In February of 2018, I wrote an essay saying that I believe a gun ban in the U.S. in inevitable. Four years have passed and no gun ban, so perhaps I’m wrong. But I’m going to lay out my arguments anyway, and you can see what you think.
I have had folks tell me that it is their god given right to own guns. I am not sure how the 2nd amendment became elevated to this level of religious significance. These are my colleagues that are smart and educated and yet this is what they carry in their hearts. Where do you go from there? I vote. But it feels so senseless when children die.
I love this. I agree 100%. I, too, was raised in a rural, hunting community. Most of the older men in my family hunt, so I'm not completely unaware of that culture. But you are 100% correct that none of the tiny little compromises that have ever been proposed in government, have ever had any effect. Chief Justice Warren Burger is quoted as saying that the gun lobby's interpretation of the second amendment "has been the subject of one of the greatest pieces of fraud, I repeat the word fraud,' on the American public." People act like there is nothing we can do about that wholly wrong interpretation of the 2nd amendment. But we actually have two choices: 1) interpret it correctly, as meaning that it refers to the establishment of a military, not the arming of every idiot who wants a gun; and 2) we can change it! It's an amendment. We can amend it, or abolish it, or rewrite it. It's not like we haven't done this to our constitution before. I am tired. I am heartbroken. I'm glad you've written this, it's brilliant and touches on every point, and it gives me hope that there are good, sensible people with good, sensible thoughts on this subject. I vote 100% Democratic. But I'm scared for this country. I'm in despair. I just don't know if we can be saved from these evil, powerful people anymore.
Thank you for another thoughtful response to the insanity. It is frustrating when most people want it to stop and our politicians don't act. My own belief is that the chaos will not end until we do more to end voter suppression. Right now, we don't need to encourage people to vote--we need to abolish the obstacles to voting. Australia is an example of what a true democracy looks like—it’s response to the last mass shooting there in 1996 and its handling of COVID resulting in a death rate that is 1/10th of the US levels is proof. Similar to US demographics (60% urban, 40% rural), similar spectrum of people who identify themselves as conservative or progressive—and yet, at the end of the day, sanity rules. Voting is mandatory (fines are less than $15) but this seems to be one of the only ways to ensure a strong democracy vs. the oligarchy which currently rules this country. I would choose mandatory voting over school massacres any day. What is at the forefront of my mind amidst the limiting of our civil rights, rampant mass shootings, inequalities in education and housing, etc. is that mandatory voting is not even on the table but rather we are still arguing about access to voting, what other democracy limits access to voting to its current eligible voters? Protests will only get us so far—putting the power of our government truly in the hands of its people is the only way to stability and reason.
Thank you for this. I agree 100%. Those of us who want our elected officials to do something need to keep on them. Call them every day. Get your friends to call them. Email them, I'm forwarding this to my elected officials. We can't just sit around and expect our officials to grow a back bone. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Let's let them hear our voices.
I've been struggling with how to respond to an argument that both of my parents have made in the past and in the wake of yesterday's shooting in Texas. "The schools are not doing a good enough job at keeping kids safe." When my father said that schools need to be designed better, I questioned it by saying that would be a massive infrastructure project to already underfunded schools.
Thank you for another thoughtful article. I think we should strike the start of school this Fall. Until we have true gun reform, educators and parents should refuse to start the new school year.
I agree 100%. 1000%. We have tried to get reasonable accommodations from the gun lobby. Nothing. So yes…I am in favor of a total gun ban. Now the NRA is right…we ARE coming for their guns. We have no choice.
I am from Texas and like you, grew up with hunters and around guns. I used to think if responsible gun owners could get on board with common-sense gun regulation, things would get better. It’s clear that’s not happening. I agree that we need a ban. I don’t know how any sensible person can read the text of the 2nd Amendment and think it gives Americans free, unrestricted access to guns. And now, living in Australia, looking in at the U.S. from the outside, it’s horrifying to see this keeps happening. I’ve met so many Australians who have no interest in ever visiting the States due to the gun violence and many expats who never want to return because of it.
Hi Gabi My heart is breaking for the families in Texas. Do American hunters hunt for food or for sport generally?
this is absolutely brilliant. thank you again for your thoughtful words and insights.
