Gun violence has tragically become just a fact of everyday life in America. In the first week of the new year, there have already been seven mass shootings across the U.S. Yet conservatives who have the gall to call themselves ‘pro-life’ continue to rally against any sort of sensible gun law reform.
The most recent mass shooting took place at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida on Friday, January 6. The shooting killed five people and wounded six. The shooter, 26-year-old Esteban Santiago, used a handgun that he had packed in his checked baggage.
The Gun Bill
In the days leading up to this tragedy, Florida Republicans were pushing for SB 140. ThinkProgress explains the implications of this state bill:
“[It] would repeal laws which, among other things, ban guns in airport terminals like the one where the shooting occurred. If passed, the legislation would allow those with concealed carry licenses to bring guns into passenger terminals.”
Unfortunately, shootings like this one do not deter advocates of such bills. Republican Greg Steube is the new Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a sponsor of the bill. He says:
“If you want to kill as many people as possible before the cops arrive then you are likely to go to a place where law-abiding citizens can’t carry. That’s what we’ve seen, time and time again and why I think we shouldn’t have them.”
Still, one might hope that all of this madness might lead to a bipartisan effort to rethink gun laws among some politicians.
A Time For Politics
But Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) said that he didn’t even speak to President Barack Obama after the horrific events. Instead, he talked only to President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. In response, a reporter asked:
“Wouldn’t it be appropriate to call the president for resources?”
Scott’s only response was to say:
“I have a personal relationship with Vice President Pence and President-elect Trump, and I reached out.”
Clearly Republicans intend to continue avoiding the issue of gun control altogether, going so far as to only talk with one another in the wake of tragedies like this one. When a reporter asked Scott whether a weapons ban in airports should be considered, Scott responded:
“It’s horrible what happened here. It’s not time to be political. It’s a time to mourn those that lost their life, finish an investigation, and pray for everybody who is still fighting for their life.”
On the contrary, Governor Scott, politics is critical right now. Politics shapes the world that we live in, and these mass shootings will continue until politics intervenes.
Featured Image: Screenshot Via YouTube Video.
