Gun Violence, A Shift in Morality and Values
What Happened to "Us?"
Morality by Jonathan Sacks — the shift from ‘We’ to ‘I.’
Rabbi Sacks' background in philosophy provides readers with a journey through the history of moral and political thought."
During this past July 4th holiday celebrations, there was an outbreak of mass shootings. ABC reports it was a bloody weekend for the United States as it celebrated its independence. Many Americans heard gunshots instead of fireworks.
Twenty-two mass shootings occurred in 17 states and Washington, D.C., from Friday to Wednesday morning, leaving 20 dead and over 100 injured.
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Man holding My Gun, My Country, handwritten cardboard sign, gun laws, second amendment rights, NRA, mass shootings, freedom, liberties,[/caption]
Why does this continue to happen? Why can't this be stopped?
Money is a major factor in why gun violence can't be stopped. What the individual wants precedes the greater good.
I fear that our elected officials are more interested in the marketplace and profits than the collective or communal health of the nation.
The Second Amendment to the Constitution, adopted in 1791, protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. For many, owning guns is a right and a fundamental aspect of American identity. The U.S. has a higher gun violence rate than other developed nations.
Interpreting the second amendment has a complicated history.
This debate over the Constitution ignores that all Americans must protect our democracy. It is impossible to protect freedom when people use guns of many murder other people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2019, there were over 39,000 firearms deaths, including homicides, suicides, and accidents. It raises significant concerns about public safety and prompts calls for stricter gun control measures.
Despite the staggering statistics on gun violence, Republicans often oppose gun control measures. There are several reasons for this stance:
Conservative Republicans believe the right to bear arms is a fundamental constitutional right. They argue gun control measures violate the Second Amendment. They believe laws should be enforced and mental health issues should be addressed to reduce gun violence.
The NRA strongly influences American politics, especially in the Republican Party. The NRA has influenced Republican politicians to oppose gun control.
Self-Defense and Distrust in Government: Many Republicans believe gun ownership is essential for self-defense. They fear gun control measures will leave law-abiding citizens defenseless against criminals. Republicans distrust government power and view gun ownership as a protection against tyranny.
The Right Wing of the Republican Party supports individual freedom and limited government involvement. That ideology is at odds with gun control measures, seen as government overreach into individual liberties.
Guns and gun violence in the United States is multifaceted and deeply entangled with history, culture, and politics. Republicans oppose gun control because of constitutional issues, political power, culture, and beliefs. Finding a balance between gun control and the right to bear arms is a complex challenge.
Money from the NRA has been shown to block gun control legislation. The gun lobby has historically influenced U.S. politics, using various strategies to influence lawmakers. Here's how it happens:
Campaign Contributions: The gun lobby donates money to the campaigns of politicians who support their views. These contributions can be significant and help ensure a candidate has the financial resources to run an effective campaign. Politicians may vote against gun control if funded by the gun lobby.
PACs and Super PACs can spend money to oppose gun control. This independent expenditure is often as advertisements that can significantly shape public opinion.
Grassroots Mobilization: The gun lobby also uses its resources to mobilize grassroots supporters. For instance, the NRA has a large and politically active membership. The NRA encourages its members to oppose gun control legislation. Politicians often take notice of such mobilization as it reflects the sentiment of their constituents.
Rating System: The NRA, in particular, uses a rating system to grade politicians based on their voting records and stances on gun issues. A high rating from the NRA can be an asset for a candidate seeking election in a pro-gun district or state, while a low rating can be used against them. This rating system can pressure lawmakers to vote in line with the NRA's positions.
Gun lobbyists meet with politicians to advocate for their positions. Direct contact can be powerful, especially with donations and political backing.
