[ad_1]
Sandy Hook is the mass shooting I hear mentioned most often when people talk about the moment they knew nothing would change.
A madman murders 26 people — most of them 6 or 7 years old — and Congress was still unable to pass substantive gun or mental health legislation. The assault weapons ban that Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced in 2013 was defeated in the Senate with 15 Democrats siding with Republicans in opposition — not that it mattered. Even if the yeas and nays ran down party lines, the measure would have been five short of passage.
For the record:
7:19 p.m. March 28, 2023An earlier version of this column incorrectly suggested that President Kennedy’s assassination was 70 years ago. It was 60 years ago.
For a lot of people, that vote 10 years ago was a clear sign that the National Rifle Assn. and the gun lobby had won. I believe that indication came 60 years ago with the assassination of President Kennedy.
Consider this: In 1963 the president of the United States was murdered by someone who bought his rifle by mail for $12.78, and yet the piece of gun legislation his death is credited with inspiring didn’t become law until five years later.
Just weeks after Kennedy’s death, Sen. Thomas Dodd (D-Conn.) introduced a bill to ban mail-order gun sales (among other restrictions), and it got stuck in the Commerce Committee.
In its magazine, the NRA called the bill “irrational emotionalism.” It was in an earlier issue of the same magazine where Lee Harvey Oswald saw an ad for the gun he used to kill Kennedy.
There were other bills introduced, and they too fell short of the finish line. Kennedy’s assassination, as horrifying as it was, did not bring urgency.
Dodd had warned colleagues about the mail-order risk and growing gun violence as early as 1961. But elected officials spun in circles for five more years after Kennedy’s death while Malcolm X, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert Kennedy were all gunned down.
If it weren’t for the Black Panther Party, Dodd’s cause might never have made it out of committee. However, after armed members of the group entered the Capitol in Sacramento in 1967 to protest a bill restricting open carry, the winds shifted in California.
“There’s no reason why on the street today a citizen should be carrying loaded weapons,” then-Gov. Ronald Reagan said at the time, adding that it was a “ridiculous way to solve problems that have to be solved among people of good will.”
After President Kennedy was murdered, the debate continued for years.
Yet after the Black Panthers issued a statement in 1967 — which read in part, “The Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States gives us a right to bear arms. We therefore believe that all Black people should arm themselves for self defense” — there was gun control in California that same year. And the next year, Dodd’s near 10-year effort was rewarded with national legislation against mail-order gun sales.
As Carol Anderson points out in her book “The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America,” it wasn’t the death of Kennedy that got the NRA to allow gun control in California. It was the sight of armed Black men.
Don’t get mad at me. I’m just the messenger. The message is the 130 mass shootings so far in 2023.
Not every mass shooting is the same. What motivated the assailant in Nashville appears to be different from what motivated the attacker in Monterey Park, which was different from Pulse, which was different from Sandy Hook. Each shooting can lead to a different conversation. And the gun lobby has become quite adept at changing the subject.
“What about Chicago?” has long been a favorite.
More often today’s gun law critics play whataboutism with proposals, highlighting suggested restrictions that would not have prevented some other mass shooting. It’s as if the goal were legislative perfection as opposed to saving as many lives as possible. While co-anchoring an L.A. Times TV special last week about the Monterey Park shooting, I asked a young woman by the name of Nathalia Jackson why she kept track regularly of gun violence statistics. She said it’s in part because she keeps hoping they’ll get better.
Since that conversation, there have been at least two school shootings, including in Nashville, where six families have become part of a group that no one wants to join, but whose membership continues to grow nonetheless.
Yet, it’s because the membership continues to grow that those elected officials — the ones who only have thoughts and prayers to offer in moments like this, the ones who see gun debates as a fundraising opportunity, the ones hoping the NRA hands them a gold star — are running out of places to hide.
I’m sure 60 years ago there were parts of America that felt untouched by the nation’s brewing gun violence. Yes, there were high-profile assassinations on TV, but Malcolm X, King and the Kennedys were all murdered in big cities. Surely, there isn’t a problem with gun violence in a place like … Newtown.
