Write a Letter to the Editor about Republicans' Blockage of the Assault Weapons Ban

  • Context

    Americans suffer mass shootings more than any other country in the world. But we do not have to live this way -- there is undeniable public support for proven strategies to prevent gun violence. A Gallup poll conducted in June 2022 found that 92 percent of Americans favor requiring background checks for all firearm sales. According to a survey conducted in February 2023, 53 percent of all registered voters in the United States strongly supported banning assault-style weapons, the weapon of choice in mass shootings because of their capability of firing far more bullets, far faster than other rifles.

    According to Everytown for Gun Safety, "From 2015 to 2022, mass shootings with four or more people killed where an assault weapon was used resulted in nearly six times as many people shot, more than twice as many people killed, and 23 times as many people wounded on average compared to those that did not involve the use of one."

    Senate Republicans blocked efforts by Senate Democrats in 2023 to pass an assault weapons ban and universal background checks legislation. But the evidence is clear: a ban on these weapons and high-capacity magazines leads to a marked reduction in both the incidence and severity of public mass shootings. During the decade of the 1994 federal assault weapons ban, it's estimated that least 11 public mass shootings were prevented. Furthermore, analysis suggests that if this ban had remained in place from 2005 through 2019, an additional 30 mass shootings, which took 339 lives and injured 1,139 individuals, could have been averted. (Everytown)

    Mass shootings are a uniquely American problem. So is Republican inaction, funded in large part by the NRA and gun lobby. Write a letter to the editor to your local paper reminding voters that living this way is a choice -- and beginning to do something about the problem starts with voting Republicans out of office.

  • Talking Points
    1. Highlight the Frequency of Mass Shootings: Emphasize the alarming number of mass shootings, including the recent tragedy at Perry High School in Iowa, to illustrate the urgency of the issue.
    2. Cite Public Support for Gun Control: Reference polls or studies showing strong public support for measures like the assault weapons ban and universal background checks.
    3. Discuss the Impact of the 1994 Ban's Expiration: Point out the increase in mass shootings since the lapse of the 1994 ban, emphasizing the effectiveness of such legislation.
    4. Call Out Republican Inaction: Criticize the recent blocking of gun control legislation by Senate Republicans, framing it as a neglect of public safety and responsibility.
    5. Personal Stories and Local Impact: Include personal experiences or local examples of gun violence to make the issue more relatable and poignant.
    6. Appeal to Moral and Ethical Responsibilities: Encourage writers to address the moral imperative for lawmakers to protect their constituents.
    7. Advocate for Specific Legislation: Urge readers to demand action on specific measures such as the assault weapons ban, background checks, and other reasonable gun control laws.
    8. Remind Voters We Don't Have to Live This Way: If we want Congress to do something about gun violence and mass shootings, we need to elect members of Congress who will do something more than tweet their thoughts and prayers.
  • Writing Tips

    Focus on one topic. If you have two, write a second letter.

    Obey those word count limits. If your letter gets long, write a second letter.

    Be clear and concise—you only have around 200 words or less to make your point.

    Be yourself. You don’t need to talk like an academic or a policy expert. Remember, you’re a smart, passionate constituent who’s paying attention, one who other constituents might identify with—and that’s the most powerful thing you can be.

    For more letter writing tips, check out this resource.

  • Sample: Republicans block assault weapons ban on the same day as the 631st mass shooting
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