"Firing of the Christmas Guns"
America's bizarre conflation of Christmas and firearms
By: Eric Davidson
Christmas. A time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a big feast, and watch the children open their gifts while “Joy to the World” floats in the background and all are wished “peace on earth.”
What better time to drag out an AR-15 and discuss tactical gear?
America’s increasingly strange and self-defeating fascination with firearms doesn’t take a holiday around the Holidays. From politicians who send Christmas cards with photos of their family armed to the teeth, to the very concept of buying armaments as a gift, we sure have an odd way of celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Below is a random selection of articles from the last few years that take a look at one of America’s most depressing “holiday traditions.”
The Holiday Season Is Big Business For The Gun Industry
“The last three months of the year represent almost a third of annual sales for firearms retailers each year.”
American Christmas: Guns, propaganda, and the GOP
“Who is really ‘waging a war’ on Christmas in the U.S.?”
Congressman Thomas Massie’s Christmas-Card Arsenal Is Probably Worth Tens Of Thousands
“After reviewing online gun marketplaces and talking with two firearms experts, Forbes believes Massie’s photo probably features $20,000 to $190,000 worth of firearms.”
A Christmas card with guns? Lauren Boebert and Thomas Massie start a new culture war.
“After the Oxford school shooting in Michigan, GOP members of Congress show us we're facing an empathy and humanity problem.”
NRA Wishes Americans 'All Guns And Ammo' On Christmas And Critics Explode
“Critics were dumbfounded by the tweet as mass shootings skyrocket in the nation, and the NRA again touted itself as a ‘civil rights organization’ — one avidly pushing for business for gun manufacturers.”
Accused Ga. school shooter Colt Gray, 14, received gun used in massacre as Christmas gift from dad — months after online threats probe
“The online posts sent to the agency last year included photos of guns, according to a statement from its Atlanta field office.”
12 Guns of Christmas: Best Guns for Gifting this Holiday Season
“With that in mind, I put together this list to help you and your loved ones have the most fun at the range this holiday season.”
How to pack your gun properly this travel season
“In 2018, law enforcement seized 14 guns from travelers. This year, that number more than doubled, totaling 29. Lisa Farbstein with the TSA told 8News that the majority of confiscated weapons are loaded.”
Analysis: Unintentional Shootings Increase Around major U.S. Holidays
“As previous reporting indicates, unintentional shootings increase during major holidays due to more time spent in and around the home.”
Top 10 Christmas Movies With Guns
Special Event: Firing of the Christmas Guns
“During the 18th century, guns were customarily fired to salute the Christmas season and as an expression of joy and celebration.”
Google search: Christmas ornaments guns
Eric Davidson is Senior Editor at Armed With Reason. His first book, We Never Learn, has been reissued in an Expanded Edition.
Ornament image via Zazzle.
Another Day, Another Massacre: How Republican Voters Trap Themselves in a Cycle of Violence, Neglect, and Suffering
By backing leaders who serve lobbyists and profits over lives, Republican voters ensure their own cycle of bloodshed, poverty, and decay
https://open.substack.com/pub/patricemersault/p/another-day-another-massacre-how?r=4d7sow&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web