Some Things You Should Know About Gun Control

Teen Resisters! We are back. This past month-and-change has flown by in a swirl of emotion, action, and passion. While we, and so many others, are devastated by the events in Parkland, and even some of the NRA actions since, it has been incredibly moving to see so many teens take action.
Teens Resist's goal is to inspire teens to turn their opinions into action, and give them the resources to do so. We have never seen so many teens who not only have passionate, strong opinions, but are also looking to do something about them. We've put together this list to help you all do that. We include some of the things you should know about gun laws themselves, and of course, what you can do. (And some self care tips at the end)
Keep fighting. We are so proud to be teens right now.

ITTY BITTY BACKGROUND INFO: Besides its massive financial dominance, a main way in which the NRA has been able to remain so influential and untouchable in modern US politics is through its transformation of the 2nd amendment in the eyes of the American people. A quick reminder, the 2nd amendment is the following:
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
Originally, the Amendment was interpreted as being designed to give government-affiliated military institutions the right to bear arms. As interpreted, “the people” to which the statement refers being those groups of people who secured the state. It is only in recent years — in some cases, only a decade ago, in the supreme court case of District of Columbia v. Heller — where this concept of the people being able to bear arms was extended to the regular American individual. And it was never said, even by the most conservative justices, that that right should be unlimited. Ever since, the NRA has dedicated its massive government funding and political resources to maintaining the concept of individual rights to guns.
Quick petition: https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/gun-control-now-1

H.R.38 - Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017
The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (CCRA) was introduced in January of 2017 and passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 231-198 in early December (voting happened mainly along party lines – Republicans were strongly for it and Democrats were strongly against it, as expected).  
Essentially, the bill would allow a “qualified individual,” or someone who has a concealed carry license, to possess a concealed firearm in any state, regardless of state laws, and to carry one across state lines.  What this means: a concealed carry license that is valid in the owner’s home state would now be valid anywhere in the US; state-by-state gun laws would not have the same significance as they used to.
Alabama’s gun laws, for example, are much less strict than New York’s.  Because of this, it is much easier to get a concealed carry license there than in New York.  However, with the CCRA, individuals with an Alabama license could bring their weapons into New York without having to fulfill New York’s requirements for obtaining that license.  The consequences of this bill reach far and wide, and would, in many ways, invalidate the gun control that any state has. Basically, the worst gun laws in the nation would become the national norm.
​Interesting article: click here.
What can you do to help?
The bill still has not passed the Senate.  Call your senator and tell them to oppose the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act at all costs.
Number: 202-223-3121 (enter zipcode, ask for senator); Script:
Hi, my name is _____, I’m from _____, and I’m calling to ask that Senator _____ votes against the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.  The easy accessibility of firearms is already the main reason why gun violence is so much more more frequent in America than in any other country.  If the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act becomes a law, thereby allowing concealed carry licenses authorized any one state to become valid nationwide, all of the progress that [your state] has made on gun control will be rendered essentially insignificant.  Protect students, victims of domestic violence, and every single person in this country that has been or could have their lives ripped apart by a gun in the wrong hands; choose people over guns.  Thank you. ​
Support and stay updated with: Everytown and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Assault Weapons: One of the key concerns in the gun control debate has been that of highly dangerous assault weapons. Teens Resisters — we’re here to explain to you the controversial and problematic history of these weapons and what you can do to fight back. Firstly, you need some history and background context:
A new debate has come to the forefront of the gun control controversy — should individuals be allowed to bear assault weapons, as well? — and people are unsure what to do. After all, assault weapons are “arms” just as much as any other gun is; why should they be excluded from those weapons that individual people are allowed to carry (even with regulation)? And why are they so dangerous? Here’s why:
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Assault weapons are defined as “semi-automatic rifles with a detachable magazine and pistol grip.” In short, statistically and historically we see that assault weapons have only been used to shoot people. They are special civilian-editions of military assault weapons (with no real difference between the two). They can accept detachable high-capacity ammunition magazines, meaning that one can shoot many rounds without having to reload, and they are designed to have features that allow for “spray-firing,” a military technique that allows for a gunman to “lay down a high volume of fire over a wide killing zone,” according to the Violence Policy Center.
The coining of the phrase “assault weapon” comes from gun manufacturers, sellers, and associations themselves, rather than anti-gun activists, as many people assume. 
Throughout history, assault weapons have been used in many high-profile, devastating terrorist shootings, including 2016’s mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando which left 49 dead and 53 injured (the most deadly in history), the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut (28 dead, 2 injured), and the 1999 Columbine High School massacre (15 dead, 24 injured).
Another crucial historical factor to consider when looking at assault weapons is the now-defunct U.S. Federal Assault Weapons Ban. This 1994 ban prohibited the manufacturing and selling of assault weapons in the United States (including the AR-15, see below). Those guns already legally owned/used at the time were exempt from the bill. Unfortunately, this ban expired in 2004, and since then, despite lawmakers’ and activists’ efforts to re-institute similar bans, assault weapons are legally and commonly sold and used in the U.S. Today, some states outlaw assault weapons, while others do not.
The gunman at the most recent 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, used an AR-15 rifle, which is a semi-automatic rifle. Although not technically considered an assault rifle by gun associations today, there is much contention as to what specifically does define an assault weapon, and the AR-15 is nevertheless included in many modern assault weapon bans (as it should be).
The point is: No everyday American needs to possess that much military power. And it can be incredibly detrimental. It is naïve to pretend like guns haven't changed since the 2nd Amendment was written.
There’s your context, now here’s what you can do:

