The United States is continuing to deal with the aftermath of mass shootings this past weekend that left some 31 people dead in El Paso and Dayton. Republicans have been slow as always in bringing out any kind of substantive plan to address the carnage, but they and President Donald Trump this Friday on Twitter have brought out one plan now — implementing universal background checks for gun sales. Still, even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the measure would come up for debate and Trump tweeted in support of the idea on Friday, there are some glaring holes. It’s taken them this long to get around to even acknowledging the idea in the first place, and on Twitter, Trump made sure to make clear that he plans to “respect” the National Rifle Association’s views on the matter!
When did they become a citizen of the United States or lose someone to gun violence last weekend, again? Oh that’s right; they didn’t, but the pull of their money is just too strong for the GOP to avoid.
Trump shared on Twitter:
‘Serious discussions are taking place between House and Senate leadership on meaningful Background Checks. I have also been speaking to the NRA, and others, so that their very strong views can be fully represented and respected. Guns should not be placed in the hands of mentally ill or deranged people. I am the biggest Second Amendment person there is, but we all must work together for the good and safety of our Country. Common sense things can be done that are good for everyone!’
For Trump to talk like this is a feat of arrogantly “preaching to the choir.” The Democratic majority House already passed a bill implementing universal background checks for gun sales. We don’t need you to tell us how great you are and what great things can be done, Trump. We need you to — for once — do them or get out of the way of those who are!
It’s worth noting that yet again, Trump has ignored the threat of the kind of white supremacy that he packs into his own widely distributed rhetoric. Instead of acknowledging an issue with the El Paso shooter decrying a Hispanic “invasion” of Texas just like he did, he prefers to point to “mentally ill and deranged people” as the problem. In other words, we’re still going around in circles.
Check out Twitter’s response…
Featured Image via screenshot
