these shootings have provided.

RL
The Bronx

Bloomberg is a lying toad when he says crime is down in New York. Of course, the New York he considers to be New York is the tourist areas and the rich neighborhoods. The low-income, minority areas and working class areas just don't figure into his New York. He lies out of both sides of his lipless mouth.

Frances
East Village

I welcome the opportunity to be a guest on "The Call" to discuss the "epidemic of gun violence" in our communities, and the nation. (718) 712-2061

Liz

Where are all the minority leaders during all of this. They make their voices heard loud and clear when they feel they have been wronged. But when their own ppl are being killed, these charlatans are nowhere to be found.

Thanks
Mayur

This is so disturbing. I fear for my children, my husband, myself. It's heartbreaking that we are living in these times. My heart goes out to those that have lost their lives and their families.

Millie from the Bronx

i think the youth centers are the most important step. i think that the most valuable element that a lot of people are missing is how do we instill a sense of value and worth in our young. if they are made to feel and be valued as members of their communities and society at large, there would be less violence. if, like brandi was saying, these young men and women, could receive education, mentorship and jobs that pay living wages, they could be proud fathers, and active participants in the uplift of their communities.

my question is how does mayor mikes young men's initiative tie into this issue of gun violence in our communities? or was that all just fluff, pomp and circumstance?

Rashidah

Just like kids that cut school, not all kids will go to recreation centers. Stop putting band-aids on the gun control problem and create enforceable laws that halt the pipeline it its tracks. Give kids a positive outlet, but don't expect that to be the ONLY answer. Parents need a stronger presence to help their kids stay away from guns.

Christine

Let’s get real, all gun laws do is make it tough for law abiding citizens to buy guns, criminals will always get guns simply because they don’t obey the laws—DUH!!!

I’m tired of the pitiful excuses some callers have made about today’s kids having nothing to do. When I grew up in NYC, we always INVENTED things to do on our own; we played stickball with bats made from broom handles and sewers as bases, we played dozens and dozens of various ball games from Box Ball, to Punch Ball, to Hand Ball, to War, to Stoop Ball, etc., etc., etc., and all that was required was a pink Spaldeen (if you remember). How about helping senior neighbors with chores, even just carrying groceries for them. There’s plenty to do, they’re just too lazy, and where are the PARENTS, why aren’t they searching their apartments for guns and then turning them into the police; why is that stupid notion that ratting on someone is a bad thing.

Since, according to daily news reports, 90% of gun shootings happen in black communities, that’s the place to start the crackdown. It’s a well known statistic that 75% of black children are fatherless, so those kids join gangs to have a family like lifestyle. Why doesn’t Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, et al, who are always marching and protesting only on white on black crime ever march on black on black crime which is a hundreds times worse. There should be metal detectors and cameras installed in every apartment building in the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates, and mandatory 25 year sentences if caught with an unlicensed gun. There’s plenty that can be done, but all the black community does (which is the most affected by gun violence) is cry and complain AFTER each episode, but never do anything but talk beforehand.

Walter,
New Dorp

As the woman stated the guns are being allowed to enter these boros to further destroy the lives of these young kids; it's a conspiracy. It happened in the 60s and 70s. Now we are seeing this again, I can't help wonder if this was happening in the upper eastside, this problem would be handled in a very different way and surely a solution would come about.

Roy G

I'm so sick of ever one Blaming the police the people you need to talk or have stay one or two week in your neighborhood August councilmen and everyone else that Come around only when it's time to be reelected. I've seen so many police office do good and try. That only come around with Tommy reelected but when he arrives other problems that nobody found. There many people that see so many crazy things happen and don't call the police till its to later

Charles

Blanket ban on second amendment rights will not stop criminals from accessing guns.

