In an emotional news conference, sharing the stage with children who had written in to him about their fears concerning guns, President Obama announced a sweeping plan to curb gun violence in America.

To demonstrate his commitment to this issue, Obama has pledged not to kill any children in the Middle East with drones for 72 hours.  “He’s just not going to do it,” said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, “even if the children are playing in the vicinity of a high-value target.”

Critics have pointed out that since the details of drone attacks are classified, there will be no way of knowing for sure whether or not the President keeps his pledge not to kill any children for three days — the President’s supporters insist, however, that “it’s the thought that counts”.