EDITORIAL: Are Shekarchi and Ruggerio Actually Democrats?
Thursday, May 26, 2022
On Tuesday, an 18-year-old walked into an elementary school in Texas and blistered a classroom with an AR-15-style rifle.
According to reports, the violence resulted in the shredding of the bodies of fourth-graders.
He slaughtered 19 small children and two teachers. Many other children were injured.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTJust ten days earlier, it was another 18-year-old with a Bushmaster XM-15 semi-automatic rifle. Ten were killed and three were wounded in the shooting in Buffalo, New York.
In response to these episodes and approximately 200 mass shootings in the United States this year, Rhode Island’s legislative leaders have been functionally silent.
First, let's look at what Democratic Speaker Joe Shekarchi said in response.
Shekarchi Tweeted on Tuesday night the following Mitch McConnellesque statement:
“Our hearts are broken for all of the students, parents, teachers, and families in Uvalde, Texas. What took place yesterday at Robb Elementary School is beyond comprehension. No child should ever have to fear for their life – especially while in school.”
Ruggerio Tweeted nothing.
Neither issued a press release.
GoLocal asked each of the Democratic legislative leaders if they would push the passage of legislation this session to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, as urged by Democratic gubernatorial candidates Helena Foulkes and Governor Dan McKee.
Speaker Shekarchi:
“Legislation is pending in this session and is under consideration.”
Ruggerio’s Spokesman Greg Pare:
“It is under review.”
The responses are unacceptable and the lack of action is irresponsible.
The banning of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines will not end mass shootings — no, but it will help.
Are other steps needed — of course.
Should this be done at the federal level — of course.
Shekarchi and Ruggerio need to speak out immediately, take action, and pass these two pieces of legislation.
An editorial is the opinion of a publication — specifically, the ownership.
While based on facts and news reporting, it is an opinion intended to discuss critical community issues. Often, the opinion is written with the intention of positive change.
GoLocal editorials have sparked conversations, change, and even the naming of a bridge.
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