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From Outrage to Action
Author: BobR
Date: 03/08/2018 14:02:26
There has been a sense that - for whatever reason - the school shooting in Florida was somehow a tipping point in the national debate on gun violence, gun culture, and the laws which govern purchasing and owning firearms. After the Sandy Hook massacre, I think America was too shocked, too grief-stricken to mobilize in a meaningful way (perhaps it was because of "gun-grabbing" President Obama in the White House). This time it's definitely different. The kids who died and those who survived are on the cusp of adulthood, and have been very eloquent in their descriptions of the horrors, and their desire to effect a change.
After some fits and starts, the FL legislature passed a bill yesterday that addresses some of the issues that lead to these types of school shootings. Some are complaining it is weak tea, but in a state known for its lax gun laws, the changes included are definitely a step in the right direction:
What it doesn't change:
(The above lists are a summarization from the linked NY Times article)
They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and perhaps that is true here as well. If it's possible in FL, it's possible elsewhere, especially when Republican congresscritters are running scared in suburban districts:
What's different is that the public is getting better educated. Our public safety has always superseded constitutional rights, and gun violence has been an ongoing example of a problem long overdue for resolution. The liberals in the cities have known this for decades. The moderate republican suburbanites are seeing their kids in the cross-hairs and finally coming on board. It appears the discussion won't be going away this time.
After some fits and starts, the FL legislature passed a bill yesterday that addresses some of the issues that lead to these types of school shootings. Some are complaining it is weak tea, but in a state known for its lax gun laws, the changes included are definitely a step in the right direction:
- The bill would change the minimum age for all gun purchases to 21 from 18.
- Prospective gun buyers would have to wait three days, or until a background check is completed, whichever is longer.
- Ban bump stocks.
- Arm school employees. It would create a $67 million “marshal†program under which certain employees — including counselors, coaches and librarians, but not full-time classroom teachers — could be trained and armed. (The program would be voluntary.)
- Fund school security.
- Expand mental health services and regulations.
What it doesn't change:
- Ban assault weapons.
- Suspend AR-15 sales.
- Ban high-capacity magazines.
- Strengthen background checks.
(The above lists are a summarization from the linked NY Times article)
They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and perhaps that is true here as well. If it's possible in FL, it's possible elsewhere, especially when Republican congresscritters are running scared in suburban districts:
Matt Borges, the former chairman of the Ohio GOP, lives in a more liberal area of suburban Columbus. "Oh God yes," he replied, when asked whether he was hearing more interest in addressing gun violence.
"It's getting suburban moms, suburban families really into this discussion in a way I have personally never seen before," he said, detailing fights at local schools over whether students could participate in gun control-related walk-outs. "These no longer seem like isolated incidents. Everyone looks around and says, 'What would we do if it happens here?' And [there is] just the sheer sense of panic."
[...]
"It's very clear that an overwhelming majority of Americans want reasonable gun restrictions, and I agree we do not want to in any way diminish Second Amendment rights for responsible gun owners, but we want to do more to make sure those who would be irresponsible gun owners, mass murderers, do not have access to the weapons," said Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a Republican from a deeply competitive Miami-area district, in a recent conversation with reporters.
Others, like Rep. Brian Mast, also of South Florida, have pushed publicly for an assault weapons ban.
"This time," Curbelo added, "has been different already."
What's different is that the public is getting better educated. Our public safety has always superseded constitutional rights, and gun violence has been an ongoing example of a problem long overdue for resolution. The liberals in the cities have known this for decades. The moderate republican suburbanites are seeing their kids in the cross-hairs and finally coming on board. It appears the discussion won't be going away this time.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 14:17:41
Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 14:17:41
In Florida, Marion Hammer, the NRA lobbyist and the most powerful woman in the state is happy with her work this legislative session, she stood tall all 4'11" of her and made libs suck it. Still not happy with the bill. I hope every single school district in the state takes a hard pass on the "marshal" horse-shit.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 03/08/2018 14:19:14
wickedpam on 03/08/2018 14:19:14
Morning 
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 03/08/2018 14:25:34
mornin' errybody.. 
We got about an inch & a half of soggy mush on the ground. At least it seems to be melting away quickly.
Scoopster on 03/08/2018 14:25:34
mornin' errybody.. We got about an inch & a half of soggy mush on the ground. At least it seems to be melting away quickly.
Comment by 
Raine on 03/08/2018 14:34:35
Raine on 03/08/2018 14:34:35
EXcellent post today.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 14:34:54
Nobody is except the NRA because good ol Marion was able to advance the guns everywhere agents.
Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 14:34:54
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
Nobody is except the NRA because good ol Marion was able to advance the guns everywhere agents.
Comment by Raine on 03/08/2018 14:34:54
good morning!
Raine on 03/08/2018 14:34:54
good morning!
Comment by Scoopster on 03/08/2018 14:37:29
Scoopster on 03/08/2018 14:37:29
I feel like over the past couple days the push for gun control has started to fade into the background again, thanks to concurrent scandals and this trade war bullshit.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/08/2018 14:39:03
I've known her since high school, she will not pick up a gun even if they want her too. I suspect she would sue the district if they tried to force her.
wickedpam on 03/08/2018 14:39:03
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
Nobody is except the NRA because good ol Marion was able to advance the guns everywhere agents.
I've known her since high school, she will not pick up a gun even if they want her too. I suspect she would sue the district if they tried to force her.
Comment by 
BobR on 03/08/2018 14:44:14
It is supposedly voluntary, so I don't think there's any risk of that. I imagine this was tossed in to appease the NRA, with no real plan to make it happen
BobR on 03/08/2018 14:44:14
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
Nobody is except the NRA because good ol Marion was able to advance the guns everywhere agents.
I've known her since high school, she will not pick up a gun even if they want her too. I suspect she would sue the district if they tried to force her.
It is supposedly voluntary, so I don't think there's any risk of that. I imagine this was tossed in to appease the NRA, with no real plan to make it happen
Comment by BobR on 03/08/2018 14:45:49
BobR on 03/08/2018 14:45:49
but getting back to the orange menace, there has been some supposition that the court doc reveals that Stormy Daniels had an abortion. Granted, this is the Palmer Report, but it's quoting Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 14:57:50
Bobber, that not how it works in Florida. Marion Hammer, the NRA's lobbyist pretty much tells her puppets in the state legislature what she wants and it will happen, eventually. If the legislature doesn't cooperate, she will send out tweets and email about how they are "traitors" to gun right. She is the woman why gave Florida concealed carry and stand your ground. Hammer is the most powerful person in the state.
A profile of this evil woman in the New Yorker
And a podcast about her influence
Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 14:57:50
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
Nobody is except the NRA because good ol Marion was able to advance the guns everywhere agents.
I've known her since high school, she will not pick up a gun even if they want her too. I suspect she would sue the district if they tried to force her.
It is supposedly voluntary, so I don't think there's any risk of that. I imagine this was tossed in to appease the NRA, with no real plan to make it happen
Bobber, that not how it works in Florida. Marion Hammer, the NRA's lobbyist pretty much tells her puppets in the state legislature what she wants and it will happen, eventually. If the legislature doesn't cooperate, she will send out tweets and email about how they are "traitors" to gun right. She is the woman why gave Florida concealed carry and stand your ground. Hammer is the most powerful person in the state.
A profile of this evil woman in the New Yorker
And a podcast about her influence
Comment by BobR on 03/08/2018 15:08:44
Apparently she's losing some of her power if even this slim selection of restrictions made it through the legislative process
BobR on 03/08/2018 15:08:44
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
Nobody is except the NRA because good ol Marion was able to advance the guns everywhere agents.
I've known her since high school, she will not pick up a gun even if they want her too. I suspect she would sue the district if they tried to force her.
It is supposedly voluntary, so I don't think there's any risk of that. I imagine this was tossed in to appease the NRA, with no real plan to make it happen
Bobber, that not how it works in Florida. Marion Hammer, the NRA's lobbyist pretty much tells her puppets in the state legislature what she wants and it will happen, eventually. If the legislature doesn't cooperate, she will send out tweets and email about how they are "traitors" to gun right. She is the woman why gave Florida concealed carry and stand your ground. Hammer is the most powerful person in the state.
A profile of this evil woman in the New Yorker
And a podcast about her influence
Apparently she's losing some of her power if even this slim selection of restrictions made it through the legislative process
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 15:52:33
I would say those were the ones she okay with. Since no guns were actually banned and the NRA's guns everywhere agenda was advanced. She plays a long game. But since she's 72, she would be around much longer.
Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 15:52:33
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
I know a school librarian in FL, from her FB posts I can tell she is not happy about this at all.
Nobody is except the NRA because good ol Marion was able to advance the guns everywhere agents.
I've known her since high school, she will not pick up a gun even if they want her too. I suspect she would sue the district if they tried to force her.
It is supposedly voluntary, so I don't think there's any risk of that. I imagine this was tossed in to appease the NRA, with no real plan to make it happen
Bobber, that not how it works in Florida. Marion Hammer, the NRA's lobbyist pretty much tells her puppets in the state legislature what she wants and it will happen, eventually. If the legislature doesn't cooperate, she will send out tweets and email about how they are "traitors" to gun right. She is the woman why gave Florida concealed carry and stand your ground. Hammer is the most powerful person in the state.
