Another week in America with communities ripped apart by gun violence. More children dead, more still traumatized, and more blood on Republican politicians' hands as they not only do nothing to stem the tide of violence, but, as we've previously discussed, actively block popular legislation that could address the madness. The saddest part is that such horror has become so commonplace in our society, that you may not have even noticed. But just because Americans' souls are so weary from this violence, does not mean we do not care, nor that we believe nothing but "thoughts and prayers" can be used to address this epidemic.
We've discussed previously popular and uncontroversial policies like Universal background checks (94%); Assault weapons ban (63%); Requiring gun license (77%); and just stricter gun laws generally (61%), but recent polling suggests an appetite among Americans for even more aggressive interventions:
"Would you support or oppose a law allowing the police to take guns away from people who have been found by a judge to be a danger to themselves or others?" Support: 86% Oppose: 12%
Many of the polling issues we've reported on have greater support than one would anticipate, but frankly this is one of the most stunning results yet. A quick look on the mainstream media gives the impression of a country deeply divided on gun ownership rights, where any activity to restrict guns risks alienating law-abiding, freedom-loving citizens. Yet the reality is, that only one in ten Americans think that the second amendment's protection extends irrevocably to those who have been legally ruled a danger to our society.
Still, that vocal minority might argue that requiring judicial oversight before one's guns can be confiscated is sufficient due process (especially when a common refrain by these types is that they are law-abiding, responsible gun owners), yet draw the line on more widespread confiscation. Are the American people with them?
"Would you support or oppose a mandatory buy back program in which the federal government would require assault weapon owners to turn in those weapons in exchange for payment?"
Support: 52%
Oppose: 44%
It turns out that former Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke was onto something with his proposed mandatory buy back program. While this issue doesn't reach the level of super-majority support and thus isn't officially supported by DSOT, it is important context that a clear majority of the country now feels gun violence has reached such a fevered pitch, that mandatory buybacks would be a good thing. America is a country crying out for profound gun regulation.
Our cries, however, will not be enough. We know that our politicians are bought off by the NRA and other special interest groups that blocks their ears to our pleas. If we are to bring democratic representation back to America, it will take a broad and enduring movement of people, demanding change and putting pressure on the powerful. We must not just raise our voices in advocacy for the right to survival, we must actively and creatively engage with our representatives and the populace to pass legislation to protect ourselves and each other from the scourge of gun violence. This fight is vital to a thriving democracy, and only through enduring socio-political-economic movements like DSOT can we hope to achieve our goals. Join us every Tuesday, in growing solidarity and power until we take back our democracy from amoral special interests, and greedy politicians: Don't Shop on Tuesdays!
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