National Day Of Action Ignored By Dispatch

Thursday March 28th was a "National Day of Action" for proponents of common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence.  President Obama spoke at the White House, surrounded by Newtown parents.  There were over 140 events in 29 states, co-sponsored by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Moms In Action, and Organizing For Action (the reconstituted Obama election group).

Two of those events were here in Columbus, and I attended one -- the press conference at the N. High St. fire station.  We heard from two doctors -- one on staff at OSU and the other the head of Columbus EMS -- on the need for universal background checks and other sensible measures.  Both of these professionals deal with the results of gun violence every day.  Both of them frame the issue not in terms of petty politics, but in terms of public health and safety.  The OSU doc mentioned the absurdity of our politicians producing reams of safety legislation about football helmets, but not a single page about safety from gun violence.





Speaking of absurd, that very morning the Columbus Dispatch had a big front page spread (and several inside pages) about arming our schoolteachers.  Mention the "Day of Action" or the two local events?  Are you kidding?  How about some follow-up coverage of our press conference the next day?  Nope.

But teachers being "trained" (for a solid 90 minutes) in the use of a lethal weapon against a school shooter?  Yessir!  That's news!  Headline:  "Teachers Pack Heat At Gun School!"

 

That's not news, it's horseshit.  Good grief!