You can tell what a person’s priorities are by how they spend their time and money. In this case our state lawmakers have declared that one of their top priorities is guns, guns, and more guns. How are they getting their point across? Through a double barrel load of gun legislation in the current session. There are no fewer than 37 active gun legislation bills in this legislative session: 

House

Senate

2021 Gun Legislation: Political Theater

Most of the 2021 gun legislation bills are complete nonsense and are just intended to pad resumes and campaign literature. Very few actually attempt to solve legitimate problems in Missouri. 

What are some of these urgent matters that require legislation? We need to be able to conceal and carry firearms on public transportation (HB 52). Worshippers need to be able to walk through the church door carrying a Bible in one hand and their Glock in another (HB 634). If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that gun & ammo shops have to be kept open at any cost (HB 1068). In addition to our current law enforcement and National Guard, it’s somehow essential that we also have a state minutemen organization whose members will be able to keep their arms no matter what (SB 528). And finally, we’ve got to put measures into place that declares all federal laws that infringe on the right to bear arms as invalid (SB 39).

The vast majority of Missouri voters are more focused on real issues, like making enough each week to pay the bills. They don’t want to have to choose between buying groceries and going to the doctor. Parents want their kids to have a good education and a better life than they did. Most Missourians have their priorities in the right place. It’s time lawmakers did the same. 

 

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OneMissouri is committed to research, education, advocacy, and policy development on behalf of all Missourians. 

Top Graphic Credit: Pope Moysuh on Unsplash