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ScratchMoore t1_j8y1bk5 wrote

Then my next question would flip that coin. Instead of blaming Democrats for their anti-gun policies (which, other than a few in the very minority, do not involve banning guns or removing guns already purchased), what policies have the Republicans put forth to help in regards to gun violence?

I hesitate to turn this into a Dem vs Rep debate because it’s just about “pro-me and anti-you” catchphrases and sloganeering at that point.

But republicans die in mass shootings just as much as democrats do. Bullets don’t know your registration. Why are Republicans wearing AR-15 or AK-47 or whatever those pins are? Why are they glorifying the gun?

I hear many folks say it’s a mental health issue. Well then, why do I not see any proposals from those on the right to increase mental health budgets? Or institute health care that could allow those who are poor or mentally I’ll to have better access to the tools that could possibly help them overcome their homicidal urges?

It seems to me that Dems at least have proposals to do SOMEthing about the problem. True, I admit that some of those proposals may not be feasible or popular or whatever term you’d like to use, but at least they want to have a discussion. I see absolutely nothing coming from the Reps. They refuse to even talk about any restrictions on guns. They refuse to increase mental health access. They refuse to increase any kind of health benefits at all. What proposals to stop this epidemic have Republicans put forth, other than thoughts and prayers?

I’m trying not to sound glib, but it’s difficult when it comes to this issue. Why not close the private sale/gun show loophole so folks can’t circumvent the waiting list? Why not have a registry? Why not reinstitute the Clinton-era assault weapon ban? It is 100% factual that during the years that was in place, mass shootings were at a low compared to before and after it. It’s been proven to work.

There are steps that can be taken, by BOTH sides. I know there are deeper problems, like getting money out of politics. The NRA and their dollars make it impossible to even have a conversation about it. Remember after Parkland in Florida? The state legislature wouldn’t even allow a discussion on the floor about what could be done. Reread that - they didn’t stop politicians from proposing any legislation. They didn’t even allow the DISCUSSION about what they could do. That is vile and reprehensible and indefensible, in my opinion.

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hydrospanner t1_j8yba65 wrote

If you're looking for someone to defend the GOP keep looking. I'm no friend of their platform.

I'm not offering solutions or presenting either party as superior to the other on this issue, just pointing out issues that I perceive from my position.

As far as why the GOP does nothing: why would they? They're perfectly politically content to let the Democrats do all the work, since all they have to do is keep opposing it for votes. The portion of their voter base that are one issue gun voters need only silence and inaction to secure their vote.

Politically, the moment the GOP suggests anything that even suggests a hint of gun control, there's a riot in their base. So literally doing nothing but opposing Democrats on guns both attracts and holds those votes...it's the perfect political situation for them in that not only is a minimum of effort required, but the maximum benefit is realized specifically by saying the least about it.

As far as why no mental health proposals, that's easy too: that costs money. Any sort of initiative on that front means increasing taxes or pulling that funding from elsewhere, and if there's anything the modern GOP is clear about, it's that healthcare isn't their deal. Hell they're still adamant they want to take healthcare options away, why would they want to add more?

Ultimately it's just lazy and effective politics. By refusing to even talk about it, they can maintain the status quo, which is a situation in which their voters support their silence on the matter and opposition to proposals to upset the status quo...and on the other side it makes a huge issue for their politicians because while the GOP base wants no new gun control, the Dem base is screaming at them to do something. By preventing anything from being done, the GOP is making their opponents' lives that much harder too.

It's not that the GOP likes the shootings, it's just that being anti-gun control is such an easy position to maintain politically while securing a big chunk of votes.

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