Why Doesn't Everytown for Gun Safety Teach Gun Safety?

The phrase 'Everytown for Gun Safety' evokes a warm and familiar imagery, suggesting a grassroots initiative dedicated to gun safety. However, the reality is far different from this benign portrayal. This article delves into the complexities of why this organization fails in its purported mission and how their actions contradict their name.

The Deceptive Nature of Public Perception

The left has long employed the tactic of using emotionally appealing names for legislation that contains harmful provisions. Many advocate that this strategy effectively blinds people into accepting measures that work against their interests. Names like 'Clean Air Act' or 'Global Warming Act' are designed to serve as catalysts for public acceptance, often leading to unintended consequences.

Everytown for Gun Safety (EGS) followed a similar pattern. By co-opting the term 'gun safety,' the organization deliberately conflates their anti-gun agenda with genuine educational and safety measures. This deceptive approach not only misleads the public but also shields the organization from criticism. Consequently, EGS has managed to present itself as a bastion of gun safety information when, in fact, their advocacy and actions are diametrically opposed to this goal.

Anti-Gun Agenda vs. Safety Education

When questioned about their core mission, EGS unveils its true colors. Instead of focusing on practical firearm safety education, the organization is aggressively pushing for gun control measures. Their primary goal is to reduce gun ownership through legislation, litigation, and other means. This agenda is starkly at odds with the teaching of safe storage and handling of firearms.

The irony is profound. A name that promises safety is actually a front for anti-gun activism. The safety of firearm owners and users is a critical component of responsible ownership. Everytown for Gun Safety claims to promote these values but their actions suggest a different agenda. Their policies contribute to a culture of mistrust and fear, rather than fostering an environment where safety is paramount.

Child Safety and Misleading Advice

The issue of child safety is a touchstone for this discussion. EGS's stance on gun storage is especially troubling. They assert that there is no way to safely store guns, despite the existence of numerous safe storage solutions and safety devices, such as gun locks. These devices are designed to prevent unauthorized access and accidental discharges. The organization's refusal to acknowledge these solutions is not just misleading; it can have lethal consequences.

It is shameful that EGS would push advice that leads to the death of children rather than promoting proven methods that could save lives. A true gun safety organization would prioritize children's protection and provide accurate, science-backed advice. By doing the opposite, EGS discredits itself and perpetuates a dangerous narrative. This approach is analogous to being an accessory to manslaughter, failing in its duty to protect instead of educating.

Irony and Liberal Doublespeak

It is highly ironic that the very name 'Everytown for Gun Safety' is used to cloak the true intentions of the organization. The use of such a name essentially engages in liberal doublespeak, a rhetorical strategy that deliberately misleads the public. The organization's name and its actions create a chasm between the rhetoric and the reality, making it difficult for the average American to discern the true nature of their advocacy.

The underlying cynicism and ideological underpinnings of EGS are evident in their refusal to embrace the term 'anti-gun.' By actively choosing to avoid this label, they imply a level of political correctness that hides their true intentions. The irony of clinging to a name that promises safety while promoting gun control is lost on many, who continue to believe in the organization's wellbeing mission rather than its underlying agenda.

In conclusion, the criticism of Everytown for Gun Safety's name and actions is well-founded. The organization has failed in its purported mission of gun safety education, opting instead to employ strategies that discourage firearms ownership and reduce child safety. The disparity between their name and actions is emblematic of a broader issue in modern activism, where cognitive dissonance and misleading names create layers of deception that need to be peeled back to uncover the true nature of the organization's goals.

Keywords: gun safety, anti-gun organization, firearm safety