I’ve spent 18 years fighting for gun control. Here’s how we win

[livingston]

I’ve spent 18 years fighting for gun control. Here’s how we win
Eighteen years ago I applied for a permit to march on Washington, called it the “Million Mom March,” and scheduled the protest for Mother’s Day 2000. More than 750,000 protestors turned out on the National Mall. Another 250,000 poured into sister marches across the country. This spring, the March for Our Lives surpassed those numbers. It was a promising sign that the gun control movement is finally regaining momentum after failing miserably to keep Americans safe.



We’ve failed for a few reasons, but here’s a big one: Each successive wave of activists failed to internalize and build upon their predecessors’ wins. That’s resulted in (among other things) a long history of disastrous branding.

If the generation of reformers inspired by the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High is going to succeed in passing meaningful gun control legislation, it will need to follow the lead of the school’s namesake–by keeping at it and never giving up. A tenacious suffragist and lifelong conservationist, Stoneman Douglas was at the White House when Bill Clinton signed the landmark Brady Bill in 1993, seven long years after activists like her began fighting for it. Indeed, if the gun control movement’s history tells us anything, it’s that women–and especially mothers–have the tenacity it takes to win real victories over the long term. The post-Parkland generation will need to craft a durable brand that includes them.

Shortly after the Columbine High School massacre, in April 1999, I searched online for an organization dedicated to protecting my children, then ages 4 and 5, from gun violence. What I found was a badly branded mess known variously as the “gun control,” “gun reform,” “gun safety,” “gun sense,” and “gun violence prevention” (GVP) movement. Whatever you called it, none of the organizations under that many-named banner had the funding or visibility of their nemesis, the National Rifle Association (NRA), a well-known brand since 1871. Even worse, none seemed eager to attract the demographic most likely to support gun control: women
More at...
I’ve spent 18 years fighting for gun control. Here’s how we win

 

[Dinkus the Stinkus]

They will continue to believe they can win up until they enact communism and the tyrant they put in charge starts killing people and throwing others into camps.

 

[Criticalt]

I heard these same words after Columbine, then after Sandy Hook, now after Parkland.
Still, no national AW ban and no meaningful national gun laws.
In fact, a handful of states have loosened their gun laws.
Gun sales are at an all time high and, after declining for a few years, the number of new gun owners is rising again.

 

[Steal2B]

Donna Dees - Thomases is not a housewife activist mom. They fail to mention she was a long time CBS exec responsible for Dan Rather's Public Relations and her S-I-L / friend is Hillary Clinton's long time advisor and best friend. She is a connected political operative.

 

[livingston]

Donna Dees - Thomases is not a housewife activist mom. They fail to mention she was a long time CBS exec responsible for Dan Rather's Public Relations and her S-I-L / friend is Hillary Clinton's long time advisor and best friend. She is a connected political operative.

She and Hillary must get together and bake cookies ...

 

[Catskillkid]

Donna Dees - Thomases is not a housewife activist mom. They fail to mention she was a long time CBS exec responsible for Dan Rather's Public Relations and her S-I-L / friend is Hillary Clinton's long time advisor and best friend. She is a connected political operative.

This right here. Her and Shannon Watts and all the others are not the regular house fraus that they make themselves out to be. They're well-connected, high-status, well-funded political operatives. And regardless of where you stand on gun control, they do not have your best interest at heart.

 

[livingston]

What I found was a badly branded mess known variously as the “gun control,” “gun reform,” “gun safety,” “gun sense,” and “gun violence prevention

They are looking for that one catchphrase ... They have managed to change the AR15 to an assault weapon ... Even in the dictionary .... Quoted in legal courtrooms ... Now it is ..... weapons of war ....

 

[Grimscale]

I heard these same words after Columbine, then after Sandy Hook, now after Parkland.
Still, no national AW ban and no meaningful national gun laws.
In fact, a handful of states have loosened their gun laws.
Gun sales are at an all time high and, after declining for a few years, the number of new gun owners is rising again.

Are you quoting the article? Or are you being sarcastic?

"Meaningful gun laws" to these people means total ban. "Meaningful gun laws" to us means...oh wait, we already have it. It's called the Second Amendment.

