General Discussion

Laurian

(2,593 posts) Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:44 PM Jan 2013

So, what do we do to counter the loudmouth gun fanatics?

I think they get more than their share of media time and they are so loud and angry that they tend to drive the debate. How do we make our voices heard? I've signed every petition I've found and signed up for Gabby Giffords' Americans for Responsible Solutions, Demand a Plan, and the Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence. I still feel we're being drowned out and that makes me very anxious. In my heart, I know there are more of us than them, but you'd never know if from the media coverage.

I plan to call Congressional Offices, but that'll be like spitting into the wind since I live in Georgia. What else can I do?

49 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

So, what do we do to counter the loudmouth gun fanatics? (Original Post) Laurian Jan 2013 OP

Pass the legislation ASAP so they realize the world isn't really ending. gateley Jan 2013 #1

let them know we will not pander to their paranoid delusions Skittles Jan 2013 #2

And then what? Nuclear Unicorn Jan 2013 #28

Piss them off by telling them "The President has spoken".... then walk away with a smile on southernyankeebelle Jan 2013 #3

Good one! murray hill farm Jan 2013 #9

Yep, they can't come by with an answer then. southernyankeebelle Jan 2013 #10

Tell them to clean and handle their guns several times a day jberryhill Jan 2013 #4

Statistically, that will ensure a reduction in their number. Flashmann Jan 2013 #5

They are the single greatest threat to themselves jberryhill Jan 2013 #7

Well said. lonestarnot Jan 2013 #47

You win. Brigid Jan 2013 #19

Tell them to keep whining, TheCowsCameHome Jan 2013 #6

Tell them to do a photo-op with the Pink Pistols. muntrv Jan 2013 #8

I clicked on the link, and the first thing I saw was some images created by the gun fetishist... ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #11

Look at the messages... ProgressiveProfessor Jan 2013 #21

How are gun fetishists like Oleg Volk significantly different from the NRA? ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #22

What does that have to do with the Pink Pistols ProgressiveProfessor Jan 2013 #23

When I clicked on the link, my eyes were assaulted by Oleg Volk images. ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #26

Two women holding each other is an assault on your eyes? ProgressiveProfessor Jan 2013 #27

This message was self-deleted by its author ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #29

Still nothing to do with the Pinks ProgressiveProfessor Jan 2013 #31

I'm unsure about holdencaufield Jan 2013 #33

It's Oleg Volk that is assaulting my eyes. ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #37

"... deserve to be shunned" holdencaufield Jan 2013 #39

If you can't see the problem with using the work of Domestic Terrorists in an approving manner, ... ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #40

Domestic Terrorist? holdencaufield Jan 2013 #41

Oleg Volk and the NRA. ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #42

I thought you might not add him ... holdencaufield Jan 2013 #43

I just hit "Alert abuse", "disruptive", and tick the TOS box. RomneyLies Jan 2013 #12

Yes, outside of DU. Laurian Jan 2013 #15

Actually, I don't think we are being drowned out, it seems the tide may be turning. JaneyVee Jan 2013 #13

Nothing sarisataka Jan 2013 #14

I e-mail, call and also post on my Representative's Facebook page Kaleva Jan 2013 #16

I'm wondering if real letters might be more effective. Do you Laurian Jan 2013 #17

I get responses from my e-mails. Kaleva Jan 2013 #18

Money, it all about money. OneTenthofOnePercent Jan 2013 #20

I have contributed to organizations fighting Laurian Jan 2013 #24

Gun makers don't make a lot of money krispos42 Jan 2013 #30

It's not just about big donars SpartanDem Jan 2013 #35

Shunning. (nt) ehrenfeucht games Jan 2013 #25

Ask them if having a gun makes them B Calm Jan 2013 #32

My firearm ... holdencaufield Jan 2013 #34

What a fucking stupid post. Zoeisright Jan 2013 #36

I think he missed my whole point, B Calm Jan 2013 #38

Post removed Post removed Jan 2013 #44

I've been a minority all my life ... holdencaufield Jan 2013 #45

I are one too, except when it comes to wanting gun cultists restricted. Hoyt Jan 2013 #46

I'm insulted you would call like-minded indviduals a cult holdencaufield Jan 2013 #48

Tell them to enlist in the Army if they love guns so much. muntrv Jan 2013 #49

gateley

(62,683 posts)

1. Pass the legislation ASAP so they realize the world isn't really ending.

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:46 PM

Jan 2013

Not sure WE can do much except make our voices heard to our reps.

Skittles

(153,174 posts)

2. let them know we will not pander to their paranoid delusions

Reply to gateley (Reply #1)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:47 PM

Jan 2013

END OF STORY!!!

