GOP Playbook for Mass Shootings

The GOP has a typical and predictable response to mass shootings.  Below is the continuum of escalating non-response to the gun violence crisis and the translation from political BS to plain English.

1.      “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

Translation:  Let’s pretend to empathize and sympathize with the victims while also emphasizing our religious credentials.

2.      “We should focus on coming together as a country and mourning this loss.” 

Translation:  Let’s not talk about guns.

3.      “Democrats are weaponizing this tragedy for political purposes.  This horror should not be politicized.”

Translation:  We really do not want to talk about guns.  Our campaigns are funded by the NRA and guns rights groups.  We really need their money. Retaining our position of power is more important than any common sense gun laws, the children of average Americans and any basic notions of morality.

4.      “This is a mental health issue.  We should focus on red flag laws.”

Translation:  We cannot concede this is about guns.  Where else can we point?  Mental illness is low hanging fruit. But we have to be careful not to overstate our case.  Because we will not agree to fund mental health services in schools, we will not support universal health care with mental health services, and we definitely do not support universal background checks.  Indeed, we will not agree to any sort of public mental health services.

5.      “The Second Amendment is fundamental, we cannot allow isolated incidents to lead to an infringement of those rights.”

Translation:  Look at us NRA, we are saying what you want!  Now spend your money on reelection campaigns, and we will keep acting as your mouthpieces.

6.      “This school shooting was a false flag operation staged by democrats and the gun control lobby.  The victims are paid actors.  Don’t believe the conspiracy!”

Translation:  Americans are angry, and we are desperate.  So let’s lie.  Our voters will believe anything!  After all, they believe Trump won the 2020 election!

7.      “…”

Translation:  if we keep our heads down, and hold the line, this will blow over.  It ALWAYS does.  We must rely on the short attention span of the American public!

That is the playbook used every time. It is already being used today, the day after the tragedy. Guess what? It works. Every time. Republicans continue to get their money from the NRA, nothing changes, and I get to feel nauseous sending my child to school.