And why would you WANT a national (so-called) Assault Weapon ban?

 

[Criticalt]

Are you quoting the article? Or are you being sarcastic?

"Meaningful gun laws" to these people means total ban. "Meaningful gun laws" to us means...oh wait, we already have it. It's called the Second Amendment.

And why would you WANT a national (so-called) Assault Weapon ban?

What on earth are you talking about?
Im saying that after every mass shooting we hear these anti gunners saying stuff like this lady.
About how "its finally time", and "heres how to win".
However, its never the time and they never win.
As far as the AW ban, sure, a national ban would be great. Get the free states in on the fight.

 

[Jmac00]

I found was a badly branded mess known variously as the “gun control,” “gun reform,” “gun safety,” “gun sense,” and “gun violence prevention” (GVP) movement. Whatever you called it, none of the organizations under that many-named banner had the funding or visibility of their nemesis, the National Rifle Association (NRA),

Thats because all these individual anti-gun organizations only have one thing in common ~~~ money! They all work by O--P--M Other Peoples Money. They believe THEIR ORGANIZATIONS way to disarm Americans is the BEST way. If they ever figure out that they could actually accomplish more by combining into one giant organization, THEN I might worry about them. I honestly don't ever see that happening.

Mom's Demand Action/Everytown is only around because of the never-ending flow of money into it organization from Bloomturd. If Bloomturd ever turned off the money flow, the entire organization would disappear in less than a month. Same with many of the other anti-2A organizations.

 

[Jmac00]

there is one *other thing* that needs to be mentioned here.

MANY middle-class American's have bigger concerns than gun control. Many families today are living paycheck to paycheck. Even though the economy is gaining strength we still see people going about there daily lives, doing there very best to provide for their families and children. Gun control IS NOT THEIR BIG CONCERN.

Paying the utility bill, having enough money for groceries and getting the new sneakers little Johnny wants, are of much bigger concern.

Yes, people understand that mass shootings happen. But, if we are being honest. 95% of people don't see that happening to THEM! and they really don't care. Can you blame them, no!

As I said back in Dec. of 2016. President Trump should do well if he can get the economy moving forward. He has accomplished just that! he reduced taxes, increased employment (especially among blacks) and has removed America from international deals that do not benefit the country in any way.

If and when people go to vote in Nov., gun control is not going to be a deal breaker or deal maker. The economy is. If President Trump can keep the economy going. if he keeps taxes low (despite that idiot cuomo) and if GOP runs on those terms, I think we, on the right, have a decent shot at winning in Nov. despite the MSM portraying President Trump as the bad guy.

 

[Marine Cpl]

What on earth are you talking about?
Im saying that after every mass shooting we hear these anti gunners saying stuff like this lady.
About how "its finally time", and "heres how to win".
However, its never the time and they never win.
As far as the AW ban, sure, a national ban would be great. Get the free states in on the fight.

They never get it because they never controlled both houses and the presidency at the same time. They will eventually.

 

[Marine Cpl]

What gets me is that we control all 3 now and still nothing. Republicans are just as bad as Democrats. Worse even because they pretend to be on your side.

 

[Grimscale]

What on earth are you talking about?
Im saying that after every mass shooting we hear these anti gunners saying stuff like this lady.
About how "its finally time", and "heres how to win".
However, its never the time and they never win.
As far as the AW ban, sure, a national ban would be great. Get the free states in on the fight.

Ahh, whew. Scared me for a second there.

 

[dsdmmat]

What on earth are you talking about?
Im saying that after every mass shooting we hear these anti gunners saying stuff like this lady.
About how "its finally time", and "heres how to win".
However, its never the time and they never win.
As far as the AW ban, sure, a national ban would be great. Get the free states in on the fight.

They can’t win because those in power don’t want it ( the money would dry up) from 2008-2010 ( technically 20 Jan 2009- Jan 2011) they had both house in congress ( including a super majority in the senate) and the presidency all they did was get Obamacare. They didn’t try gun control because they knew the cash would stop flowing into their campaign war chests if the did.

 

[Steal2B]

What gets me if that we control all 3 now and still nothing. Republicans after just as bad as Democrats. Worse even because they pretend to be in your side.

