It is not uncommon for a single issue to sway an election. In my lifetime, Lyndon Johnson refused to run for reelection, and it was because of the failure of the Vietnam War. Jimmy Carter had a well deserved reputations for honesty and integrity. Gerald Ford had pardoned Richard Nixon; Carter easily defeated the Republican. Many politicos believe that the Iran hostage situation swayed voters as Ronald Reagan became our 40th president. The economy remained in shambles in 1992, and Bill Clinton survived a vicious campaign by Republicans to win the White House. For George W. Bush, it was not a single issue; it was two failing and obviously unwinnable wars, and an economic policy which forced our nation’s economy into a near depression. In 2008 John McCain was defeated by Barrack Obama, who became our first black president. Many believe that his choice of Sarah Palin was the primary cause for McCain’s defeat. Not only was she unqualified to succeed McCain if necessary, she lacked the intellect to make carefully considered decisions for our nation in a crisis. Which brings us to the 2016 election.
Nearly a year-and-a-half later we know that several factors gifted Donald Trump the presidency, including excessive media coverage by a failed fourth estate, Republican’s misleading attacks on Hillary Clinton, an announcement just 11 days before the election by then FBI Director James Comey that he was reopening the investigation into Hillary’s private e-mail server, and Russian interference by hacking into DNC computers, and extensive use of social media to disparage Hillary and favor Trump.
On November 6th the midterm election will be held. It will be the most important election in our nation’s history. Today Republicans control both houses of congress, and therefore the government. In the senate, Republicans hold 51 seats; Democrats 47; and Independents 2. Independents usually vote with Democrats. In the House, Republicans hold 240 seats; Democrats 194. As of this day, 38 House Republicans have chosen to retire and will not be up for reelection in November. The party which has 218 or more of the 435 controls the House, and will most likely elect the Speaker from their own.
After the horrific massacre of 17 individuals on Valentine’s Day at a high school in South Florida, gun control and gun laws are at the forefront of public discussion; on par with the Trump/Russia investigation.
The American people are tired of words, thoughts, and prayers, they are demanding action. Younger Americans are fully engaged this time, and they will no longer accept the fact that they are all too often the targets of white supremacists, and white terrorists.
There have been 18 shootings at our nation’s schools in 2018. This year is on pace with 2016 and 2017 to experience more mass shootings than days on the calendar. In less than one year three of the most horrific mass murders have occurred, and nothing has been done. In October of 2017, 58 men and women were shot to death in Las Vegas; 200 were injured. In November, a long gunman walked into a small church in Texas while a service was being held and murdered 26 men, women, and children, while they sat in the pews. Five days ago a lone gunman slaughtered teachers and students in a Florida high school. What they all had in common was one fact; each had legally purchased one or more military-style assault rifles, with high output magazines.
Comprehensive background checks are mandatory. Mentally challenged Americans and men and women on Homeland Security’s ‘no-fly’ list must not be allowed access to weapons of mass destruction. But this is not enough.
When did it become legal to purchase military weapons? They are not used for hunting or anything else other than to kill as many of the enemy as possible in the shortest amount of time. This makes absolutely no sense.
The 19-year-old young man who chose to murder his former classmates legally purchased an AR-15, and multiple high-output magazines. In Florida it is illegal to sell a pistol to anyone under 21. Who in the hell wrote this law, and what morons voted for it?
If Republicans once again fail to act; and I believe that they will; will this be the single issue to dominate the election?
Voters are tired of being ignored; we demand that our elected officials serve us. We are not their servants, we are the masters. Republicans constantly vote against the will of the people and continue to serve special interests. This must stop.
The NRA gun lobby owns every Republican politician in Washington. Will November’s election become a statement from and by the people? It’s time to take our country back.
The Republican Party has existed in name only for 25 years.
Three of the worst mass shootings in our country have been allowed to happen under Trump’s illegitimate presidency. He continues to blame each tragedy on other issues than the use of military-style weapons.
Saturday one courageous man wrote a long message on Facebook. Ben Dickmann is a Floridian, a conservative, and the proud owner of multiple guns. He walked into the Broward County Sheriff’s office and surrendered his AK-45 to them. He announced this fact to all Americans, suggesting that it was time for every owner of a military-style weapon to dispose of their killing machines. I sincerely hope that tens-of-thousands of other clear-thinking and patriotic Americans will follow his lead. As Mr. Dickmann said ‘this should have happened 20 or 30 years ago.’
Op-ed by James Turnage
Image courtesy of DonkeyHotey
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