Giffords to Congress: 'The time is now; you must act' (with video)

Steve Benen (The Maddow Blog) with video (01:20) from NBC NEWS:

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) made a surprise appearance this morning at a Senate hearing on gun violence, and read a brief, emotional statement to the committee and the public. "Thank for inviting me here today," she said. "This an important conversation for our children, for our community, for Democrats and Republicans. Speaking is difficult, but I need to say something important. Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something. It will be hard. But the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you." MORE...

Howie P.S.: If you watch/listen to the next clip after Giffords, you get to hear the NRA "response."