The GOP has been calling for a civil war.
Brandishing guns, some stockpiling for sure.
Showing their weapons off.
Desensitizing to normal.
The backdrop of an official’s Zoom meeting.
Held by family members in a picture used as a Christmas greeting.
In public servants’ workplace.
Even taken to their home space.
Shown by candidates in races for lawmaker seats.
Present as school boards meet.
Walk with, to stand against people who peacefully protest.
Only need to state that they are there to protect.
Go and get, then say that you shot a suspicious looking man in self-defense.
No discussions, no solutions – Just live with the mass shootings.
Gun advocates and those who use so much violent rhetoric claim to be friends of the military and law enforcement.
All of the same, those who keep challenging America’s democratic systems.
Even though so much disregard was shown for officers on Capitol Hill, police unions and many in law enforcement give their endorsement still.
So if there is ever an uprising against the legitimate government or those deemed to be enemies or opponents –
We know which way those enforcers will go.
An easy set-up to an overthrow.
Yet even those who know of and experienced this, remain complicit.
No, not all are owners or holders of guns.
But they are all marching to the beat of the same drum.
So those who have none, it doesn’t mean that they’re innocent by-standers as gunmen shoot.
They serve as their enablers, promoters, initiators, cheerleaders too.
They may not shoot, but they are allowing others to do so.
With the stroke of a pen, a check to a ballot as they vote.
When there is will, they find a way.
So despite what Republican voters say, they want the guns to stay.
Gun advocates are right – guns don’t kill.
But we know there are many who have or want ownership and have the will.
And many vote for them to have that Right – Despite.
Gun manufacturers have been deliberate to recruit buyers for their firearms.
No sounding of alarms.
Multiple magazines.
Ease for a killing spree.
Those who harbor anger, grievances and insecurities are on their list.
Violent game-makers are also culprits.
But once lawmakers and politicians profit.
They too are complicit.
It’s true – guns don’t shoot by themselves.
But we’re aware that many humans who hold won’t always mean well.
It’s callous and cruel, what Americans keep doing and choosing.
Guns, violence, disregard for safety and life.
Are as prominent as America’s stars, stripes and apple-pie.
Recognized by folks around the world.
But even as America’s situation gets worse, Americans vote for the glory of the gun.
Those who don’t must be silenced and shunned.
Protect the Right to own a gun.
Ban books and limit access to information.
Remove topics from education.
In the guise of parental freedom.
Americans fighting for “free”.
Making these their priority.
Keep guns, burn books while you encourage vigilantes, terrorists, criminal and crooks.
Many will still make claims that’s not what they’re voting for.
But that’s what you’ll get when you vote Republican.
What can be more important than steering them away from the many wrongs they now encase?
So embedded, there is no way to separate.
To McConnell’s admission, there is no agenda.
Also well spelt in Rick Scott’s and other Republican leaders’ propaganda.
The goals are set – what’s to be met, which to forget.
Not just for the present.
Because they target and influence children.
Being taught – you need to win, no matter the cost.
Guns trump discussion and information.
Treating people as too fragile to be exposed to the truth.
Preaching that they are not to trust anyone who is different or have opposing points of view.
Americans’ wills and ways to be revealed in the next cycle of elections.
Guns or books – which is your preference for possession?
Choose wisely as you set America’s course.
At least for now when we still have choice.