Gun law reform group One Pulse for America condemns the protests taking place in several state capitols, organized by far-right, extreme gun advocates and targeted at certain U.S. governors.
The Governors are seeking to protect public health through lockdown measures to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For this, they are being intimidated by extremists and by the president himself, who tweeted that states including Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota should be ‘liberated.’
George Takei, One Pulse’s founder, said: “The uncertainty over the coronavirus outbreak requires an abundance of caution. Everyone must be willing to sacrifice a bit of personal liberty for the greater good. Governors must stand firm. We must not bow to the terroristic tactics of a few extremists.”
As reported by the media, resentment over the shutdown orders has been hijacked by groups whose goal is to further reduce America’s already lax gun laws.
Many Americans are frustrated that they have to remain home, with many furloughed or unsure of their employment status. State governors have had to balance the public’s desire to get back to work with the very real risk of death the virus poses. People such as the Dorr brothers—gun activists who think the NRA is too liberal—are exploiting the public’s fears and trying to destabilize state governments. They have been linked to three social media groups organizing anti-lockdown rallies.
Suzanne Kelly, a spokesperson for One Pulse for America said: “At One Pulse for America we understand how serious this virus is. Over 43,000 Americans have died so far. Now there are people who are cynically exploiting this uncertainty to further their unrelated aims. Anyone who would create an ill-advised protest as a Trojan horse to further their unrelated pro-gun agenda is beneath contempt. Yet that is what some gun groups are doing. They are not endangering their own health, but the health of first responders.”
“Virginia recently passed sensible gun law reforms, and this has made the state a particular target. Indeed, Trump tweeted that ‘2nd Amendment rights were under threat’ in the state. His call to ‘liberate’ Virginia and other states is a literal call to arms, and we condemn it. We agree with many experts who say his remarks incite violence and are illegal and unconstitutional.”
“Video footage shows many demonstrators are ignoring guidelines to stop the spread of the disease. While some demonstrators held frivolous placards saying they need haircuts, or they want to golf, others waved Confederate flags and carried automatic weapons and rifles.”
Ms. Kelly said further, “America has two epidemics: Covid-19 and gun proliferation. The 2nd Amendment sets out the right to a well-regulated militia: this is not the same as masked civilians waving automatic weapons during a pandemic. One Pulse’s founder George Takei has asked everyone to please stay home, and we hope you will do so for your sake as well as everyone else’s.”
Actor and activist George Takei started the 83,000-strong One Pulse Facebook group following the tragic mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The group takes a variety of actions aimed at improving America’s gun laws and saving lives.
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About One Pulse for America
One Pulse for America was founded by actor/LGBTQ rights activist George Takei in response to the mass shooting at The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016. The One Pulse for America Facebook group has been part of a successful effort to close the “passion gap” with pro-gun activists. Our members take daily action to bring strategic pressure on legislators and other decision-makers by amplifying support for gun violence prevention efforts at the national, state and local level. Our ultimate goal is to change social norms surrounding guns and obtain life-saving reforms that will end America’s epidemic of gun violence.
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https://www.onepulseforamerica.com/
Further information:
Suzanne Kelly
sgvk27@aol.com
+44 (0) 7752 356 455
The Washington Post reports