The Republicans do not really have the Senate because of the 60 vote filibuster rule. Shummer can block anything that needs more than 50 votes. Magic Mitch went Nuclear option for some confirmations and certain budget items are a simple majority. There are hundreds of bills that passed the House since Trump was elected that are stalled in the Senate because Democrats just say FU if it is not a bill that the Democrats are REALLY looking for that are filled with expensive compromise pork extortion. FUCS FUKG

 

[GOPerfect]

They never get it because they never controlled both houses and the presidency at the same time. They will eventually.

Obumma owned all of Washington...

Starting January 2009, at the beginning of the 111th Congress, in the month that Barack Obama was inaugurated president, the House of Representatives was made up of 257 Democrats and 178 Republicans. There is no question that Democrats had total control in the House from 2009-2011. On January 20th, 2009, 57 Senate seats were held by Democrats

 

[dsdmmat]

Obumma owned all of Washington...

Starting January 2009, at the beginning of the 111th Congress, in the month that Barack Obama was inaugurated president, the House of Representatives was made up of 257 Democrats and 178 Republicans. There is no question that Democrats had total control in the House from 2009-2011. On January 20th, 2009, 57 Senate seats were held by Democrats

Plus they had McCain, Spector, Snowe, and Collins.

 

[GOPerfect]

These assholes will not pass any real Gun control because deep down inside they do not want it. They know the American people do not want real control.

It is better for them not to pass anything so they can stay on the Nightly news bitching and complaining!

 

[Mosinitis]

I remember that day very well. Million Mom march of 2000. I was driving to a match at Camp Smith. On Cross Bronx Expressway I encountered Channel 7 Eyewitness News van. I sped up to catch up with the van, opened the window and gave them the middle finger salute. He accelerated and so did I. This went on for about 3 minutes until we parted ways (this was early in the morning, very light traffic). I did a few other crazy things as well, I bet some of the politicians still remember me.

 

[S&W Fan]

I have been fighting Aginst gun control for Twice as long, I’m tenacious and “ I “ have No intentions of giving up either. Bitch !

 

[Marine Cpl]

Obumma owned all of Washington...

Starting January 2009, at the beginning of the 111th Congress, in the month that Barack Obama was inaugurated president, the House of Representatives was made up of 257 Democrats and 178 Republicans. There is no question that Democrats had total control in the House from 2009-2011. On January 20th, 2009, 57 Senate seats were held by Democrats

He wasn't going to do it in his first term or else he wouldn't get reelected. That would have been suicide.

As far as the majority of Americans not wanting gun control, I don't actually agree with that. I think most are indifferent. Even in free states most are indifferent. Many don't see things like we do. Many only own handguns and the occasional fudd gun for hunting. They don't really think limitations are against the 2A. That believe background checks are a good thing. They believe guns should be required to be locked up and not stashed around the house. They cannot fathom an apocalypse.

I go to Florida occasionally. Lately at least once or twice every 2 years. You see lots of AR's but the majority are fudd guns. Same goes when I shoot in PA. More fudd guns than anything. About 60 percent fudd and 40 non fudd. Believe it or not, I actually saw more AR's here in NY. I think that's due to the infringement mentality and when you can get something, you get it.

 

[Mosinitis]

Overwhelming majority of people who are anti-gun don't vote on that issue. They just have an opinion. Most of pro-gun people vote on that issue. Even in red states pro-gunners are not the majority, but it's a big enough voting block for politicians not to fuck with.

 

[tony]

Anyone see this?

H.R.5087 Assault Weapon Ban

 

[Steal2B]

Anyone see this?

H.R.5087 Assault Weapon Ban

It is referred to committee where it will sit as long as Republicans control the House. It has like 175 cosponsors and EVERY COSPONSOR IS A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT. No republican, or moderate democrat has endorsed this bill. If dems get control of House, it will go to Senate and anti-2A slimeballs will need 60 votes to go to the President's desk. If it passes, the whole country will live with our NY Safeact type suffering forever since the progressives have already squashed the infrastructure needed for a groundswell to take place and the Supreme Court is still well left of center.

 

[Twogunwilly]

They never get it because they never controlled both houses and the presidency at the same time. They will eventually.

