Guns and Politics: Ted Cruz's Controversial Point and America's Standstill on Gun Control
After offering condolences to the victims of the recent massacre, Senator Ted Cruz warned, "Look out for politicians who will try to politicize this tragedy. You'll see Democrats and the media doing just that." Cruise's warning echoes a common refrain among many conservatives who oppose sensible gun control policies.
Every time the nation experiences another round of senseless violence, where shooters wield weapons once meant for soldiers or movie action scenes, some conservatives urge the federal government do more to curb gun proliferation. Their response is often met with, "Stop politicizing!" Yet, in reality, they are engaging in the very thing they condemn – politicizing guns.
This tug-of-war over gun control reform is the reason why we haven't had a substantial federal response to gun violence since the 1994 ban on assault weapons was passed by a Democratic Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Since then, gun control policy has barely advanced. In fact, it's regressed since the 2004 expiration of the assault weapons ban.
The Supreme Court, with six conservative justices, now stands poised to decide on a case challenging one of the strictest gun control laws in the country, New York's SAFE Act. The state requires a license to carry weapons in public, does not allow convicted felons, nor does it require a "good moral character" or "justified reason" for carrying a weapon.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to grapple with an unending series of school shootings, leaving us in a state of sorrow and despair. The shooting at Robb Elementary took place nearly a decade after the Sandy Hook massacre, where a 20-year-old man killed 20 children and six adults at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Some legislators called for stricter gun control measures, but others resorted to offering "thoughts and prayers" and nothing more.
Each new shooting triggers the same pattern: anger, proposals for gun reform, and many Republicans, concentrated among them, hold their ground, staunchly opposing any political changes. Some even demand that gun control proponents "stop making a political issue of this," while they wait for public attention to wane. Their strategy is working.
Over time, public opinion on gun control has shifted, seemingly on account of the increasing number of gun deaths. In a 2019 Pew Research survey, 93% of Democrats and 82% of Republicans expressed support for mandatory background checks during private gun sales and at gun shows. A 2021 Pew Research report revealed that 53% of Americans believe gun control should be stricter. The support for stricter gun control is stronger among Democrats, but there is a majority for some form of gun control reform in all parties.
However, despite shifting public opinion, there haven't been many legislative changes. HR 8, a 2019 House-passed bill aimed at extending federal background checks for gun purchases, was rejected by the Senate, like many other gun control bills.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, an ardent supporter of gun control, spoke out following the latest shooting and accused Senate Republicans of prioritizing their political careers over saving lives. Kerr's statement hit the proverbial nail on the head.
The fact that we don't adopt gun control measures can be attributed to political maneuvering, rather than principled disagreement.
The gun control opposition holds significant political influence. Organizations like the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Gun Rights Association boast a large, loyal membership base and abundant financial resources. They have invested heavily in the political system and, in recent years, have aligned themselves more closely with the Republican Party, as Democrats have become more vocal in their support of gun control policies.
Republican leaders are well aware of which side of their bread they must butter. With the acrimonious electoral climate in the House and deeply polarized state voter bases, it's no surprise that Republican lawmakers remain steadfast in their opposition to any meaningful gun reforms, solely seeking re-election.
Of course, certain Democrats also look for political advantages and financial backing. But even the Democratic Senator from West Virginia, Joe Manchin, a staunch defender of gun rights, has supported efforts to expand background checks. On the whole, Democrats favor such legislation more than Republicans. The failure to enact gun control is increasingly becoming an issue for the Republicans.
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Gun control advocates face an endless cycle of needless violence, and they are right about one thing – politics must change. It's time to push for gun control legislation and halt the political interests that hinder our citizens' safety, including our children.
