http://www.michaelmoore.com/...
The NRA, for the first time ever, has gone silent. They've taken their Facebook page down. They know they can't show up in Newtown next week and stick it to the people there, like they usually do after one of these mass killings. Let's face it, the gun lobby tonight is on the ropes. Now is the time to act. We can't let this sad moment pass without a true response and a president willing to be a strong leader.
Omitting the obviously unbearable grief that this community is feeling, can you, just for a moment, imagine what it must be like for Michael Moore, who, a decade ago, made Bowling for Columbine and now, a decade later, has to live to see this tragedy in Connecticut?
I am truly beside myself this time. I tried to ring a warning bell about this a decade ago. The disease has only gotten worse.
It must be both saddening and enraging that he pleaded with America and its politicians who would not listen. To have to see the Republicans force the assault weapons ban into expiration. And to have the knowledge that only until 20 children ages 5-6 and 6 of their teachers were shot and killed in brutal fashion with said assault weapon, was ANY type of crime even committed.
However, all is not lost!
But...you feel something different in the air across America tonight, don't you? People have had it and the outrage is loud and visible. I'm convinced the majority of Americans will now back strong gun control laws. And a better mental health care system. And perhaps a few are willing to look at the deeper issue of how this country officially sanctions violence as a means to an end.
I can say with 100% confidence that I DO feel
something different tonight Mr. Moore. All one must do is check out Obama's speeches since this tragedy happened on Friday.
Like
this one.
Or
this one.
Or the
one from his visit to Newtown today.
Noticing a general theme? In every single speech, you have this general idea:
We have endured far too many of these tragedies over the last few years.
We're going to have to take more meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this from happening. Regardless of politics.
(emphasis mine)
Want more evidence do ya?
A prominent senator, Dianne Feinstein, has unapologetically promised to introduce a bill banning (or to be correct, RE-banning) assault weapons.
An article from our very own at Daily Kos.
Some more? What does Erick Erickson of the super-right-wing website RedState think (not about his own ideology, but the mood/direction of this debate)?
(warning, other than this short quote, extreme right wing religious stupidity follows. Click the link at your own risk).
http://www.redstate.com/...
We are beginning again the debate and confrontations about gun control. It is a debate worth having and, whether we want to or not, we will have it.
(emphasis mine)
Although it is pathetic that it took the deaths of 20 children and 6 teachers for people like Erickson to say "It is a debate worth having", it IS a positive change from "You are a socialist to even want to discuss this, buhbye" (he didn't literally say this, but before this tragedy, it seemed like their twisted view of the second amendment trumped any "discussion").
So, I agree with you Mr. Moore. NRA's actions are UNPRECEDENTED. Obama's tone HAS changed. A bill is already in the works. And the most nutty right wing shills are having to admit that the discussion has to happen.
As the weeks go on and the debate is fired up in DC, we will need you in this fight, so thanks for your help. Lets see if any good can come of this otherwise horrific event.
In the mean time, lets all keep Newtown, Connecticut in our thoughts.
6:16 AM PT: I am honored to be on the rec list!
There's a first time for everything!
Here's one hell of an update:
Check out DailyKos member jamess's diary.
It details how Joe Scarborough has decided to change his stance to pro assault weapon ban for the children's sake!!!!!!
A COMPLETE 180 on this. This is becoming more than a momentum shift people, and that bodes well.
3:26 PM PT: Yet another voice (from the other side) joins the growing chorus for gun control.
Sen. Joe Manchin, with an A rating from the NRA, has come to his senses!!!!
Momentum!