Up First from NPR The Sunday Story: Is this what democracy looks like?
Jul 7, 2024
Meribah Knight, a reporter and creator of the podcast series Supermajority, and Mary Joyce, a luxury real estate agent turned activist, dive deep into the struggles of conservative mothers in Tennessee fighting for gun control after a tragic school shooting. They share their emotional journeys from personal grief to political activism, exploring the challenges of confronting lawmakers and navigating a complex legislative landscape. Their stories highlight the fragility of democracy and the power of grassroots movements led by passionate individuals.
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Sarah's Reaction
- Sarah Shoup Newman, a Covenant School mom, stayed home comforting her kids after the shooting.
- She was upset by the lack of response from her congressman and decided to attend the expulsion hearings.
First Time at the Capitol
- Sarah, wearing a Covenant shirt, went to the capitol for the first time to witness the expulsion hearings.
- She found the disrespectful treatment of the Tennessee Three deeply upsetting.
Expulsion Aftermath
- The expulsion of two Tennessee Three members sparked national outrage and debate about democracy.
- A leaked audio recording revealed the Republican caucus's focus on maintaining their power.