Making a Case for Politicizing Tragedy

A shocking event is exactly the right time to start, or restart, an argument about public policy. A story like the Newtown killings rivets our attention, forces it to the front of our consciousness, insists that we sweep aside the thousand and one distractions that compete for our brain space, and demands that we ask: Is this how we want things to be, and, if not, what do we do about it?

— Jeff Greenfield, Yahoo News.

Fox News Weekend Producers Forbidden from Talking About Gun Control On Air

According to sources, David Clark, the executive producer in charge of Fox’s weekend coverage, gave producers instructions not to talk about gun-control policy on air… The directive created a rift inside the network… During the weekend, one frustrated producer went around Clark to lobby Michael Clemente, Fox’s executive vice-president for news editorial, but Clemente upheld the mandate.

— Gabriel Sherman, writing in New York Magazine.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Is a Good Sport. The Chain Has Stopped Selling ‘Modern Sporting Rifles’

What you see when you search for 'modern sporting rifles' on the Dick's Sporting Goods website

Big ups to Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has quit selling any guns at all near Newtown, Conn., and has stopped selling what pro-gun fans call, “modern sporting rifles,” aka, the type of military assault rifle that was used to kill 20 children and six adults in the recent mass shooting.

While the suspension of the sales of “modern sporting rifles” is temporary, it’s a step. Please show Dick’s your support for making the move permanent, and if you need a soccer ball, some running shoes, or new fishing gear, you know where to go.

We Deserve Leaders with the Courage to Change Gun Laws

This time our response must consist of more than regret, sorrow, and condolence. The children of Sandy Hook Elementary School and all victims of gun violence deserve leaders who have the courage to participate in a meaningful discussion about our gun laws — and how they can be reformed and better enforced to prevent gun violence and death in America. This can no longer wait.

— Mark Kelly, the husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), on Facebook.

Gohmert’s Solution: More Guns

I wish to God the principal had had an M4 in her office, locked up, so when she heard gunfire she pulls it out … and takes him out, takes his head off before he can kill those precious kids.

— Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), quoted by CNN, arguing the deadly Connecticut school shooting could have been halted sooner if staff at the school had been equipped with guns.