‘Congress’ isn’t blocking new gun laws — the GOP is

Obstructionist Republicans have been blocking common-sense gun laws for years, even as the laundry list of gun massacres continues to grow. The radical maneuver comes against overwhelming public support for Democrat-backed legislation. If ever there’s been an example of an entire political party in America completely out of step with the country, this is it. So why does the press constantly inform news consumers that “Congress” is to blame for the lack of action, instead of Republicans?

That question became even more pressing in recent days, following the murder of 31 people during hate gun rampages in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, where gunmen toting AK-47s and AR 15s set out to kill as many civilians as possible. Democrats remain united in desperately wanting to pass new laws, while Republicans stand in the way. Yet “Congress” is being blamed.

“Despite frequent mass shootings, Congress has proved to be unable to pass substantial gun violence legislation, largely because of resistance from Republicans,” the Associated Press reported in the wake of the recent tragedies. But no, it’s not the fault of “Congress.” It’s the fault of Republicans, and there ought to be absolutely no confusion in the media. Americans are increasingly bewildered by the lack of legislative action on guns, and the press blaming “Congress” so simply gives the GOP a huge pass.

View the complete August 11 article by Eric Boehlert from Daily Kos on the AlterNet website here.