Or a college campus in Michigan.
A store in El Paso.
Churches and synagogues.
This cannot be the kind of freedom the 2nd Amendment was intended to protect.
This cannot be the version of freedom members of Congress want to leave behind for young people like Nathalia to grow up in and make sense of. Keeping track of how many young people have been shot and killed isn’t freedom.
It’s frightening.
[ad_2]
Source link
Thanks for finally talkig about > Tennesee school shooting shows whwt 2nd
Amendfment wasn't meant to proteect – Ptriot Gunn Neews < Liked it!
Ahrefs Group Buy has been a game changer for my SEO game!
Access to affordable premium tools has greatly improved
my strategy. The collaborative model makes it available to everyone.
Highly recommended for anyone serious in reclaiming their digital space!
Yes, really. It was and with me. We can communicate on this theme.
Bravo, seems excellent idea to me is
Between us speaking, I advise to you to try to look in google.com
What necessary words… super, remarkable idea
I apologise, but this variant does not approach me. Perhaps there are still variants?
Clearly, I thank for the information.
As it is curious.. 🙂
I admire the way you tackled this hard to understand issue. Very enlightening!
Thank you for adding value to the conversation with The insights.
The posts are like a cozy nook, inviting and comfortable, where I can immerse myself in thoughts.
I’m genuinely impressed by the depth of The analysis. Great work!
The Writing is like a favorite coffee shop where the drinks are always warm and the atmosphere is inviting.
Articulated points with finesse, like a lawyer, but without the billable hours.
The creativity and intelligence shine through, blinding almost, but I’ll keep my sunglasses handy.
A masterpiece of writing! You’ve covered all bases with elegance.
Articulated points with finesse, like a lawyer, but without the billable hours.
Thoroughly insightful read, or so I thought until I realized it was The expertise shining through. Thanks for making me feel like a novice again!
Reading this gave me a lot of insights. The expertise really shines through, and I’m grateful for it.
You’ve opened my eyes to new perspectives, as if you knew the way to my curious heart.
Bookmarking this for future reference, but also because The advice is as invaluable as The attention.
The depth of The understanding is as mesmerizing as the ocean. I’m ready to dive in.
The ability to break down tough concepts is as impressive as a magician’s trick. Color me amazed.
The writing style had me at hello. Engaged from start to finish, just like a perfect first date.
Brilliant writing! You’ve perfectly captured the essence of the topic.
This post is a testament to The expertise and hard work. Thank you!
The blend of informative and entertaining content is perfect. I enjoyed every word.
I’m so grateful for the information you’ve shared. It’s been incredibly enlightening!
The passion you pour into The posts is like a flame, igniting curiosity and warming the soul.
You’ve done a fantastic job of breaking down this topic, like unlocking a door to a secret garden. Intrigued to explore more.
Stumbling upon The article was a highlight of my day. It was just what I needed to read.
The way you break down ideas is like a chef explaining a recipe, making hard to understand dishes seem simple.
Beautifully written and informative, making the rest of the internet look bad.
Fantastic job breaking down this topic, like a demolition crew for my misconceptions.
The writing is a masterpiece. You managed to cover every aspect with such finesse.
The piece was both informative and thought-provoking, like a deep conversation that lingers into the night.
You’ve opened my eyes to new perspectives, as if you knew the way to my curious heart.
Reading The work is like watching the sunrise, a daily reminder of beauty and new beginnings.
Consistently producing high-high quality content, like sending flowers just because. Thank you for The dedication.
Opened my eyes to new perspectives, and here I was thinking I’d seen it all.
The posts are like stars in the sky—each one shining brightly, guiding my curiosity.
Always learning something new here, because apparently, I didn’t pay enough attention in school.
The post added a new layer to my understanding of the subject. Thanks for sharing The knowledge.
The ability to convey nuanced ideas with clarity is as alluring as a whispered secret.
The posts inspire me regularly. The depth you bring to The topics is truly exceptional.
