How to Require a Firearm Control Action
The heartbreaking headlines announcing a new mass shooting in the United States have become a darkly familiar part of the news cycle, and yet the legislation that imposes restrictions on firearms appears to be largely unchanged. Feeling helpless and angry? You are not alone or helpless. I spoke with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action , for instructions on specific steps the average citizen can take.
Make firearms safety legislation your top priority when selecting candidates
“The first thing you can do is vote for the safety of the weapon,” Watts says. “You can find out what position your legislator takes on this issue. Does he or she have an A rating from the NRA? »Gun rights advocates are very careful to ensure that their representatives act on their behalf; Firearms control activists must be equally vigilant. For example: “Heidi Haytkamp, Democratic Senator from North Dakota, voted against background checks after Sandy Hook. So if you want to vote for her, you have to reconcile that [with your willingness to vote for gun control candidates], ”Watts says.
Follow the money
“Number two is finding out how much money your representative gets from the NRA. Rubio made some … interesting statements yesterday [after the Florida school shooting], but he took $ 3 million in campaign donations from the NRA . ” Obviously, no politician funded by arms industry lobbyists will prioritize safety legislation. Knowing where they get your money will clarify the priorities of your representatives.
Vote
“Register to vote and have your friends vote,” Watts says. The November midterm elections are just around the corner. Rock The Vote will tell you how strict voting rules are in your state (automatic voter registration, same day voter registration, etc.). Contact your representatives and let them know, for example, your attitude towards voter ID laws. Contact RTV or Spread the Vote or your local NAACP office for information on how to register and mobilize voters in your area. Any other ideas on how to vote? Leave them in the comments.
Get candidates to declare their position
“We want the candidates to be formally announced [their position on gun safety legislation],” Watts says. Moms Demand Action is sponsoring volunteer events, and they are introducing a new tool for public accountability: the “ Gunslinger Candidate Questionnaire, ” which the organization’s volunteers will use to pressure candidates and representatives to voice their views on safe handling. weapons in front of the public. write down. If they dodge or chat, Watts says, “turn against them.” You can find events at Moms Demand Action or Everytown for Gun Safety , its partner organization. If you don’t have a branch near you, start one.
Run for the office
If there is no one else, – says Watts, – then you need to run yourself. Now there is a moral duty to run for office. Any office, not just Congress – city council, school council, sheriff. Seventeen per cent of the 500,000 elected positions are held by women, and when women are in office, they are pursuing policies that are more in line with gun safety regulations. But we need more than women – we need everyone to flee, especially people who have been victims of gun violence … or any caring American who thinks he has learned enough about politics and is now ready to pursue it . In November, 13 of our volunteers ran [for state and district offices] and nine won. More than 400 people want to participate in future elections. “
Watts began Moms Demand Action on December 15, 2012, just after the Sandy Hook massacre. Since then , there have been more than 200 shootings in schools . This is a test of character for every person in this country. Stop feeling helpless and angry: pick up the phone, print out your uniform, walk to your representative’s office, lace up your sneakers – what if all else fails? Run.