AEGiS-SFE: Brady's wife urges ban on assault weapons

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Brady's wife urges ban on assault weapons

San Francisco Examiner - March 8, 2006
Anna Bailey, abailey@dcexaminer.com

Annapolis - The woman whose husband was shot in the head during an assassination attempt on President Reagan wrote to Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich on Tuesday in support of several health initiatives and a ban on assault weapons like the Bushmaster used in the 2002 sniper shootings.

"These are weapons of war," Sarah Brady said. "They're not weapons you use for any legitimate purpose. They're not weapons you use for hunting or target practice."

Jim Brady, Reagan's press secretary, was permanently disabled as a result of the gunshot wound he suffered in the 1981 attack.

Since a federal ban expired in 2004, state bans on assault weapons are crucial, his wife said.

A bill introduced by Del. Neil Quinter, D-Howard, would outlaw 45 rapid-fire, military-style weapons.

Sarah Brady's letter also urged Ehrlich to support a $1 increase in the tobacco tax levied on each pack of cigarettes and legislation to ban smoking in all bars and restaurants. Brady, once a smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago.

The tobacco tax increase is an effort backed by the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative to discourage smoking and fund health care. Neither House committee assigned to the legislation has voted on it.

The House Health and Government Operations Committee did not approve the ban. This is the fourth year advocates have filed the bill.

HIV/AIDS help advocated

Sarah Brady's letter also asked Ehrlich to support HIV/AIDS initiatives including:

- HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment expansions

- Housing services for people living with HIV/AIDS

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