Oblowboy had a super majority for 2 years and couldn't get it done.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Oblowboy had a super majority for 2 years and couldn't get it done.

He could have but he wouldn't have been reelected.

 

[Steal2B]

Oblowboy had a super majority for 2 years and couldn't get it done.

It may be different now. 10 years ago DC elected officials believed there would be a consequence for a vote against the second amendment but the 2A lobby may have been weakened by a well funded campaign by the media, hollywood, progressive liberals, socialist academia, and tide eating snowflakes. The counter to those loons may be weakened by complacent FUDDs, and self inflicted wounds from cranky old gun owners too cheap or stubborn to do anything but bad mouth the only viable mechanisms available to support the Second Amendment (the NRA, and supporting at risk Republicans in Congress from purple districts who face opponents heavily endowed by Bloomberg, Soros, the DNC, and the money hiding behind anti gun activists )

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

It may be different now. 10 years ago DC elected officials believed there would be a consequence for a vote against the second amendment but the 2A lobby may have been weakened by a well funded campaign by the media, hollywood, progressive liberals, socialist academia, and tide eating snowflakes. The counter to those loons may be weakened by complacent FUDDs, and self inflicted wounds from cranky old gun owners too cheap or stubborn to do anything but bad mouth the only viable mechanisms available to support the Second Amendment (the NRA, and supporting at risk Republicans in Congress from purple districts who face opponents heavily endowed by Bloomberg, Soros, the DNC, and the money hiding behind anti gun activists )

I think this is a good point.


I'm personally starting to think that maybe the best possible thing in a strategic sense is to lose the battle to win the war.

to let the dems get their way. Let them pass a national safe act of safe act 2.0.

When millions of angry texans, Tennesseans, floridians, etc all freak out our voices would not be able to be ignored. Politicians from those states would freak out. It might be our best chance to get a comprehensive SCOTUS court case to strike down this crap once and for all.

And if it never makes it to SCOTUS or God forbid our side loses the case due to a stacked court, then we can expect mass civil disobedience and non compliance. More than a trampled lawn and one way or another events will lead to the issue being resolved.

My biggest fear is they gradually chip away at us incrementally. That is the left's most successful tactic and the one we struggle most to stop. If I had to choose between the left taking a small bite out of our rights, I would prefer they bite off more than they can chew and choke on it, perhaps their eyes will finally be bigger than their stomachs.

 

[1911guy]

I’ve spent 18 years fighting for gun control. Here’s how we win
Eighteen years ago I applied for a permit to march on Washington, called it the “Million Mom March,” and scheduled the protest for Mother’s Day 2000. More than 750,000 protestors turned out on the National Mall. Another 250,000 poured into sister marches across the country. This spring, the March for Our Lives surpassed those numbers. It was a promising sign that the gun control movement is finally regaining momentum after failing miserably to keep Americans safe.



We’ve failed for a few reasons, but here’s a big one: Each successive wave of activists failed to internalize and build upon their predecessors’ wins. That’s resulted in (among other things) a long history of disastrous branding.

If the generation of reformers inspired by the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High is going to succeed in passing meaningful gun control legislation, it will need to follow the lead of the school’s namesake–by keeping at it and never giving up. A tenacious suffragist and lifelong conservationist, Stoneman Douglas was at the White House when Bill Clinton signed the landmark Brady Bill in 1993, seven long years after activists like her began fighting for it. Indeed, if the gun control movement’s history tells us anything, it’s that women–and especially mothers–have the tenacity it takes to win real victories over the long term. The post-Parkland generation will need to craft a durable brand that includes them.

Shortly after the Columbine High School massacre, in April 1999, I searched online for an organization dedicated to protecting my children, then ages 4 and 5, from gun violence. What I found was a badly branded mess known variously as the “gun control,” “gun reform,” “gun safety,” “gun sense,” and “gun violence prevention” (GVP) movement. Whatever you called it, none of the organizations under that many-named banner had the funding or visibility of their nemesis, the National Rifle Association (NRA), a well-known brand since 1871. Even worse, none seemed eager to attract the demographic most likely to support gun control: women o
More at...
I’ve spent 18 years fighting for gun control. Here’s how we win

I wish you continued failure in your endeavors.