During stops in Davenport and Des Moines, Vice President Al Gore staged”town hall” discussions about teen violence. In Davenport yesterdayafternoon, Gore spoke at J.B. Young Intermediate School where studentsattend an after-school program which teaches leadership and teamwork.Gore used the occasion to talk about new federally-financed after-schoolprograms.In Des Moines last night, Gore participated in a meeting staged andbroadcast “live” on television. Only M-S N-B-C and print reporters gained access to the event. Other radioand T-V reporters were barred. Afterwards during an interview with RadioIowa, the Vice President said there’s a danger in “under-reacting” to thetragedy in Littleton and yielding to the power of the gun lobby andentertainment industry.Gore wants child safety locks on all guns. He suggested it’s time tore-think the concealed weapons laws being considered by some states,including Colorado. And Gore would toughen penalties for adults who provideguns to minors. Gore said it’s time for a long, hard look at the culture ofviolence depicted in movies, video games and music as evidence shows somechildren are vulnerable to it and imitate the behavior.
