One NRA branch did not take news of President Obama’s increased gun-control guidelines well. On Monday evening, Obama revealed his likely intent to bypass Congress and push an official executive move on gun reform. Much of this plan’s focus sits with improved background checks (through an increased FBI staff conducting them) and an eye toward mental-health treatment. The White House outlined the new guidelines (which will fully drop on Tuesday), and of course, the plan’s causing a firestorm.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan immediately criticized Obama’s outline as “a dangerous level of executive overreach.” Of course, Ryan hadn’t seen the actual plan yet, nor had the internet. Obama spoke of his desire to save lives without obliterating the second amendment, but some gun owners aren’t convinced.
An NRA publication, America’s First Freedom, responded to “one of the most ridiculous anti-gun schemes” in an unfortunate way. The magazine tweeted a photo of bullets next to two politicians — Sen. Roxanne Persaud and Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon — who support increased gun-control measures. The effect looks like something from an episode of Law and Order: SVU.
Sounding off on one of the most ridiculous anti-gun schemes introduced in some time: https://t.co/nDt77l6OuQ pic.twitter.com/JI86OQ5HI0
— America’s 1st Freedom (@NRAA1F) January 4, 2016
Naturally, this move isn’t sitting well with Twitter. The NRA hasn’t officially responded to the image, but NYC mayor Bill de Blasio called the picture “obnoxious and suggestive.” Others are joining him (and criticizing the photo’s sketchy graphic design).
Knock it off, @NRAA1F. Your graphic is obnoxious and suggestive. I stand with @joannesimonbk52 & @senatorpersaud. https://t.co/eD0iMtmL6a
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/PaladinCornelia/status/684128568276692993
https://twitter.com/celestepewter/status/684128585825808385
Today, @NRAA1F stoops to new low with disgusting image attacking @joannesimonbk52 & @senatorpersaud. No excuse. https://t.co/G42LcS4DR2
— Dan Garodnick (@DanGarodnick) January 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/candrus68/status/684237617567805440
(Via The Independent)