Why Is It Ok For Republicans To Push Gun Control, But Not Democrats?

On the day House Democrats staged a sit-in in response to the #NoFlyNoBuy, Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan criticized Democrats for what he deemed a “publicity stunt.”

Retweet if you agree ? The sit-in by House Democrats is nothing more than a publicity stunt. #StopTheStunthttps://t.co/YGgl2yLHyB

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 22, 2016

Joining Rep. Paul Ryan criticism was Rich Lowry of My Santonio, who said the Democrats sit-in was an “irrelevant cause.”

“The question of effectiveness shouldn’t be considered a “trap” but rather a basic measuring stick of legislation. It’s hard to think of any other area where a political party is so thunderously self-righteous while not caring whether its proposals would materially change anything or not.”

When it comes to gun control and conservatives criticisms of Democrats, the arguments are politically calculated and nonfactual. The sit-in wasn’t a “publicity stunt,” nor “irrelevant.” Also, Democrats have no desire to take guns away from law-abiding citizens. Like Republicans, the Constitution is a holy grail, which Democrats respect tremendously. There are plenty of pro-gun Democrats in the House that Republicans conveniently forget about unless it carries in their favor somehow. When it comes to the effects of gun control measures, facts for the political right is debatable — unless of course; it musters in their favor. Such as, proving to citizens they care about the effects of gun violence on human lives.

With regards to Rep. Paul Ryan’s “publicity stunt,” statement, Ryan seems to have a bought of amnesia and should reference the House record book. When it comes to political sit-in’s in Congress, House Republican aren’t t free from guilt either. According to U.S. News, in 2008, when Republicans were in the minority, Rep. Nancy Pelosi turned off the microphones and cameras as Rep. John Boehner read speeches about high gas prices. Ryan’s “publicity stunt,” biased comment geared at Democrats, is a perfect example as to why Americans have a low opinion of Congress. Politics, unfortunately, has become a circus of party affiliation over constitutional protection and sovereignty for its citizens and the country it’s sworn to protect and serve.

That said, how convenient of Paul Ryan to dismiss the passion of Democrats concern about gun violence and our nation’s need for gun control, considering his audacious move to vote on gun control measures sponsored by Republicans. Talk about boldface and a case of hypocrisy. House Democrats have demanded for months a vote on gun control measures, but Paul Ryan was adamant it wasn’t going to happen.

However, now that the media’s spotlight is on gun violence in light of the Orlando mass shooting — along with the Democrats live streaming the sit-in on Periscope — suddenly Paul Ryan and Republicans want to vote on gun control measures. Figures. In a conference call to U.S. News, Rep. Paul Ryan said House Republicans would introduce legislation “aimed at preventing extremist groups from radicalizing and recruiting sympathizers.”

It’s “just common sense.”

It’s interesting that Republicans think a law can prevent radicalization and sympathy for extremists, but gun control won’t stop mass gun violence? Of course, the claim it’s about protecting citizens from terrorism and has nothing to do with gun control is a lie. Honestly, House Republicans are seeking to address the same issue as Democrats, but without angering the NRA. When attempting to do the same as House Republicans, Democrats were called the traitors of the second amendment. How ironic. I guess in the world of hypocrisy; only Republicans care about terrorism and prevention. Funny, how it’s not “common sense” and “long overdue,” but when Democrats demand action, well, how dare they.

Also disappointing is how Republicans were quick to criticize Georgia Rep. John Lewis (a prominent civil right leader in the sixties) for supporting a ban to bar suspected terrorist on the no-fly list from purchasing guns. Republicans took joy in accusing Lewis of being a hypocrite because once the FBI placed John Lewis on the no-fly list back in the day. Republicans fail to mention that the sixties were a different time and retribution towards civil rights leaders that protested against an overzealous racist society was the norm. During that period, it was dangerous for civil rights activist who dared to stand-up against the white establishment, so often these civil rights leaders were considered enemies of the state.

Again, facts are debatable to some Republicans.

According to House Republicans, the measure introduced by Republican Sen. John Cornyn protects gun owners while also preventing people on the no-fly list from purchasing a weapon pending a court order, as well as, addressing individuals with a mental illness from buying a gun. Not much different from what Democrats wanted and fought for during the sit-in. I guess House Democrats are supposed to ignore how similar the bills are to ones introduced by them. In the world of political divisiveness, Republicans do what they want, including taking credit for a carbon copy of someone else’s work.

[Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images]