Thank you for raising your voice. It’s insane and infuriating that nothing changes, tragedy after tragedy.
I have had folks tell me that it is their god given right to own guns. I am not sure how the 2nd amendment became elevated to this level of religious significance. These are my colleagues that are smart and educated and yet this is what they carry in their hearts. Where do you go from there? I vote. But it feels so senseless when children die.
Ah, such common sense, thank you. With all sincerity, my fellow Australians and I cannot fathom why these laws cannot be changed. Such senselessness….
I love this. I agree 100%. I, too, was raised in a rural, hunting community. Most of the older men in my family hunt, so I'm not completely unaware of that culture. But you are 100% correct that none of the tiny little compromises that have ever been proposed in government, have ever had any effect. Chief Justice Warren Burger is quoted as saying that the gun lobby's interpretation of the second amendment "has been the subject of one of the greatest pieces of fraud, I repeat the word fraud,' on the American public." People act like there is nothing we can do about that wholly wrong interpretation of the 2nd amendment. But we actually have two choices: 1) interpret it correctly, as meaning that it refers to the establishment of a military, not the arming of every idiot who wants a gun; and 2) we can change it! It's an amendment. We can amend it, or abolish it, or rewrite it. It's not like we haven't done this to our constitution before. I am tired. I am heartbroken. I'm glad you've written this, it's brilliant and touches on every point, and it gives me hope that there are good, sensible people with good, sensible thoughts on this subject. I vote 100% Democratic. But I'm scared for this country. I'm in despair. I just don't know if we can be saved from these evil, powerful people anymore.
Thank you for another thoughtful response to the insanity. It is frustrating when most people want it to stop and our politicians don't act. My own belief is that the chaos will not end until we do more to end voter suppression. Right now, we don't need to encourage people to vote--we need to abolish the obstacles to voting. Australia is an example of what a true democracy looks like—it’s response to the last mass shooting there in 1996 and its handling of COVID resulting in a death rate that is 1/10th of the US levels is proof. Similar to US demographics (60% urban, 40% rural), similar spectrum of people who identify themselves as conservative or progressive—and yet, at the end of the day, sanity rules. Voting is mandatory (fines are less than $15) but this seems to be one of the only ways to ensure a strong democracy vs. the oligarchy which currently rules this country. I would choose mandatory voting over school massacres any day. What is at the forefront of my mind amidst the limiting of our civil rights, rampant mass shootings, inequalities in education and housing, etc. is that mandatory voting is not even on the table but rather we are still arguing about access to voting, what other democracy limits access to voting to its current eligible voters? Protests will only get us so far—putting the power of our government truly in the hands of its people is the only way to stability and reason.
This is 💯!! White male power, money, and control over any other human life. It is disgusting.
Brilliant! Do you think you'll create one of your amazing twitter threads with this? I would love to share it.
Thank you for this. I agree 100%. Those of us who want our elected officials to do something need to keep on them. Call them every day. Get your friends to call them. Email them, I'm forwarding this to my elected officials. We can't just sit around and expect our officials to grow a back bone. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Let's let them hear our voices.
I've been struggling with how to respond to an argument that both of my parents have made in the past and in the wake of yesterday's shooting in Texas. "The schools are not doing a good enough job at keeping kids safe." When my father said that schools need to be designed better, I questioned it by saying that would be a massive infrastructure project to already underfunded schools.
Thank you for another thoughtful article. I think we should strike the start of school this Fall. Until we have true gun reform, educators and parents should refuse to start the new school year.
I agree 100%. 1000%. We have tried to get reasonable accommodations from the gun lobby. Nothing. So yes…I am in favor of a total gun ban. Now the NRA is right…we ARE coming for their guns. We have no choice.
Love this!! Thank you 🤍
Gabi, you are my shero! Your words are so perfect for this moment.
I am from Texas and like you, grew up with hunters and around guns. I used to think if responsible gun owners could get on board with common-sense gun regulation, things would get better. It’s clear that’s not happening. I agree that we need a ban. I don’t know how any sensible person can read the text of the 2nd Amendment and think it gives Americans free, unrestricted access to guns. And now, living in Australia, looking in at the U.S. from the outside, it’s horrifying to see this keeps happening. I’ve met so many Australians who have no interest in ever visiting the States due to the gun violence and many expats who never want to return because of it.