The GOP's Dangerous Love Affair with Military-Grade Weapons
The GOP's Dangerous Love Affair with Military-Grade Weapons
Top Story: The GOP’s Military-Grade Weapons
Last week in Butler, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump was almost killed by a man with a military-grade weapon.
This week, in Milwaukee, the GOP celebrates its love affair with — among other things — guns.
There are few items this newly dangerous party cherishes more than weapons that can murder people at a rapid rate. And political ads remind us of that every election season.
The shooting was indeed tragic.
Yet, it offers us journalists a crucial opportunity to clarify and clearly define where the folks on our beat, who are running for office — and/or holding office — stand on these dangerous weapons.
The assassination attempt wasn't an anomaly - or the beginning of violence in America. It was an alarming reminder of where we are now, thanks to a long-term effort to flood our country with weapons and increase the national appetite for military arms.
We owe it to our communities to learn and then report on how this happened, and to hold accountable leaders who have placed the needs of the gun industry over the needs of their constituents.
Here’s how?
READ THE NEW YORKER ON HOW THE NRA WENT FROM GUN CLUB TO GUN LOBBYING GROUP.
READ THE GUN VIOLENCE ARCHIVES
READ THE TRACE ON HOW FEAR SELLS GUNS.
Tips for Reporting on War Weapons on Your Beat
Understand how violence, rage, racism and guns converge in America.
Avoid terms the NRA came up with. “Gun-rights” is one of them. It was drummed up by gun-sellers to normalize military-grade weapons in our neighborhoods.
Candidates who support the legalization of military-grade weapons are putting our children at risk. Their position on this crucial matter deserves top billing.
The NRA and other gun-rights groups pay politicians to support their industry. Make sure you understand how this works and report on the industries funding pro-gun candidates.
Just because mass-shootings are now a near-weekly event, keep reporting on them.
The Fact About Fire Arm Violence
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