"One Million Served" Scott Stands His Ground On Guns
Rick Scott took a break from FOX-GOP-TV appearances and showed up on CNN Wednesday for an interview with Soledad O'Brien on guns. When O'Brien asked him what he would be willing to do about gun issues in the wake of the most recent mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, he did what he does best: avoid answering the question. Of course, Floridians know all too well that translates to doing nothing at all.
Evidently he makes no exceptions for mass murder. But then he's earned his "A" rating from the NRA and proved it once again in this interview.
Among the questions O'Brien asked Scott:
“What would you support in terms of legislation, if it in fact comes with that?” O’Brien asked. “Do you believe in stricter gun laws. You’re well supported by the NRA, and historically they have not supported that. How far would you be willing to go?”
“I guess I would like to hear from elected officials: what are you willing to change?”
Scott's version of an answer was pathetic at best, but to sum it up: respect the families, mourn for them, (adding that "he's been to law enforcement funerals,") make sure schools are safe and "think what we can do to improve." "Have a conversation." Throw in a plug for "low crime rates in Florida."
In other words, just boilerplate NRA talking points. Good boy.
No mention of the recent shootings of black children in Florida thanks to the new shoot first and invoke Stand Your Ground later law, courtesy of ALEC and GOP lawmakers, including one who 's also a funeral home owner. (Convenient.) The "thinking how to improve" on that law amounted to "no improvements needed."
Also no mention of the latest Stand Your Ground shooting where a man's complaint over a tardy pizza was apparently "threatening" enough to an uninvolved bystander that he had to shoot him over it. Ready in ten minutes or else? Maybe Scott's still "sitting back and thinking" over that one too?
O'Brien pressed Scott repeatedly for answers to her questions, but she got no further than anyone else does with Scott. She might as well have been talking to a robot. In a way, she was.
Scott also claimed that he talks to families across Florida every day and "listens to get their ideas" and that he even talked to families in Connecticut. Really? Funny, we never do hear just who all those in Florida he talks to are, they're a quiet bunch I guess.
Scott, like the rest of the pro-assualt rifle fans and the NRA, seem to see children and adults alike as collateral damage in pursuit of gun sales and profits while pretending it's all about their rights and freedom.
When it comes to death by firearms, Scott will "think about it." He'll "mourn." Maybe show up at a funeral.
Because "his heart goes out to them."
Because Rick Scott's answer to gun safety and gun laws is to "respect the families" of murdered six and seven year olds by doing nothing at all.
What courage.