Nuclear Unicorn

(19,497 posts)

28. And then what?

Reply to Skittles (Reply #2)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 10:45 PM

Jan 2013

I mean, in all seriousness, I'm sure they assume people will uncompromisingly disagree with them. And I'm pretty sure they will uncompromisingly disagree right back. In a free society no one side can unilaterally impose its will.

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)

3. Piss them off by telling them "The President has spoken".... then walk away with a smile on

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:49 PM

Jan 2013

your face.

murray hill farm

(3,650 posts)

9. Good one!

Reply to southernyankeebelle (Reply #3)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 08:34 PM

Jan 2013

I like it a lot! LOL!

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)

10. Yep, they can't come by with an answer then.

Reply to murray hill farm (Reply #9)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 08:51 PM

Jan 2013

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)

4. Tell them to clean and handle their guns several times a day

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:50 PM

Jan 2013

Statistically, that will ensure a reduction in their number.

Flashmann

(2,140 posts)

5. Statistically, that will ensure a reduction in their number.

Reply to jberryhill (Reply #4)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:53 PM

Jan 2013

You're bad!!!........

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)

7. They are the single greatest threat to themselves

Reply to Flashmann (Reply #5)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:53 PM

Jan 2013

lonestarnot

(77,097 posts)

47. Well said.

Reply to jberryhill (Reply #7)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:57 AM

Jan 2013

Brigid

(17,621 posts)

19. You win.

Reply to jberryhill (Reply #4)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:38 PM

Jan 2013

TheCowsCameHome

(40,168 posts)

6. Tell them to keep whining,

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 07:53 PM

Jan 2013

and that they're doing a fine job of sinking their own boat.

muntrv

(14,505 posts)

8. Tell them to do a photo-op with the Pink Pistols.

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 08:16 PM

Jan 2013

http://pinkpistols.org/

ehrenfeucht games

(139 posts)

11. I clicked on the link, and the first thing I saw was some images created by the gun fetishist...

Reply to muntrv (Reply #8)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:05 PM

Jan 2013

...Oleg Volk.

How is that any different from the NRA?

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)

21. Look at the messages...

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #11)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:41 PM

Jan 2013

Armed gays don't get bashed...

ehrenfeucht games

(139 posts)

22. How are gun fetishists like Oleg Volk significantly different from the NRA?

Reply to ProgressiveProfessor (Reply #21)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 10:01 PM

Jan 2013

The propaganda of gun fetishists like Oleg Volk and the propoganda of the NRA seem quite similar to my untrained eye.

Can you really tell the difference?

Oleg Volk:

NRA:

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)

23. What does that have to do with the Pink Pistols

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #22)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 10:03 PM

Jan 2013

A gay shooting group

ehrenfeucht games

(139 posts)

26. When I clicked on the link, my eyes were assaulted by Oleg Volk images.

Reply to ProgressiveProfessor (Reply #23)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 10:16 PM

Jan 2013

Let's be very clear about what Oleg Volk is all about, shall we?

The main indication that gun control in America has failed is the fact that its supporters are still alive. Millions of people who have invested in arms, training and lobbying in response to past restrictive legislation have no plans to surrender. If gun control efforts begin to infringe significantly on their ability to fight in the future, those who wish to disarm others will be killed.

http://www.a-human-right.com/effective.html

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)

27. Two women holding each other is an assault on your eyes?

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #26)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 10:29 PM

Jan 2013

Response to ProgressiveProfessor (Reply #27)

ehrenfeucht games This message was self-deleted by its author.

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)

31. Still nothing to do with the Pinks

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #29)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:03 AM

Jan 2013

holdencaufield

(2,927 posts)

33. I'm unsure about

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #29)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:14 AM

Jan 2013

... what is assaulting your eyes ... is it the gun or the girl?

Or is it the leg warmers?

ehrenfeucht games

(139 posts)

37. It's Oleg Volk that is assaulting my eyes.

Reply to holdencaufield (Reply #33)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:28 AM

Jan 2013

Gun fetishists like Oleg Volk and the NRA deserve to be shunned.

They are Domestic Terrorists.

http://www.a-human-right.com/effective.html

holdencaufield

(2,927 posts)

39. "... deserve to be shunned"

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #37)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:33 AM

Jan 2013

Are we Amish now?

ehrenfeucht games

(139 posts)

40. If you can't see the problem with using the work of Domestic Terrorists in an approving manner, ...

Reply to holdencaufield (Reply #39)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:36 AM

Jan 2013

...then there's likely nothing that I can say that will help you.

holdencaufield

(2,927 posts)

41. Domestic Terrorist?

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #40)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:42 AM

Jan 2013

Are we talking about Oleg Volk or Tim McVeigh?

