One thing you’ve most likely heard by now could be that America has a really tragic downside with weapons and thus, gun violence and mass shootings. In 2022, there have been 647 mass shootings, or roughly 1.77 each single day. In 2023, which started lower than 34 full days in the past, there have been 54 mass shootings, together with one which left 12 folks useless. Gun violence within the US is considerably increased than most different nations on this planet; in comparison with different rich nations, the US blows the competitors out of the water, and never in a great way. Clearly, that is no approach to reside, and in the event you’re an individual who wish to keep away from being killed in a mass taking pictures on the grocery retailer or anyplace else, you’d most likely like elected officers to do one thing about all of this. Sadly, Republicans have made it abundantly clear that stopping mass shootings just isn’t considered one of their priorities, and for some, it’s apparently a downright joke.
All through the week—which occurs to be Gun Violence Survivors’ Consciousness Week—numerous far-right lawmakers, together with the newly elected representatives George Santos and Anna Paulina Luna, have proven up in Congress sporting AR-15 pins on their lapels, within the place the place congresspeople often show American flags. Why? To personal the libs, or one thing. After days of questions re: who was passing these offensive items of paraphernalia out, Consultant Andrew Clyde, who was additionally seen carrying one on Wednesday whereas criticizing gun restrictions, revealed himself, saying: “I’m Congressman Andrew Clyde for Georgia’s ninth District. I hear that this little pin I’ve been giving out on the Home flooring has been triggering a few of my Democrat colleagues. I give it out to remind folks of the Second Modification of the Structure and the way necessary it’s in preserving our liberties. If I missed you on the Home flooring, please cease by my workplace in Cannon, I’ve lots extra to present out.”
As Enterprise Insider revealed final 12 months, Clyde owns a firearms retailer in Athens, Georgia, that’s ranked fourth on Yelp. So the stunt might not have merely been an offensive insult to gun-violence victims and their households, however some free promoting.
In response to Clyde’s tweet, Consultant Barry Moore responded, “Save a pin for me!” Earlier within the day, proud gun-nut Lauren Boebert declared on the Home flooring that what this nation wants is extra weapons:
Republicans have blamed principally every little thing aside from weapons because the issues that trigger mass shootings. A brief on no account complete checklist of those excuses embody: too many doorways; not enough God; single mothers; unarmed lecturers; faculties being designed with out “journey wires” and “man traps”; and girls having rights.
