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‘This is about the guns’ – why won’t Republicans budge on guns?

Published

3 years ago

May 31, 2022

Brittany Coles

For years, Republicans have led the resistance against meaningful federal legislation on gun control

Ticker News spoke with Writer Molly Jong-Fast for her analysis on gun rights in America

Many Republicans are saying there needs to be more support for mental health, but Writer Molly Jong fast says this is being used to prevent gun legislation.

Although Biden is yet to negotiate with opposing lawmakers in the current round of talks, he believes ‘everybody’ at Capitol Hill is becoming more rational about the hot topic.

It follows U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris calling for a U.S. assault rifle ban and other measures to curb gun violence.

Many Republicans are saying there needs to be more support for mental health, but Writer Jong-Fast says this is being used to prevent gun legislation.

“Republicans are very good at manipulating Democrats. I think the Democrats have a moment here, and I hope they take it when Joe Biden went to volunteer yesterday. They were chanting, do something outside of the church, and there is an opportunity for Joe Biden to do something,” she told Ticker News.

Is the mental health conversation being used to prevent gun legislation here from the Republican point of view?

“They (Republicans) have no interest in mental health. This is not about mental health. An assault weapon ban would save lives, it would save children’s lives,”
JONG-FAST SAYS

“This is about the guns and Republicans will make it about anything else they can.”

The writer hopes Chuck Schumer, who is the leader of the Senate, and a Democrat, would do a “filibuster cut out right now and set it up so that they could vote on an assault weapon ban.”

Jong-Fast also suggests an assault weapon ban, raising the age of of buying weapons to 21, background checks, and closing the gun show loophole, as ways to combat mass shootings.

“I mean, there’s a lot of ways to make America safer with the purchase of guns. The problem is, Republicans are really obstructionist,” she says.

“They don’t want to help pass this legislation, they’re worried that it will depress enthusiasm for the mid for their base in the midterms. And so they want to keep this going. And they know that Americans tend to forget, and that there’s a sort of United States of Amnesia phenomenon, as Gore Vidal wrote about and so they are just hoping to run out the clock.”

However, she notes that the House has passed many different gun safety bills, and have “sort of died in the Senate.”

“So I mean, this is really on Chuck Schumer’s lap.”

Jong-Fast says she doesn’t trust Mitch McConnell, after every school shooting.

“Mitch McConnell says something to the effect of we need a bipartisan agreement, and then he sort of pushes for it not to work,” she told Ticker News Host Holly Stearnes.

She says “it’s worth it for Democrats to try” as it will help America.

“America could have less children die in their schools of gun violence? I mean, this is the kind of thing that isn’t just a political calculus, it’s a human calculus.”

“Different states have allowed gun manufacturers to be sued. The idea that you couldn’t sue them before was a completely crazy I mean, in America, you tend to be able to sue most most companies for most things. So that seems like a no brainer in my mind.”

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AI search evolves as Google’s owners boost value

Are advertisers concerned about AI search affecting clicks despite Alphabet’s strong Q1 driven by AI, YouTube, and Cloud?

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2025

ticker NEWS

Are advertisers concerned about AI search affecting clicks despite Alphabet’s strong Q1 driven by AI, YouTube, and Cloud?

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Alphabet just crushed expectations in its Q1 update, driven by AI, YouTube, and Cloud. But concerns around regulation and search revenue still linger.

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Albanese warns against Trump-style politics in Australia

Albanese warns Australia against adopting US-style politics, linking Dutton to Trump amid election discussions on trade.

Published

10 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Ahron Young

Albanese warns Australia against adopting US-style politics, linking Dutton to Trump amid election discussions on trade.

In Short

Anthony Albanese warns against the influence of US politics, particularly Donald Trump’s divisive style, on Australia.

He expressed the need to maintain Australia’s unique political culture as the nation approaches its election.

Anthony Albanese has made significant comments regarding Donald Trump and the impact of US politics on Australia. The Prime Minister expressed that the division in the US has implications for Liberal leader Peter Dutton.

Mr Trump has suggested he may discuss tariffs with Australia after the upcoming election. Albanese cautioned Australians against adopting US-style politics.

He stated that voters in Australia are not receptive to Trump’s influence or Dutton’s alignment with him.

President Trump acknowledged Australia’s outreach on trade matters.

Open to talk

When asked if he would discuss trade with Mr Albanese, Trump confirmed he would be open to conversation. Albanese reiterated the importance of maintaining Australia’s unique political culture.

He pointed out that Australians perceive the US as a polarized society, which is unhealthy.

In an exclusive interview, Albanese emphasized that Australians do not desire such division in their political landscape. His remarks highlight the contrast between Australian and American political dynamics.

This ongoing dialogue between leaders reflects concerns about the potential importation of divisive politics into Australia.

Albanese’s comments serve as a reminder of the risks associated with political extremism. As Australia heads into its election, the Prime Minister’s warnings could resonate with voters prioritising unity and stability.

News

Democrats rally against Trump amid voter dissatisfaction

Democrats intensify resistance to Trump amid voter dissatisfaction with leadership, planning speeches and protests to showcase opposition efforts.

Published

10 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Ahron Young

Democrats intensify resistance to Trump amid voter dissatisfaction with leadership, planning speeches and protests to showcase opposition efforts.

In Short

Congressional Democrats are under pressure to oppose President Trump as he completes his first 100 days in office, feeling their base is dissatisfied with their efforts.

They are organising events and speeches to highlight their resistance while acknowledging challenges due to their minority status.

Congressional Democrats face significant challenges as President Donald Trump marks his first 100 days in office.

The party is increasingly anxious that base voters feel they are not doing enough to oppose the administration.

In response, Democrats have organised a series of speeches, sit-ins, and events aimed at showing they are actively resisting Trump’s controversial policies.

Senate Democrats plan to keep the floor open late into the evening to deliver speeches critical of what Minority Leader Chuck Schumer describes as “100 days of hell.”

Trump’s agenda

They will gather with House Democrats on the Senate steps to voice their opposition to Trump’s agenda.

Schumer expressed their commitment, stating that they will consistently highlight the differences between Democratic unity and Republican disarray.

He stressed that resistance will come from Democrats, the courts, and the American public as long as Trump pursues what he calls a dangerous path.

Democrats face mounting pressure from voters dissatisfied with their efforts to oppose the president.

Recent polling indicates a significant disapproval of congressional leadership within the Democratic party, with 61% of voters expressing dissatisfaction with Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

With Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, Democrats find it challenging to block administration initiatives.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin acknowledged the frustration among their supporters but emphasised their commitment to doing their best given their minority status.