James Brady, namesake of the Brady Bill gun control legislation passed away

[WestKentucky]

USA today reports that James Brady has passed away. For many folks like me who didn't know the story of the man whose name is on the legislation, you ought (me too) to read up on mr Brady's injuries while serving under President Reagan. Although he was an activist for gun control he certainly put his life on the line for his country.

 

[TX1911fan]

While I don't want to speak ill of the dead, or the injured, it is a stretch to say James Brady "put his life on the line for his country." He was the press secretary. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and got shot. From what I remember of the incident, he was not jumping in front of Reagan to protect him, the shooter was just a really bad shot.

I can't say I'm sad Mr. Brady is gone. I didn't want him dead, nor do I want him alive.

 

[HankR]

I also don't recall him being an "activist for gun control". He was more of a stage-prop that Sarah would wheel around while she spewed her vitriol. My suspicion is that any gun control stance he may have allegedly taken was spoon fed to him by his handlers and then parroted at opportune moments.

 

[Onward Allusion]

I suspect he was taken advantage of by gun control advocates much like Gabrielle Giffords has been made the gun control poster child. With that severe of brain injury, I can't believe Jim Brady was competent enough, in his earlier years after the shooting, to be able to make his own personal decisions much less speak out for anything.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Here, at least, let's let Mr. Brady rest in peace.

...any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

-- John Donne