Assault Rifles were created with a single purpose; to kill many human beings as quickly as possible. They never should have become available to civilians. We must rid our nation of these weapons of mass destruction, but the NRA gun lobby and cowardly Republicans prefer to experience more shootings in our nation’s schools.

Several businesses have taken steps to force GOP politicians to change their minds.

‘DICK’S Sporting Goods’ is a very large chain with more than 675 stores across the United States. Management has decided not to sell assault rifles beginning immediately. Also no longer for sale are high-output magazines. In addition, no guns of any type will be sold to anyone under the age of 21.

Edward Stack is the CEO of ‘DICK’S,’ and made the following statement.

“When we saw what happened in Parkland, we were so disturbed and upset,” Mr. Stack said in an interview Tuesday evening. “We love these kids and their rallying cry, ‘enough is enough.’ It got to us.”

He added, “We’re going to take a stand and step up and tell people our view and, hopefully, bring people along into the conversation.”

The word my fellow Americans is ‘courage;’ courage to do the right thing. Reno has a ‘DICK’S’ store, and any sporting goods I purchase will be from them. This company is run by true Americans. The average price of an assault rifle; just the weapon alone; is $600. If every store in Dick’s chain sold just one each month, they are willing to give up $405,000 in sales. If one was sold each week, the number would be $1,620,000.

Another CEO is likely throwing a tantrum. Wayne LaPierre is the hypocrite who runs the NRA gun lobby. His views are 180 degrees in the opposite direction of Mr. Stack’s. He doesn’t care if more people die from the use of an assault rifle by a deranged killer. He simply wants to increase the profits of gun manufacturers and gun sellers.

I am proud to know that one business places people before profits; this is the America in which I was raised. Unlike the NRA and the entire Republican Party, I am extremely happy to know that most Americans remain compassionate.

I have a dream. I hope that other large sporting goods chains follow the example of ‘DICK’S.’ The only god the NRA and Republican politicians worship is money; and money is the only language they understand. This type of action will ‘hit them where it hurts.’

Let’s all follow and thank the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We must never forget the 17 students and teachers who were murdered on Valentine’s Day. This fight is just; this fight is for them, and the 26 children and teachers who were slaughtered at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Op-ed by James Turnage

SOURCE

Photo courtesy of Mike Mozart

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