Jesus

Adina in Canarsie speaks the truth. the problem kids don't even go to school or have the societal sense to pull their pants up. i'm not black or latino but i can sense the _good_ blacks and latinos r getting FED UP with these scumbags giving them a bad image in the eyes of non blacks & latinos

purplegrapesoda

When are people going to understand that it isn't the gun that kills another person, it takes a person to pull that trigger. All these people that use guns for violence, could have very well used a broken bottle, a steak knife, a fork. What would we do then, ban steak knives, forks, etc. Unfortunately, our society has bred people that just don't care for another humans life. I don't believe it's just in high crime area's that should be of concern. If the Death Sentence was a mandatory law, you bet your @$$ crime would drop. We pay for all these criminals to be locked up in hope that they will suddenly become honest law abiding citizens. Our country needs to seriously wake up and stop making a piece of metal that is able to fire a projectile by using gun powder as a propellant the issue of violent crimes. The trigger has to be pulled for that gun to kill. Blame the idiot behind the trigger and not the gun. And I do fully and always will support the NRA and our Amendment right to Keep and Bear Arms,

James - Staten Island, NY

Employment is a huge problem, but so is parenting and broken home life and broken communities. Society as a whole needs to raise its standards and say "enough!!!" Bloomberg is extremely concerned and involved working on this issue on a local level and a national level. Anyone caught shooting a gun like in these recent incidents should serve a minimum of ten years. Yes, more mentoring and community centers, but there's a lost generation that is already wreaking havoc. Communities get the society they tolerate. Another idea is to stop glorifying the "gangster" lifestyle. Enough with this nonsense; it's eating its own and should be ridiculed and run out of town. We need more students and civil minded people not more thugs.

John in NYC

gun law is a very complicated situation when we have to deal with the issue of who should be entitled to carry a gun whether the person is a police officer or secret service. however. so many thoughts have come to mind and my conclusion is mental evaluation . reason 1. to determine if such individual has any unstable mental situation previous or existing that would perhaps trigger them off if given a license to carry a gun.

a. have these person applying follow through with a yearly evaluation

b. given special mark bullet that matches the license gun if use so it could be easily trace without waiting for lab testing to expedite an arrest

c..hold gun owners accountable for not reporting a weapon check to authority every 6 months (to see if weapon was used )

d. stop and frisk when necessary all nationality to clean up illegal weapons.

second note a criminal background check alone does not fully determine ones ability to abide by the law as an individual's mine is of his own no one but himself knows until he acts but we can prevent an act if we make the first step to create a remedy to control gun on the streets-community. parents churches should take part not just the government we all are responsible for violence and every crimes.

vze3htdk

I believe the lack of self identity is a huge contribution towards violence period in the African American and Latino communities.

It starts with the parents teaching their young children who they are, where they come from and their purpose of the american dream. Without parents teaching their kids the value of life when their young and to appreciate the beauty of there cultural, these kids will always feel like they have nothing to lose, because most of the young mothers I see today cursing and acting crazy, are setting up a road for failure for their kids and the government knows this already. So I think it’s pretty self explanatory if we need more after school program in high violent neighborhoods.

Jovan
Corona

The no snitching philosophy has to come to an end for starters. Give up the gang bangers in the neighborhoods. Use the schools after hours for youth centers rather than build new facilities. But the gangs have to be eliminated and that is crux of the problem.

Jack
Queens

Suggestions:

-Police officers should be trained to be interpersonal and friendly to the community [protect & serve]-
-Police officers should engage the community by doing more community service with the youth & teens. (i.e. Basketball tournaments)
-Each Police officers should mentor at least 2 teen-aged boys in the neighborhoods in which they patrol
-Raymond Kelly should have veteran officers in high impact zones INSTEAD of "rookies" who aren't well trained to deal with violent crimes (ie. shootings)
-Housing Authority shouldn't be able to have a certain amount of low-income housing in high impact zones and neither should they have shelters.
-More "middle income housing" should be placed in high-impact zones to help influence gentrification process.
-Low-income housing should be place in wealthy neighborhoods with good school systems to diversify social classes in the classroom.
-After School Youth programs and summer school should be mandatory and children should be engaged by their police mentors and accelerated programs should help them achieve their academic goals.

Albert