Yesterday I posted some thoughts on gun control, and thought it interesting to be reminded that today is the anniversary of the shooting of Ronald Reagan. Reagan was one of my favorite Presidents, and I know I’m not alone in that assessment.

As most know who follow recent history, he was shot by John Hinckley, Jr, after he spoke at a labor meeting in Washington, DC. At the time of the shooting, Reagan wasn’t even aware he was shot, and was driven by secret service to the hospital, where he walked himself into the hospital, later to find out that he had been shot in a lung, which collapsed…the bullet had missed his heart. He was a positive healthy man, 70 years of age at the time, and in good spirits through the ordeal. The next day he carried on his presidential duties from his hospital bed.

Others were shot as well, and recovered from their wounds; but it was the White House Press Secretary James Brady who received the most critical injury, and almost died after being shot through his eye. He sustained brain damage, but went on to be a great advocate for gun control. In 1993 the “Brady Bill” passed through congress, which required a 5 day waiting period and background check for gun buyers. It was President Clinton that signed this bill into law.