To the Editor:www.bradycampaign.org/sites/default/files/TheTruthAboutGunDealersInAmerica.pdf).Editor's note: Phil Dwyer is running for State Senator in the 28th District.

A critical issue facing Connecticut, and the entire nation, is gun violence prevention. Why then, given the history of mass shooting incidents and ongoing tragedies caused by gun violence in this country, does this important issue take a back seat in the national dialogue during this election season? Putting politics aside, I want to ensure that we do not lose the momentum in our fight to advance common sense gun safety actions and legislation. There are four common sense actions every American can take and every public official should take.

First, when your children are visiting a friend or acquaintance, parents should ask "Is there a gun in the house?" If yes, then follow up and ask "Is it secured in an approved lock-box?" If not, do not allow your child to visit that home. Only by changing the culture of guns in America will we curb gun violence over the long term.

Second, the gun industry has to do a better job of policing themselves and routing out the bad actors among their own industry. Ninety percent of the guns used in violence crimes come from five percent of gun dealers (

Third, we have to push legislation forward that provides responsible and common sense solutions on an issue that should transcend party affiliation. Although Connecticut has some of the most effective gun safety laws in the country, we need to do more. Rather than rest on our laurels, now is the time to further establish our state as the leader on common sense gun safety legislation. In the upcoming legislative session, let's send a message to the NRA by calling on our state legislators to overturn Connecticut's open carry gun policy.

Fourth, NRA members must change the culture of their organization and return it to its original mission - gun safety. For over 100 years, the NRA mission was to promote firearms safety education, marksmanship training, and shooting for recreation. Following a hostile coup of the NRA leadership in the mid-1970s, the NRA emerged as an advocacy organization that sees more guns as the answer to society's worst problems. The vast majority of Americans, and of NRA members, support gun safety legislation. It is time the NRA membership demanded their national leadership reflect American culture.

Phil Dwyer

2607 Congress Street, Fairfield         August 30, 2016