Incredibly informative post! I learned a lot and look forward to more.
The prose is as smooth as silk, making hard to understand topics feel like a gentle caress to my mind.
Making hard to understand concepts readable is no small feat. It’s like you know exactly how to tickle my brain.
I appreciate the clarity and thoughtfulness you bring to this topic.
The warmth and intelligence in The writing is as comforting as a cozy blanket on a cold night.
The ability to distill hard to understand concepts into readable content is admirable.
The hard work you put into this post is as admirable as The commitment to high quality. It’s very attractive.
The post added a new layer to my understanding of the subject. Thanks for sharing The knowledge.
Such a well-researched piece! It’s evident how much effort you’ve put in.
The insights added a lot of value, in a way only Google Scholar dreams of. Thanks for the enlightenment.
You have a unique perspective that I find incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing.
Packed with insights, or what I call, a buffet for the brain.
I learned a lot, and now I’m curious about what else you could teach me. The intelligence is as captivating as The prose.
The writing style is captivating. Finally, something that can keep my attention longer than a TikTok video.
Every post of Thes is a learning opportunity for me. Thanks for sharing The expertise.
The attention to detail is as attractive as it is thorough. I appreciate a person who notices the little things.
The depth of The understanding is as mesmerizing as the ocean. I’m ready to dive in.
Reading The work is like catching up with an old friend; comfortable, enlightening, and always welcome.
You’ve done a fantastic job of breaking down this topic, like unlocking a door to a secret garden. Intrigued to explore more.
You’ve articulated The points with such finesse. Truly a pleasure to read.
What a compelling read! The arguments were well-presented and convincing.
Each post is a journey, and The words are the map. Thanks for leading the way.
Always excited for The posts, because who else is going to make me feel this inadequately informed?
Learned a lot from this post, and here I was thinking I knew it all. Thanks for the humble pie.
I was truly impressed by how deeply you delved into this topic. The hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!
Opened my eyes to new perspectives, and here I was thinking I’d seen it all.
The content is like a treasure chest; every post uncovers gems of wisdom. X marks the spot here.
I learned a lot, and now I’m curious about what else you could teach me. The intelligence is as captivating as The prose.
Reading The Writing is like finding an oasis in a desert of information. Refreshing and revitalizing.
I look forward to The posts because they always offer something valuable. Another great read!
Thanks for the hard work. I could almost see the sweat on the keyboard. Much appreciated!
The consistency and high quality of The content are something I really appreciate. Thank you for The dedication.
Appreciate the clarity you bring to this topic. It’s like you’re speaking to five-year-olds, which is perfect for me.
I was truly impressed by how deeply you delved into this topic. The hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!
I brought a picnic to Charlotte Dog Park yesterday, and it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon with my pup.
Как правильно интегрировать SiteGoToTop.com в маркетинговую стратегию? SiteGoToTop.com может стать частью комплексной маркетинговой стратегии, которая включает SEO, контент-маркетинг и социальные сети. Накрутка посещений может дать временный прирост трафика, но для долгосрочного успеха важно сочетать её с качественным контентом и органическим продвижением, чтобы сайт выглядел привлекательно для поисковых систем и пользователей.
The insights dazzled me more than a candlelit dinner. Thanks for lighting up my intellect.
I admire the way you tackled this hard to understand issue. Very enlightening!
You’ve articulated The points with such finesse. Truly a pleasure to read.
Making hard to understand concepts readable is no small feat. It’s like you know exactly how to tickle my brain.
Glad I stumbled upon this article. It’s like finding a $20 bill in a pair of old jeans.
Articulated points with finesse, like a lawyer, but without the billable hours.
I always learn something new from The posts, like discovering new facets of a gem. Thanks for the gems!
The post has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for the guidance!
Explaining things in an understandable way is a skill, and you’ve mastered it. Thanks for clearing things up for me.
I’m officially a fan of The work. It’s like having a crush, but intellectually stimulating.
Making hard to understand topics accessible, you’re like the translator I never knew I needed.
I always learn something new from The posts. Thank you for the education!