Is Mr. Volk even on the No-Fly List?

ehrenfeucht games

(139 posts)

42. Oleg Volk and the NRA.

Reply to holdencaufield (Reply #41)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:45 AM

Jan 2013

I didn't mention Timothy McVeigh, but I'd be happy to add him to the list.

holdencaufield

(2,927 posts)

43. I thought you might not add him ...

Reply to ehrenfeucht games (Reply #42)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:52 AM

Jan 2013

... because he didn't use a gun -- just fertilizer

RomneyLies

(3,333 posts)

12. I just hit "Alert abuse", "disruptive", and tick the TOS box.

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:06 PM

Jan 2013

OH, you were talking about away from DU.

Never mind.

Laurian

(2,593 posts)

15. Yes, outside of DU.

Reply to RomneyLies (Reply #12)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:15 PM

Jan 2013

JaneyVee

(19,877 posts)

13. Actually, I don't think we are being drowned out, it seems the tide may be turning.

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:07 PM

Jan 2013

The recent polls suggest it.

sarisataka

(18,732 posts)

14. Nothing

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:14 PM

Jan 2013

Because if Obama is the 'best gun salesman' them Jones and Lapierre are the best speakers for gun control...

Edit- forgot Nugent, he is the best spokesman for bringing back straight jackets

Kaleva

(36,325 posts)

16. I e-mail, call and also post on my Representative's Facebook page

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:22 PM

Jan 2013

Laurian

(2,593 posts)

17. I'm wondering if real letters might be more effective. Do you

Reply to Kaleva (Reply #16)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:25 PM

Jan 2013

have an opinion about what form of feedback Representatives and Senators are most sensitive to?

Kaleva

(36,325 posts)

18. I get responses from my e-mails.

Reply to Laurian (Reply #17)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:32 PM

Jan 2013

By the info you provide when using the contact form at your representative's official website, they'll see that you are a constituent.

OneTenthofOnePercent

(6,268 posts)

20. Money, it all about money.

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 09:38 PM

Jan 2013

The difference between 'you' and 'them' is money. The people belonging to the NRA are DUES PAYING MEMBERS. They believe in their convictions so much so that they are literally willing to put their money where their mouth's are. The NRA garners something like 200+ million dollars per year and god knows how much they'll rake in this year with all the paranoid nuts all whipped up into a frenzy. 'You' on the other hand simply run around signing petitions and complaining on the internet.

And in the end all the politicians, media, lobbyists, and corporations care about is money.
The answer is simple: Donate/generate Anti-Gun Money.

Laurian

(2,593 posts)

24. I have contributed to organizations fighting

Reply to OneTenthofOnePercent (Reply #20)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 10:11 PM

Jan 2013

for gun control, but I do have limited means......unlike the gun manufacturers. I think we need some big money benefactors on our side.

krispos42

(49,445 posts)

30. Gun makers don't make a lot of money

Reply to Laurian (Reply #24)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 11:04 PM

Jan 2013

Well, they didn't until Obama was elected, at least.

Ruger makes about $50 million a year after taxes and expenses and such; gross revenues in the first 3 quarters of 2012 was $350 million, but like most manufacturing outfits they see maybe a 10% profit.

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/95029/000117494712000427/v326784_10q.htm

Looks like they sell 1.6 million guns a year, so they're clearing about $30 per gun.

SpartanDem

(4,533 posts)

35. It's not just about big donars

Reply to Laurian (Reply #24)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:21 AM

Jan 2013

Pew just did a poll people who prioritize gun right vs control are 4 times as likely to have donated money to an org that represents their views.

ehrenfeucht games

(139 posts)

25. Shunning. (nt)

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Wed Jan 16, 2013, 10:13 PM

Jan 2013

B Calm

(28,762 posts)

32. Ask them if having a gun makes them

Reply to Laurian (Original post)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:07 AM

Jan 2013

more safe? If they answer yes, then ask them if that's true then why isn't America the safest country in the world?

holdencaufield

(2,927 posts)

34. My firearm ...

Reply to B Calm (Reply #32)

Thu Jan 17, 2013, 12:20 AM

Jan 2013

... makes me and mine safer only in a specific set of circumstances which I hope will never occur. They will do little to prevent drownings, falls, car accidents or heart disease which are by and far bigger risks than firearms.

That being said, maybe to be more safe, America needs MORE responsible gun owners, not less?