Politicians are already changing the subject. And, it started at the top. There will be no talk of guns when there is the remote possibility of something or someone else to blame. For Donald Trump, it was mental illness. Here’s what Trump tweeted this morning:
So many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, even expelled from school for bad and erratic behavior. Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 15, 2018
Yes, folks, he is blaming neighbors and even fellow students, but NOT guns.
As for mental illness, it was Trump himself who has made it easier for the mentally ill to buy guns. As NBC reported almost exactly a year ago the President signed a bill revoking Obama-Era Gun Checks for People With Mental Illnesses.
Trump isn’t the only one dodging the gun issue. Florida Governor Rick Scott gave the line we’ve heard time and again that there’s a time to talk about guns and that time is not now.
Reporter: After Florida school shooting, will you take a stand on mental health and gun control?
Florida Governor Rick Scott: "There's a time to continue to have these conversations" https://t.co/Gup7LBCLJz pic.twitter.com/YLgkD5aDez
— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 15, 2018
Chris Cuomo of CNN says he invited Florida Governor Rick Scott and Florida Senator Marco Rubio to appear to discuss the incident and how to prevent them from happening again. He says they refused but the two politicians did appear on Fox News this morning.
I would argue my voice next to meaningless. Few – even in my business -have been to more of these shootings. I say the same things every time. I can’t even get republicans on the show, let alone to ask the FIRST question: WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TO STOP SCHOOL SHOOTINGS? https://t.co/AeOdmx7n79
— Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) February 15, 2018
If you really want to know why the politicians suddenly grew quiet, just take a look at this piece from Quartz. The NRA spends millions to keep the status quo. And to further their agenda.
“The National Rifle Association and its affiliates spent over $50 million in political advertisements in the last US general election, boosting Republicans who promised to support the NRA and targeting Democrats who propose stricter gun laws.”
It’s tough to fight back against that kind of money. But you can make your voice heard. Call your lawmakers, vote, protest, do what you can because you know it’s going to happen again.