So that you could make your voice heard.

And in the days since the heartbreaking tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, hundreds of thousands of you from all 50 states have signed petitions asking us to take serious steps to address the epidemic of gun violence in this country.

So I just wanted to take a minute today to respond and let you know we hear you.

Now, like the majority of Americans, I believe that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms.

We have got a strong tradition of gun ownership that has been handed down from generation to generation.

And the fact is, most gun owners in America are responsible.

They buy their guns legally and they use them safely.

And it is encouraging that many gun owners have stepped up this week to say there are steps we can take to prevent more tragedies like the one in Newtown.

Steps that both protect our rights, and protect our kids.

Here is what I think we should do.

This week I called on Congress to take up and pass common sense legislation that has the support of a majority of the American people.

Including banning the sale of military style assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips. And making sure criminals can't take advantage of legal loopholes to get their hands on a gun.

I also tasked the Vice President with leading an effort to come up with a comprehensive set of serious proposals to keep our children safe.

Including strengthening school safety, improving mental health care, and addressing a culture that too often glorifies guns and violence.

I have asked for these proposals by January. And I will push for them early in the year.

I will do everything in my power as President to advance these efforts. Because if there is even one thing we can do as a country to protect our children, we have a responsibility to try.

But as I said earlier this week, I can't do it alone. I need your help.

If we are going to succeed, it is going to take a sustained effort for mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, law enforcement and responsible gun owners, organizing, speaking up, calling their members of Congress as many times as it takes.

Standing up and saying, enough, on behalf of all of our kids.

That is how change happens. Because of committed Americans who work to make it happen. Because of you.

You have started something and now I am asking you to keep at it.

I am asking for your help to make a real, meaningful difference in the lives of our communities and our country, and make sure the United States of America is a safer, stronger place for our children to learn and to grow.

Thanks so much.