A profile of this evil woman in the New Yorker
And a podcast about her influence
Apparently she's losing some of her power if even this slim selection of restrictions made it through the legislative process
I would say those were the ones she okay with. Since no guns were actually banned and the NRA's guns everywhere agenda was advanced. She plays a long game. But since she's 72, she would be around much longer.
Comment by 
TriSec on 03/08/2018 16:00:51
TriSec on 03/08/2018 16:00:51
Morning, comrades.
Snow day here in the Western suburbs of Boston. We'll be heading out to play in a little bit.
Snow day here in the Western suburbs of Boston. We'll be heading out to play in a little bit.
Comment by Raine on 03/08/2018 16:06:57
Gonna give this interview a watch later.
Raine on 03/08/2018 16:06:57
Quote by BobR:
but getting back to the orange menace, there has been some supposition that the court doc reveals that Stormy Daniels had an abortion. Granted, this is the Palmer Report, but it's quoting Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC.
Gonna give this interview a watch later.
Comment by Raine on 03/08/2018 17:07:54
Raine on 03/08/2018 17:07:54
The Fuh?!?!
President Trump recognizes departing chief economic adviser Gary Cohn:
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 8, 2018
"He's been terrific. He may be a globalist, but I still like him. He is seriously a globalist, there's no question. But you know what? In his own way, he's a nationalist, because he loves our country." pic.twitter.com/7lJWJhLLIW
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 17:12:28
Mondobubba on 03/08/2018 17:12:28
Quote by Raine:
The Fuh?!?!President Trump recognizes departing chief economic adviser Gary Cohn:
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 8, 2018
"He's been terrific. He may be a globalist, but I still like him. He is seriously a globalist, there's no question. But you know what? In his own way, he's a nationalist, because he loves our country." pic.twitter.com/7lJWJhLLIW
Comment by Raine on 03/08/2018 17:18:31
This is why I was feeling REALLY uncomfortable with that comment.
Raine on 03/08/2018 17:18:31
Quote by Raine:
The Fuh?!?!President Trump recognizes departing chief economic adviser Gary Cohn:
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 8, 2018
"He's been terrific. He may be a globalist, but I still like him. He is seriously a globalist, there's no question. But you know what? In his own way, he's a nationalist, because he loves our country." pic.twitter.com/7lJWJhLLIW
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/08/2018 18:58:20
Will in Chicago on 03/08/2018 18:58:20
Heo bloggers!! I hope that this is the moment we see change happen. It is long overdue.
Comment by 
livingonli on 03/08/2018 20:12:43
livingonli on 03/08/2018 20:12:43
Manafort has plead not guilty to the additional charges. No surprise there.
Comment by Scoopster on 03/08/2018 21:12:01
Scoopster on 03/08/2018 21:12:01
BREAKING: A federal judge in Manhattan just asked President Trump to "unblock" people on Twitter, and instead "mute" them as part of a Settlement. If a settlement is not agreed upon, the judge will make an official ruling very soon, which she claims "they may not like".
— Ed Krassenstein 💎 (@EdKrassen) March 8, 2018
Comment by TriSec on 03/08/2018 21:12:54
TriSec on 03/08/2018 21:12:54
x/c ski today for the first time in maybe 15 years.
My back hurts.
Off for some medicinal distillates!
My back hurts.
Off for some medicinal distillates!
Comment by Raine on 03/08/2018 21:19:52
Pretty please?
*Eyeroll*
Raine on 03/08/2018 21:19:52
Quote by Scoopster:BREAKING: A federal judge in Manhattan just asked President Trump to "unblock" people on Twitter, and instead "mute" them as part of a Settlement. If a settlement is not agreed upon, the judge will make an official ruling very soon, which she claims "they may not like".
— Ed Krassenstein 💎 (@EdKrassen) March 8, 2018
*Eyeroll*
Comment by livingonli on 03/09/2018 01:06:26
livingonli on 03/09/2018 01:06:26
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/09/2018 13:56:26
Mondobubba on 03/09/2018 13:56:26
Quote by Raine:Pretty please?Quote by Scoopster:BREAKING: A federal judge in Manhattan just asked President Trump to "unblock" people on Twitter, and instead "mute" them as part of a Settlement. If a settlement is not agreed upon, the judge will make an official ruling very soon, which she claims "they may not like".
— Ed Krassenstein 💎 (@EdKrassen) March 8, 2018
*Eyeroll*