Chris Rock backs Obama gun control pitch

Comedian Chris Rock, joined other celebrities at a news conference in the U.S. Capitol led by Mayors Against Illegal Guns to urge lawmakers to act quickly on firearms legislation.

Comedian Chris Rock endorsed President Barack Obama's gun control agenda Wednesday, urging Congress to act on the plan because the president, after all, is the "dad of the country."

"The president and the first lady are kind of like the mom and dad of the country," Rock said. "And when your dad says something, you listen. And when you don't it usually bites you …."

Rock, along with singer Tony Bennett, actor Adam Scott and actresses Amanda Peet, and Anna Deavere Smith joined a celebrity news conference in the Capitol led by Mayors Against Illegal Guns to urge lawmakers to act quickly on firearms legislation. The mayors' group was founded and largely funded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, but now claims to have 850 mayors signed on and 1.2 million grass-roots supporters.

The press conference also included survivors of shootings, health officials, religious figures and members of congress as part of a campaign called Demand a Plan.

The agenda includes support for criminal background checks for every gun sold in America, a ban on semi-automatic assault weapons and limits on high-capacity ammunition magazines. The coalition would also make firearms trafficking —purchasing a gun for the express purpose of delivering it to a prohibited person — a federal crime. The proposals are in line with the White House agenda announced last month.

"I still haven't gotten over Connecticut," said a somber Bennett in brief remarks. "I'd like assault weapons to go to war, not in our own country. And I'd like assault weapons eliminated."

Rock has been outspoken about gun control in the past. In one stand-up comedy routine he said "Gun control? We need bullet control! I think every bullet should cost $5,000."

More at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/02/07/gun-control-chris-rock-bruce-willis/1897543/