Here’s the formula:
INTENT + MEANS = OUTCOME.
Insist on it in every debate. Not either/or but both.
Intent: the will and mindset to carry out an action
Means: access to the actual equipment to carry it out.
The GOP hijacks the national debate by saying we only need work on “intent” , which conveniently allows gun sales to continue unabated. The NRA gets crafty by saying: hey, we need MORE guns and have everyone carry. In other words : all their roads lead to more gun sales.
Remind them: they’ve already disproved their own case with the nuclear issue. Even Trump was adamant that Iran and North Korea become “safer” without nukes. Of course their intent remains rotten, so let’s limit their means. In other words: WE ALL KNOW THAT REDUCING THE ACCESS TO LETHAL EQUIPMENT makes a difference.
So in the wake of Buffalo and Texas: let our lawmakers call their bluff: Go ahead, GOP, and propose bills that help “mental health,” and we’ll work with you. But you must work with us on limiting the means, like red flaggers cannot own or carry, and getting assault weapons off the grid.
Internationally: We do not accept from N Korea or Iran the bullshit argument of : take our nukes and next thing you’ll be taking our conventional weapons. So domestically, taking assault weapons does NOT lead to taking single shot guns and hunting rifles, and never has.
Fair is fair: both intent and means do matter in the outcome. Let’s agree to work both and for once, DEMS need to persist. And use the formula.
Peace.