• Support Everytown for Gun Safety, an amazing organization that seeks legislative gun reform in order to reduce gun violence in America, by spreading their mission, and, if you can, donating to the cause today.
• Tell your representatives to propose a federal ban of assault weapons in congress. NUMBER: 202-224-3121. Script:
  • Hi. My name is _______ and I’m calling because I care passionately about making the United States a secure and safe place to live, and I think [name of rep] should, too. I demand that they fight for a permanent federal ban of assault weapons today. Assault weapons are the most popular choice for gunmen in mass terror shootings in the US today; they were designed for the military, and should not be in the hands of individual civilians. I hope that [rep name] will take my concerns to heart, protect their people, and fight for a federal ban of assault weapons today. Thank you.

Red Flag Laws: Much of the current gun control debate has featured NRA proponents speaking about mental health, or saying they don't think guns should be in the hands of "dangerous people." The hole in that narrative? Those are typically the very same people opposing legislation that would make that happen. One example of that kind of legislation is Red Flag Laws, otherwise known as extreme risk protection orders (ERPOS). A Red Flag Law exists in 5 states, and are pending in 18, and they work to protect everyone from danger.
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A Red Flag Law "​empowers family members and law enforcement to seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order, a court order temporarily restricting a person’s access to guns when they pose a danger to self or others," according to Everytown. So what does that mean? When someone's family member or someone close to them notices that they have suicidal, homicidal, violent, or other dangerous tendencies, they can go to the authorities in order to have that person's gun temporarily taken away until the problem is cleared. For example, if Florida had a Red Flag Law, people who knew the shooter could have reported his issues and he could have had his weapon removed until it seemed his mental health was sound. This could not have occurred under regular background check laws, because he didn't have a criminal record or diagnosed mental illness. Red Flag Laws also have "robust due process," as in order to get a "final order," which lasts for a year, there must be a hearing. For a 14 to 21 day order, there does not have to be a hearing, as long as their is evidence that the order "is necessary to prevent immediate danger." 
Red Flag Laws also protect against suicide, which accounts for nearly two thirds of gun deaths in the US. Having access to a firearm triples the risk of death by suicide, because 9 out of 10 suicide attempts with a gun end in death, whereas most people who attempt suicide by other means live. If a mother notices her adult son is expressing suicidal tendencies or thoughts, she does not have the legal right to take his firearm away. But if there is a Red Flag Law, they could receive an order making it so that he would not have access to the gun until his mental health was sound. Red Flag Laws are perfect examples of the often-referred-to "common sense gun reform," and seems like something gun owners could get behind, right? 
Unfortunately, the NRA has fought the measure tooth and nail in every instance, with one spokesperson calling it "one of the most egregious violations of civil liberties ever introduced in the California Legislature." One thing's for sure: it's time for Red Flag Laws to be implemented.
Want more info: https://everytownresearch.org/red-flag-laws-helping-prevent-mass-shooting/

