Why Do We Live in Fear of Lobbyists?
Yesterday, our national leaders failed to pass a bill touted as “common sense” legislation that would extend the use of background checks in gun sales. It was hoped that the bill might help keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of people ill-equipped to use them for legal purposes.
In the land of the free, the only adults who do not have a right to carry guns are those with already detected serious mental impairment and those with criminal convictions.
Who knows if the bill would have made a difference or not? Many of the gun tragedies are committed by people with undetected mental impairment.
But at least, someone was trying. Someone was looking for answers outside the status quo.
If ever there was an opportunity to prevent the growing list of tragedies such as Sandy Hook, it is now—just four months after we buried 20 first-graders and the people who taught them.
Gun lobbyists stand in the way, promising to make election or reelection difficult for any candidate who attempts to tighten control on the rights of individuals to wield instruments of considerable destruction.
Military grade weaponry is impractical for personal defense. They just don’t fit in pocket or purse!
I can’t recall ever hearing that a home was protected by the fortunate owner of an AR-15 Bushmaster Semi-automatic Rifle, the weapon used at Sandy Hook. Perhaps just knowing it might be there by the nightstand is enough to keep the bad guys away. Just imagine the scene:
Honey, I think I hear a burglar.
Don’t worry, dear. I just loaded my rifle with a 100-cartridge clip last night.
There is an answer to the power of the lobbyists. It doesn’t require supporting a host of smooth-talking advocates to wine and dine your representatives in Washington.
The answer is to create an online lobby. There is nothing to join. No dues to pay.
Use the mightiest weapon in the world. The keyboard.
If you support tighter gun controls, write about it online. Don’t just write to your senators and congressional representatives. Write to the world.
Lobbyists are needed only when they represent a self-interest—most likely a minority self-interest.
Their voice is heard because . . . well, because THEY use it.
Now, as Senator Toomey said, on to other problems like the economy. We don’t seem to be able to solve that one either.