Brady Takes Aim At Gun Measure

Like Pope John Paul II, Jim Brady survived an assailant's bullet.

The pope and the one-time presidential press secretary met on Tuesday, when Brady joined President Clinton's entourage in welcoming the pontiff to St. Louis.

Brady came to town early to campaign against a state ballot measure that would legalize the carrying of concealed guns.

About 30 states allow concealed guns. But on April 6, Missouri will become the first state to submit the question to voters.

While opponents of Proposition B would love to persuade the pope to come out against the measure, Brady, who is Roman Catholic, said Monday that he won't impose on the pontiff.

"I think it would be bad form to do that," said Brady, who was President Reagan's press secretary and is a native of nearby Centralia, Ill. "I'm sure he has his agenda, and I'm sure he'll stick to that."

Ed Martin, director of the Human Rights Office of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, said of the pope: "It's likely he will say something about the issue of violence and gun violence. But I doubt he will say something specific about Proposition B."

The measure was put on the ballot by the Legislature to bypass a promised veto from Gov. Mel Carnahan.

Supporters of the measure say allowing hidden guns will make criminals think twice before advancing on a potential victim.

The St. Louis Police Officers Association, representing about 1,300 members of the force, is backing the measure. Sgt. John J. Johnson, the association's president, said, "Other states that have passed right-to-carry laws have not experienced the carnage that opponents predict."

But Brady said: "More guns, and particularly concealed guns, just mean more trouble. Proposition B is so poorly written it would literally allow convicted criminals to carry hidden Uzi pistols into bars, stadiums and onto school property."

Within a two-month period in 1981, gunfire from would-be assassins nearly killed both Brady and the pope.

Brady, now 58, was shot in the head when John Hinckley tried to kill Reagan on March 30, 1981. Brady's wounds left him in a wheelchair.

The pope was seriously wounded on May 13, 1981, when he was shot by Mehmet Ali Agca in St. Peter's Square in Rome. The attack left the pontiff hospitalized for nearly two months.

Brady and his wife, Sarah, eventually launched a national campaign to reduce gun violence. Their efforts helped lead to the federal Brady Law, which required a waiting period and background check on handgun purchases.

Brady was invited by Mr. Clinton to meet the pope.

"From altar boy to meeting the leader of the pack," he joked.

Written By Jim Salter, Associated Press Writer