What you can do:
New Yorkers: Sign this postcard (LESS THAN 1 MINUTE)
If you don't live in Connecticut, Indiana, Washington, Oregon, or California, your state doesn't have a Red Flag Law. Look at the graphic on the right to see if your state has one pending. Once you check, call your state representatives: use this website to find their number. STORM THEIR PHONES!
Script: Hi, my name is _____ and I'm calling to ask that you do all you can to pass/introduce Red Flag Laws in [name of your state]. Red Flag Laws are common sense gun reform that protect people statewide. They are incredibly necessary, and in no way limit 2nd Amendment rights. Please do all you can to give our state Red Flag Laws. Thank you.
ALSO: Check in with Everytown and Moms Demand chapters near you to find out their efforts to pass Red Flag Laws.

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo speaks in front of Moms Demand Action Advocates about Red Flag Law measures

THE MARCHES! With the most recent horrific events that went down at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida, the youth of America have brilliantly taken it into their own hands to keep incidents like this in conversation. As many of you probably already know, an entirely student-organized nationwide walkout was held last week on the fourteenth of March. There are still two more impending protests— one on the 24th of March and one on the 20th of April.
Here’s the breakdown:
March 24th- March for Our Lives is a nationwide march taking place on 03-24-18 in protest to gun violence. The central march is occurring in Washington, D.C. at 12:00 P.M. beginning between Pennsylvania Ave NW and 3rd Street NW.
However, it has gained momentum in a majority of major cities in the U.S, including (but not limited to) Los Angeles; Chicago; Miami; Las Vegas; Springfield, Missouri; San Francisco; Dallas; and New York City. Here are the details for some:
Los Angeles- Starts at 9 A.M on W. 6th St.
New York- This march begins at 10 A.M. local time in Manhattan, starting at streets Central Park West and West 72nd street.
Boston- The march planned in Boston begins at 12 A.M. at the Boston Common on Charles Street.
Chicago- Chicago’s march starts at 11 A.M. in Grant Park.
If your city isn’t listed here, you can find a March for Our Lives near you at https://event.marchforourlives.com

April 20th- April 20th is the 19th anniversary of the Columbine, Colorado shooting and thus an appropriate date for a gun violence protest. It is a full day walkout, so once students leave school at 10:00 A.M., they don’t return. After students leave, they will gather in front of their respective schools, and then many will proceed to a rally.
For NYC, the rally will be at Washington Square Park. We can probably all understand why working to progress to a society free of gun violence and advocating for gun control takes priority over fulfilling the so-called “purpose” of 4/20. It is recommended that you make signs beforehand! You also should definitely wear orange! If you don’t own any, you can borrow from a friend or parent or relative. But if worst comes to worst, opt for anything in the general color scheme (red, yellow, pink, coral, etc.).  
For April 20th, more info is likely to come out as the date gets closer, and also get into contact with student organizers in the area to find out more info.

Students in DC on March 14th

BUT ALSO TEEN RESISTERS: These are really, really hard times. So take care of yourself! Here are some of our fave self-care links:
- A Good Self-Care Spotify List
​- Fairly Affordable (and amazing smelling) Handmade Essential Oil Candles (the person writing this 10/10 recommends "Balance" and Rejuvenation")
​- A Vine Comp
​- A Pug Video Playlist
​- Best Smelling Body Lotion in the World (you're welcome)