It is extremely frustrating to see politicians who sell their soul to hold on to their jobs as Congressmen and Senators, unwilling to take a principled stand on anything!
And then we have West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, former Governor of the state, a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, who fought for a “background checks” bill, which failed to overcome a filibuster, because of fear of Senators to alienate the NRA and its monstrous leadership, that does not give a damn about the thousand or more people killed by firearms each month. These cowardly Senators, and also Congressmen, are afraid of Wayne La Pierre and the NRA, and care more about keeping their seats and power than anything else!
But Manchin fought against the NRA, and continues to defy them, and this morning on MORNING JOE, after the NRA put out commercials against him, he responded with his own commercial, and made it clear that IF the people of West Virginia were unwilling to back “background checks” on firearms, and wished to send him home by defeating him in the next election, so be it!
And if that happened, he said, he would be blessed to spend his life in the state he loved, instead of Washington, DC!
What a refreshing way to look at it, as NO ONE who serves in Congress is poor, struggling, and NEEDS the job as most Americans need their job!
This is what we need—members of Congress who are there to promote what they believe in, and do NOT allow any pressure group to sway them, and willing to give up their position and power on principle, rather than kowtow to corrupt influences!
If only there were more Joe Manchins, and he is, indeed, a true “Profile In Courage”, and a model for public service!
Remember the Wounded Knee Massacre? : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wounded_Knee_Massacre
Sandy Hook the deadliest school shooting in US History? I think not. In 1890 the US government shot and killed over 290 unarmed Indians at school. Including 200 women and children. How quickly we forget history. They gave up their guns too. Remember?
Juan, you have a great point there, and I thank you for it! It does not, however, lessen the tragedy at Sandy Hook.