34 people killed today by guns in the USA. 12 times the average in Europe!

NYC Mayor responds to NRA critics

Mayor Michael Bloomberg began his fight for stricter gun control laws in the Spring of 2006. Nearly five years later, and after the deadly shooting in Tucson, Mayor Bloomberg has renewed his commitment to that mission.

In an exclusive interview with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell, the New York City Mayor and co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns shot back at his NRA critics.

“The truth of the matter is they don't pay any attention,” said Bloomberg. “The Constitution says you have a right to bear arms, the Constitution talks about a well-regulated militia. A well-regulated militia isn't a bunch of people that have clips that hold 38 bullets for their Glock handgun in their home.”

NRA Political Director Chuck Cunningham recently referred to him as “Mayor Blame,” saying he finds fault in everything from “violent crime in New York City” to “Mother Nature for his recent problems with snow removal.” Cunningham warned, “He's not after illegal guns, he's after your guns.”

Bloomberg maintains he’s a defender of the Second Amendment. “You know, in New York, what the NRA misses, we have brought crime down so low, it is one of the safest big cities in the country, it's one of the safest cities period, regardless of size. We have had less than 600 murders on a basis of 8.4 million people.” He credits the drop in crime to taking weapons off streets through stricter gun control laws.

Bloomberg called the NRA’s fierce lobbying operation and Congress’ general unwillingness to stand up to them “quite mind-boggling.”

Guns and ammunition were two words that did not show up in President Obama's State of the Union Address either. Senior adviser David Plouffe promised the President will address the issue of gun control at a later date. But, many gun control advocates say Obama lost out on a great chance to bring up the issue, including Bloomberg.

“I think the president missed an opportunity, but I am encouraged,” said Bloomberg. “Presidents don't have a problem in fighting wars overseas. Congress doesn't have a problem in funding wars overseas. But we have a war on the streets of our cities, big and small. And we have to do something about that.”