The NRA's Mom Problem

[SecularMotion]

As a mom who has written about gun legislation and senseless gun violence for almost two years now, I've learned a few things about the Internet, human nature, American culture, gun advocates, the NRA, and myself. I came to write about guns after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December 2012. That dark day changed me in profound and lasting ways.

Another mother impacted by that day's events was a gal by the name of Shannon Watts, an Indianapolis mom and former communications executive. Where I was moved to write about the incidents of December 14, 2012, she was moved to create a grassroots campaign ultimately called Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

Some might say that Ms. Watts has been successful because she has created a movement that has drawn a tremendous social media presence. Some might say her success can be measured by aligning herself with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's well oiled gun control campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety. Others might suggest that her success can be seen in national chains like Starbucks and Target rethinking their gun policies after feeling the heat from her organization.

I think her success can best be measured by the NRA clearly being afraid of her.

http://www.chicagonow.com/mary-tyler-mom/2014/08/the-nras-mom-problem/

[blueridge3210]

1. Shannon Watts?

"Grassroots Campaign"????????????????

:

Stop it, you're killing me! *sarcasm*

Anything you want to discuss on your morning Google Dump?

[Duckhunter935]

3. "grassroots"

funded by a billionaire. That's rich.

[Duckhunter935]

4. I doubt he will discuss

500+ plus posts in his favorite group and run away as fast as possible. Almost like we have cooties.

[Duckhunter935]

2. No they do not

Not much to fear from her group that has to be paid for by a billionaire to protest and even then only a few show up. The NRA has millions of truly grass roots individuals that support the RKBA and also go out and vote. I do not agree with the extreme parts of the NRA but the at least have real gun safety programs and fund them. That is quite unlike billionaire Bloomberg's groups that do nothing about firearms safety.

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/06/11/moms-plan-stroller-protest-at-target-shareholder-meeting


Traffic backed up on Decker Lane as hundreds arrived for the Saxet Gun Show..

People wait in line to enter the Travis County Exposition Center for the Saxet Gun Show.

Line to get into the Travis County Expo Center, where Saxet Gun Show is being held
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/crowds-long-lines-at-saxet-gun-show-at-travis-coun/nT7YR/

So what are your comments on this story you pasted here?
Care to discuss it, I would like to.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. re: "That is quite unlike billionaire Bloomberg's groups that do nothing about firearms safety."

On the contrary, Bloomberg's distraction do exactly what Mike wants. They keep him in the lead and in news.
Again, it's not about guns, it's about control.

And by providing a distraction from actual progress, safety is hindered.

[ileus]

5. This is why we need to keep fighting the progressive good fight.

When the 1% start faking "grass roots" we need to be cautious.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

6. Grassroots

The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it are natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures. Grassroots movements are often at the local level, as many volunteers in the community give their time to support the local party, which can lead to helping the national party.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grassroots

[NYC_SKP]

8. See also "Astroturf", a Monsanto Creation. How so many fall for this bullshit is beyond me.

Or, wait, maybe not that many fall for it.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

9. Spam...

...even when it's all over the map, has it's purpose to bury outside ideas and limit the direction of the discussion. Subtle suggestions that become common topics lead to media attention that sometimes misses the "Elephant in the room" or the lack thereof.

Read my sigline. Distraction, lies and misinformation are the marks of cults and tyranny.

[beevul]

10. Which "Shannon Watts"?

The Shannon Watts who says her group supports the second amendment, and says they're not anti-gun?

"Our message is that, you know first of all, were not anti-gun, we support the second amendment..."



Or are you referring to the one who heads an org which is so extremist anti-gun that it opposes the opening of gun stores in a place where background checks would be universal:

"Moms Demand Action Deeply Disappointed in Federal Judge’s Decision Overturning Chicago’s Citywide Ban on Gun Dealerships"

http://momsdemandaction.org/in-the-news/moms-demand-action-deeply-disappointed-federal-judges-decision-overturning-chicagos-citywide-ban-gun-dealerships/

Or could it be you mean the one that leads an org which along with the brady bunch and VPC attempted to suppress a fundraiser for Democrats:

Almost a year ago, in the aftermath of the shootings in Newtown, Conn., a number of entertainment industry activists decried a vote that prevented the Senate from moving forward background check legislation. Some vowed to withhold support from Democrats who voted “No,” including Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), both of whom are in the midst of tough reelection races...


...In a letter sent to Cindy Horn on Wednesday afternoon, the groups urged her to cancel the fundraiser, or, in the alternative, that they instead raise funds for Senate candidates in tough races who voted for the background checks, including Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.).

The groups, including Women Against Gun Violence, the California Chapters of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Violence Prevention Coalition and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, wrote to Horn that “when Senators from far-flung places come to California to fuel their campaigns, we hope that you will remind them that you’re not their personal ATM. You have a right to ask why they deserve their support...

...The groups asked in their letter, ”Is ‘Democrat’ merely a box on a ballot, to be checked at any cost?”

http://variety.com/2014/biz/news/gun-control-groups-urge-cancellation-of-hollywood-fundraiser-for-mark-begich-and-mark-pryor-1201141065/

Or are you referring to the one which was paid by Monsanto for so long?


Theres quite a number of "Shannon Watts" to choose from, eh?

[ileus]

11. Problem is the NRA doesn't have a astroturf group that appeals to the emotional.

[virginia mountainman]

13. The "active" gun control groups are the VERY definition of astroturf group.

Take away ONE MAN's money, and see how fast they wither on the vine...

Compared too, take away one NRA's members membership, and see the effect, or complete and total lack of effect.

They just cannot get around the fact that about 6,000,000 people PAY to be part of the NRA. And if it was not for Repuke Bloomberg, and a "few" other big donors, the major gun control groups would largely be "also rans"

[Nuclear Unicorn]

12. I knew it before I clicked it. Your material is getting stale.

[ManiacJoe]

15. In this case, it is a zombied thread from Sep 2014.

[ileus]

14. Problem is many of the Moms I know believe in caring for their kids...and support the 2A.

Now that's progressive.