| Dear Fellow Activists,
Last week I asked you to reach out to California’s Governor Newsom to ask him to specifically designate gun stores and gun sellers as NON essential infrastructure and services during our nation’s health crisis. That request unleashed a flurry of activity from you, my fellow activists — THANK YOU — but it also unleashed a flurry of activity from pro-gun trolls. Usually, I ascribe to the rule “Don’t feed the trolls” and ignore their profanity, name-calling, over-the-top anger, and a surprising lack of knowledge on what they believe is their expertise. But this time, I guess, a girl just wanted to have fun. So I responded. To many. Over and over again. And I had some fun.
While their goal was to upset and anger me, my consistent, informative, and calm responses only increased their anger until … they gave up. When called the C-word, I replied with kindness. When their anger and frustration escalated, I provided information to resources that might be able to help them cope. When they spoke of their need to protect their family from attackers (?), I gave them some statistics and information on safe gun storage. When they suggested I kill myself, I reassured them that I was okay and that they need not worry about me. All in all, it was a fun afternoon. It’s not for everyone but it worked for me – providing a short break (a remarkably short break since they almost all gave up quickly) from the isolation many of us are feeling.
Keep reading. There is a Call To Action coming up.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about all of our communities. While most of us are worried and concerned about the well-being and safety of our families, friends, neighbors, and communities, these trolls and gun enthusiasts are afraid … not worried or concerned but afraid. And I find that sad. It’s sad that they are being taken advantage of by gun manufacturers, the NRA, and other gun “rights” lobbying groups who care so little about their emotional and physical well-being that they make a business of frightening them into waiting in long lines at gun stores, risking their and their family’s health. It’s a shameful thing to do and particularly shameful to do it for financial profit. These organizations that say they are for safety are the same organizations that fight safe storage laws. These organizations that say they care for women are the same organizations that fight laws that will keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.
To the trolls that are reading this blog right now, I say this. These lobby and marketing groups don’t care about you. But your neighbors and community do. You don’t need to be afraid of us taking your peanut butter or toilet paper. In fact, if you need some we will probably give it to you … without you pulling your gun on us.
And now our Call To Action.
The NRA and other pro-gun lobbying groups are now suing California for closing gun stores during this health epidemic. And yet, California was disappointingly vague. Instead of clearly defining gun stores and sellers as non-essential, Governor Newsom turned the decision over to local California jurisdictions. We are very grateful to LA City Attorney Mike Feuer for his decision to define gun stores as NON essential and we are appreciative of the LA County Sheriff who has also defined gun stores as NON essential albeit with many exceptions. But a patchwork of regulations is not enough and will not keep us safe.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued guidance defining gun dealers “essential” during the pandemic but this guidance is non-binding. It may be, however, intimidating to local jurisdictions who may not be able to fight off a lawsuit and instead will revoke their life-saving decision to make gun stores NON essential.
Please call or email Governor Newsom either for the first time or again. Tell the Governor that gun groups sue for both half measures taken and for full measures taken. Californians need him to take a full measure. Statewide action is needed. Define gun stores and sellers as NON essential and keep all Californians safe!
You can reach the Governor via email here.
- Choose “Need Help”
- Choose “COVID 19” for the subject of the email
Need help on what to say or write:
Dear Governor,
During a national crisis, governments have a responsibility to do everything in their power to keep their citizens healthy and safe. We hope you will take urgent action to forestall a potential spike in gun deaths and injuries, including firearm suicides, unintentional shootings, and domestic violence, at this unprecedented and stressful moment. This type of public safety response is not only proper but necessary. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued guidance defining gun dealers “essential” during the pandemic but this guidance is non-binding. It may be, however, intimidating, to local jurisdictions who may revoke their life-saving decision to make gun stores NON essential. Gun groups will sue for both half measures and for full measures so we ask you to take a full measure. Take state action instead of allowing for a patchwork of regulations and opinions. Define gun stores and sellers as NON essential throughout California and keep all Californians safe.
If you would rather call or fax, you can reach the Governor at:
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160
Please make this call or send this email NOW! And don’t forget to share this Action Alert with at least 5 of your friends and encourage them to do the same!
Be careful. Stay healthy and safe. Take care of each other. Our website lists resources that you may find helpful during these stressful times.
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