Eye Recommend --- NRA Releases Shooting App for Children while NY Moves to Expand Gun Control Laws

1.   NRA RELEASES FREE TARGET PRACTICE APP FOR AGES 4 AND UP, by Liz Goodwin - 
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/nra-releases-free-target-practice-app-ages-4-151235393.html

"'NRA: Practice Range', available free in the iTunes app store, allows players to shoot at coffin-shaped targets in indoor or outdoor settings.  For $.99 extra, players can upgrade their gun to a pistol grip Mossberg or semi=automatic sniper rifle.

According to the description on iTunes, the game is intended to instill 'safe and responsible ownership through fun challenges and realistic simulations'.  And because it contains 'no objectionable material', per iTunes' rating system, it's suitable for children as young as 4.  Apple employees vet applications before they are included in the store and approve age ranges for games."

Unbelieveable!  Last month the NRA was blaming violent video games for our mass shooting epidemic, now this?  And shame on Apple for approving this piece of garbage.

2.   On a more positive note...  On the first day of their new session:  NEW YORK LAWMAKERS REACH DEAL ON NEW GUN CURBS, by Thomas Kaplan and Danny Hakim - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/15/nyregion/new-york-legislators-hope-for-speedy-vote-on-gun-laws.html

New York's Republican led Senate has passed legislation that will ban "semiautomatic pistols and rifles with detachable magazines and one military-style feature, as well as semiautomatic shotguns with one military-style feature.  New Yorkers who already own such guns could keep them but would be required to register them with the state...

...The most significant new proposal would require mental health professionals to report to local mental health officials when they believe that patients are likely to harm themselves or others.  Law enforcement would then be authorized to confiscate any firearm owned by a dangerous patient."

The bill also limits the size of gun magazines to 7 rounds, requires background checks for most private gun sales as well as for ammunition buyers, automatically notifies the police of high volume purchases and creates a statewide gun registration database.  A final provision, added in response to the deaths of two firefighters in December, mandates a sentence of life without parole for anyone convicted of murdering a first responder.

The bill now goes to the Democratic led Assembly where it is expected to pass easily.

Now if only our U.S. Congress would act as quickly and as responsibly.  Considering the amount of money the NRA throws at congressional candidates, I hold out little hope.

• Update: The bill passed the Assembly and  Gov. Cuomo signed the bill into law this afternoon, Tuesday, January 15.  

A new gun control bill--written, debated, voted on and signed into law, all within days--and with overwhelming support from both parties. New York has set the bar high.  Hopefully others will follow.