CBS News Does Eyebrow Raising Segment
In the wake of the tragic shooting at a Kansas City Super Bowl parade, the conversation around gun violence in America has been reignited. According to CBS Mornings, the shooting has also brought renewed attention to the push for stricter gun control measures, including an assault weapons ban.
Co-anchor Tony Dokoupil noted that the shooting has brought attention to the fact that it has been 20 years since the ban on assault rifles expired. This includes weapons like the AR-15, which have been used in many of the nation's deadliest mass shootings. However, Dokoupil failed to mention that the 1994 assault weapons ban did not have a significant impact on curbing gun violence and was allowed to expire.
CBS correspondent Nicole Sganga sat down with several survivors of mass shootings to discuss the issue of gun control. One advocacy group, March Fourth, is now working to garner support for a new bill, the Gas-Operated Semiautomatic Firearm Exclusion Act (GOSAFE Act), which aims to ban assault weapons in America. However, the bill has not gained much traction in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
The report also failed to mention that the 1999 Columbine school shooting, one of the worst school shootings in American history, occurred during the first assault weapons ban.
According to a survey by CBS, 63 percent of Americans support a ban on AR-15 semiautomatic weapons, including 40 percent of gun owners. Gayle King, a Democratic donor and close friend of Obama, used the platform to promote the importance of voting for politicians who support gun control measures. However, a Georgetown University study found that approximately a third of gun owners have used a firearm to defend themselves or their property and estimated that guns are used defensively by firearms owners in approximately 1.67 million incidents per year.
While the Super Bowl parade shooting has renewed the conversation around gun violence, there are conflicting opinions on how to address the issue. Gun rights advocates argue that banning certain weapons will not address the root cause of violence and would infringe on law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment rights.
The discussion around gun control has been a divisive issue in American politics, with both sides passionately advocating for their position. Liberals believe that stricter gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons, will make the country safer and prevent mass shootings. On the other hand, conservatives argue that enforcing existing laws and addressing mental health issues are more effective ways to reduce gun violence.
The Super Bowl parade shooting is just the latest in a series of tragedies that have drawn attention to the issue of gun control. However, it remains to be seen whether this incident will lead to any significant changes in legislation. Both sides are adamant in their views, making it difficult to find a middle ground.
Meanwhile, the families of victims of mass shootings continue to suffer as their loved ones' stories are used to push for political agendas. Survivors and their families are often left feeling exploited and frustrated that their tragedies are being used for political gain.
In the end, the debate on gun control will likely continue to be a contentious issue, with each side advocating for their beliefs. It is up to the American people to weigh the arguments and decide what measures, if any, should be taken to address gun violence. In the meantime, the victims of these senseless acts of violence and their families will continue to grieve and seek justice.