Today, Explained Would NOT demanding gun control be more effective?
Mar 24, 2021
In this discussion, Patrick Blanchfield, a journalist and author specializing in gun violence, delves into the complexities of America's gun control debate. He highlights the disparity between mass shootings and everyday violence, emphasizing the need for a reframing of the conversation to inspire effective change. The talk critiques the recent legislative efforts and the hurdles in the Senate, while suggesting a public health approach to gun violence that addresses systemic issues rather than traditional policy measures.
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Overlooked shootings
- Mass shootings never stopped during the pandemic, especially in communities of color.
- For example, two mass shootings occurred in Chicago on the same day two weeks prior, but didn't receive national news coverage.
Gun control legislation
- The House passed bills expanding background checks, closing the Charleston loophole, and banning guns for abusive partners.
- However, these bills face an uphill battle in the Senate due to the need for Republican support to overcome a filibuster.
Senate hurdle
- The Senate's 50-50 split makes passing gun control legislation difficult due to the filibuster rule requiring 60 votes.
- Democrats would need 10 Republican votes, which is highly unlikely in the current political climate.