Twitter Explodes Against Pro-Gun Politicians Offering ‘Thoughts And Prayers’ On Shooting
Possibly for the first time ever, many people are unabashedly attacking politicians and demanding immediate action on gun control during an active shooting event.
During and immediately after mass shooting events people on social media share their feelings, sympathies, and frustrations with America’s gun violence epidemic. But today’s shooting event, which at least one law enforcement officer today and even news reporters have characterized as “domestic terrorism,” was different.
Right now, during a current and active mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, there is an active and current movement responding to gun control opponents’ tweets sending their “thoughts and prayers” to victims and their families.
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And they’re exceptionally angry – perhaps because this mass shooting, which has left 14 people dead and another 17 people injured o far, is occurring just days after a mass shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood that left three people dead.
Tweets are streaming in demanding action on gun control, chastising lawmakers who oppose gun control for sending tweets offering their “thoughts and prayers,” and a refusal to observe the right’s claim that “now is not the time to talk about gun control.”
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In other words, tweets offering thoughts and prayers aren’t enough anymore — people are demanding action on gun control.
Among them, a U.S. Senator for Connecticut, who was serving during the Sandy Hook attack that left 20 children dead:
Your “thoughts” should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your “prayers” should be for forgiveness if you do nothing – again.
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 2, 2015
ThinkProgress Contributing Editor Igor Volsky has been very active in personalizing his responses to politicians opposed to gun control. Here’s one, many more below:
Got $9,900 from NRA during 2014 cycle, so all he can do is pray…not pass anything useful https://t.co/ejXxoTFYsl https://t.co/NAZhjRMVaA
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) December 3, 2015
And others from many people on Twitter. Take a look:
Can we combine ‘Thoughts & Prayers’ with some action?
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) December 2, 2015
Think and pray about passing sensible gun reforms, Dr. Paul https://t.co/16czqfbH8n
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) December 2, 2015
#SanBernadino: Does the USA need to take “action” or just say keep saying prayers? Choose wisely, American voters. pic.twitter.com/bSYRuZiL05
— Memeographs (@memeographs) December 2, 2015
Your “thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough, Congressman. Support actual gun reform. https://t.co/Kxh384mATD
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) December 2, 2015
The victims of these now daily mass shootings need more than thoughts & prayers. They need action. We must REFUSE to accept this as normal.
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) December 2, 2015
If God does ever answer our “thoughts & prayers” he’s gonna say we’re total morons for not doing anything to stop this insane violence.
— Alex Blagg (@alexblagg) December 2, 2015
Of course, all we get from @ChrisChristie on #SanBernadino is “praying” too. MEMO: That’s not leadership pic.twitter.com/oIZ206YmBH
— BlueJersey (@bluejersey) December 2, 2015
If “thoughts and prayers” were enough, Congressman, we wouldn’t have had 352 mass shootings this year https://t.co/0vPei8eBaZ
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) December 2, 2015
And let’s do more than just pray, Mr. Speaker. Let’s bring gun reforms up for a vote in the House. https://t.co/IxDGYJPhHn
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) December 2, 2015
USA has tried “praying the massacres away.” Maybe time to try something new? #SanBernadino @RealBenCarson https://t.co/Mla58tHU6Z
— Scott Wooledge (@Clarknt67) December 2, 2015
Fuck politicians giving “thoughts & prayers” to the victims of mass shootings. That’s the language of a feckless coward. #dosomethingaboutit
— R▲mses (@JKRAMBOJK) December 2, 2015
Politicians tweet “our thoughts & prayers” all the time about shooting incidents. Do something about it!! #SanBernadino #domore
— mz_laagan (@mzlaagan) December 2, 2015
Thoughts & prayers are good. Calling your elected officials and demanding change is better. Be resourceful and do it #SanBernadinoShooting
— Eric Martsolf (@ericmartsolf) December 2, 2015
Advice for our politicians, let’s have less thoughts, prayers & condolences, and more anger, outrage & actionable solutions. #SanBernadino
— jasonrothlv (@jasonrothlv) December 2, 2015
Because they can’t offer anything useful. ‘GOP candidates offer thoughts, prayers after #SanBernadinoShooting‘ https://t.co/Qk44dh9pX0
— Pitt Griffin (@pittgriffin) December 3, 2015
“NRA Endorses Mike Rounds for U.S. Senate in South Dakota” https://t.co/Ccxux6ZAW6 https://t.co/COcHDon7Q9
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) December 3, 2015
Yet you tout opposition to expanding background checks on your senate website: https://t.co/QWlzd7dOmx https://t.co/uhfsiBmegm
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) December 3, 2015
#GOP “Thoughts and prayers, yadda, yadda yadda…” RT @mattyglesias: Every mass shooting since Sandy Hook, mapped. pic.twitter.com/bfBKhiH2JJ
— Scott Wooledge (@Clarknt67) December 2, 2015
I don’t know. Maybe this “Pray the massacres away” plan isn’t working for America, @GovMikeHuckabee? #SanBernadino https://t.co/Gnh1bMI568
— HuckabeesGayFriend (@HucksGayBFF) December 2, 2015
@Reince Prayers from the GOP after gun violence is like a thank-you note from a serial killer. Polite, but galling. pic.twitter.com/wW3zAMmR37
— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) December 2, 2015
It’s the least you can do. Literally. https://t.co/2BGZj0b756
— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) December 2, 2015
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