Framing the danger of guns as a public health risk will change the debate over gun control

[SecularMotion]

When Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed his state’s so-called guns everywhere law, it marked the latest in a string of legislative defeats for gun-control activists. Since the December 2012 Sandy Hook murders, 20 states have loosened gun laws . Georgia has now upped the ante with a bill that allows people to carry concealed weapons into bars, churches, schools and airports and prohibits law enforcement from requiring someone to show their gun owner’s license .

To be sure, there have been meaningful successes for gun-safety advocates. But since Sandy Hook, the majority of gun laws passed in state legislatures around the country have loosened restrictions. How did this happen? Why did the nation respond to such a heinous crime by relaxing gun laws?

For progressives, there’s an easy answer — the money and lobbying clout of the National Rifle Association. This has an obvious appeal and even a modicum of truth. But as a Democratic strategist who looks at the relationship between public opinion and political reality, I fear that this answer has become a crutch: a comforting story progressives tell ourselves to avoid facing the fact that the country trusts the NRA more than us on this issue. After Sandy Hook, advocates expected a mighty backlash against legislators standing in the way of common-sense gun laws. But the opposite has happened: Only those legislators supporting stricter gun laws are at risk.

The problem is that supporters of new gun restrictions have traditionally approached the issue of gun violence as a political problem to be answered by changing laws. Instead, we need to start looking at guns as a public health problem to be answered by changing minds and habits. Until we change how we frame the debate through our messaging and strategy, the landscape for common-sense gun laws will only become increasingly hostile.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/framing-the-danger-of-guns-as-a-public-health-risk-will-change-the-debate-over-gun-control/2014/05/02/e4a73490-cf27-11e3-a6b1-45c4dffb85a6_story.html

[CTyankee]

1. I hope this works. I have been arguing the public safety issue about guns for many years.

But we must be prepared for the Ben Franklin quote of preferring safety over freedom and getting neither. Also wait for "you were never safer" (a big NRA talking point and always phrased just like that, as if we haven't been smart enough to notice its reappearance year after year in just the same way, with the same charts, which have been debunked year after year).

The zombie arguments will be with us again until, as the saying goes, "dawn breaks over marble head" with some folks...

[TreasonousBastard]

2. Considering the force of the anti-vaxers...

anti women's health brigades, anti-Obamacare jerks, and other overly loud assholes, I'm not so sure that would work.

Worth a try, though.

[billh58]

3. Until we, as Liberal Democrats, can

vote out the NRA puppets in our midst, and marginalize the right-wing gun lobby, "common-sense" gun laws will be stifled at every level of government. Gun fetishists care absolutely nothing about public safety, and cheer those who kill in the name of "stand your ground." They actually believe that they are equal to, or above, duly appointed police forces. They itch for the opportunity to "water the tree of Liberty" with the blood of fellow Americans.

The NRA is insidious, and has operatives and followers in every nook and cranny of this country, including here on DU. The right-wing gun lobby, and its mouthpiece the un-American NRA will never rest until there is a gun in every home, and in every hand. These despicable gun profiteers have the money and the marketing networks which enable them to buy politicians and sway elections.

If we are to bring sanity and common-sense back to this country, we need to elect more Liberal Democrats who will not be intimidated by the gun-crazed absolutists and apologists.

[CTyankee]

6. As long as we have a U.S Senate where Wyoming has the same

demographic weight as New York, we will have to flip several red states blue if we want gun laws to change. It's not impossible but we have to pick our battles pretty strategically. The U.S. demographics are changing in our favor, however, so that is the good news for our side.

[GeorgeGist]

4. I'm looking forward to responsible gun owners ...

organizing to counter the toxic message of the NRA.

[Hoyt]

5. It is gratifying to see a number of Georgia churches telling the right/white wing gun nuts

that guns are off limits in churches.

Hopefully, bars, etc., will do so.

[CTyankee]

7. See my post #6.

[Hoyt]

8. I agree. In meantime, churches, bars, etc., need to send message that guns aren't acceptable.

I think the fastest way to stem the proliferation is to make guns like cigarettes, swastikas, etc. Then, passing gun laws will be easier.

Jimmy Carter's grandson is running for Governor in GA. He supports the gun law for expediency. That is sad.

[CTyankee]

9. I hope to hell Carter evolves, if he becomes governor.

The demographic in his present view will not last.

I agree with your thesis here. I like to make the comparison with MADD, tho, and how public opinion ondrunk driving took a real change because of that organization's strong message that resonated with the people. This current effort, happening at the grass roots level, is a winner...

[Hoyt]

10. Good point. I'll try to remember to use MADD in future gun rants.