The Sunday Story: Is this what democracy looks like?
Jul 7, 2024
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The Sunday Story follows three conservative moms in Tennessee advocating for gun control after a school shooting. They navigate legislative challenges, confront powerful lawmakers, and question their beliefs. Explore their journey of activism, lobbying efforts, and creative protests for stricter gun laws amidst intimidating encounters. Reflect on democracy, power dynamics, and the impact of bold actions in shaping societal discourse.
Three conservative moms in Tennessee navigate Republican-controlled legislature advocating for gun control.
Activism for stricter gun laws faces challenges at the state Capitol, revealing resistance and limitations.
Deep dives
Tennessee's Political Landscape and Tragedy at Covenant School
In Tennessee, the Republican Party holds full political power controlling the House, Senate, and the governorship. The series 'Supermajority' focuses on three conservative white mothers from Tennessee pushing back against their own party after a tragic school shooting. Following a deadly shooting at the Covenant School, where three nine-year-olds were killed along with three adults, these mothers, including Sarah Shoop Newman, engaged in activism for gun control legislation. The state's political environment intensified as Democratic lawmakers faced expulsion for advocating gun control.
Challenges at the State Capitol and Political Activism
The expelled Democratic lawmakers faced a tumultuous process at the state capital where they were met with disrespect and ultimately expelled. Sarah, initially a conservative Republican, was deeply affected by the school shooting, leading her to political activism. She joined forces with other mothers from Covenant School to advocate for stricter gun laws and confronted challenges at the Capitol, facing resistance and rules limiting their activism within the legislative process.
Special Session Failures and Frustrations
During the special legislative session focused on public safety and the Second Amendment, the women, including Mary Joyce and Melissa Alexander, witnessed the passing of bills that fell short of addressing gun control effectively. Despite intense lobbying efforts and organizing meetings, the outcomes of the session were disappointing for the women. The lack of significant legislative action on gun control left them feeling defeated and questioning the impact of their advocacy.
Personal Testimonies and Ongoing Activism
Amid emotional testimonies and personal narratives recounting the trauma of the school shooting, the women's resolve to fight for change was strengthened. They expressed their determination to advocate for stricter gun laws despite legislative setbacks and obstacles. The women's ongoing activism reflected their commitment to push for meaningful legislative reform and challenge the prevailing political dynamics in Tennessee, demonstrating a deepening engagement in grassroots political action.
This week on The Sunday Story, a new series from NPR's Embedded podcast that explores what happens when one political party has near-complete control. Supermajority, hosted by WPLN reporter Meribah Knight, follows three conservative moms in Tennessee over the course of a year as they learn to navigate their Republican-controlled state legislature.
Reeling from a mass shooting at their kids' school, the three moms become advocates for gun control. But this isn't a story about gun control. It's about what they find when they step inside their state capitol for the first time in their adult lives. These political newcomers confront powerful lawmakers, a dizzying legislative process and most importantly – their own long-held beliefs. What can the women accomplish? How will the work change them? And what might it all reveal about democracy?