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Peter Young's avatar

YES!! I know virtually nothing of Memphis other than lots of great blues musicians in past & present have played there. And perhaps those sounds & sentiments might infuse locals with enough gumption to tell the state Republicans to “go to Hell! — Since that seems their chosen place to keep all Tennesseans. There is nothing moral or, even more pertinent, Christian about the legislature’s & Republicans’ having been bought by the gun manufacturers.

The old Blues players spoke truth, often at odds with those who kept them enslaved & abused. We citizens are in a very similar conundrum - with gerrymandering & blatantly dishonest messages, those in power deserve fullscale resistance. Voting for Harris & Walz just might stun these minions of mendacity & meanness.

It is not an adequate counter, but it could be a start. We ALL need to come to our senses & stand against everything that MAGA, Trump, now seemingly most state Republicans seek. Their paths include sadism, tryanny,

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Nancy Varley's avatar

Bravo to the Memphis City Council! Thanks, Keel, for bringing it to our attention.

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Bethel Thomas's avatar

I hope readers will read my recent article on the gun culture in Memphis and why it is so hard to change because of zero help from common sense gun laws in our state. See the DailyMemphian.com and click on “Opinions”for the article on Memphis Gun Culture.

Thanks,

Bethel (Bo) Thomas,PhD

Memphian and former Nashvillian

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Saralee Terry Woods's avatar

My heart is heavy for Memphis because they are trying to save lives and take care of children. I am at a loss as to what it will take to soften the grip the gun industry has on our legislature.

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Becky Fragasse's avatar

Keel, as always, you are right on target!

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Tom Negri's avatar

Congratulations to the Memphis City Council! Every Major City/Town in Tennessee should do the same, sue the Election Commission and/or the State if a Referendum is not permitted. We live in a State with functionality No Gun Safety Laws or Measures. The State Legislature works for us, the electorate, they need to stop telling us that Gun Safety isn’t something we can deal with. Guns are killing more children then Car Accidents!

Guns, (Handguns, Rifles, Assault Rifles, Shotguns etc.), must be equipped with trigger locks and kept in a Secure Location! Localities should be able to mandate this if the State of Tennessee is unwilling to do so. The same is true for all Vehicles, it is not enough for current State Law to say if the Vehicle is locked and the gun is stolen, the owner is not responsible. Dependable Gun Safes, Handgun/Rifle locks are readily available! If you can afford the gun, you can afford the price of making sure it is secure. In addition, carry without a Handgun Permit is just stupid!

Polling on this “Gun Issue” indicates that some 70+ % of Tennesseans agree that Gum Safety Measures are needed. Let’s remember these State Legislators work for US, Not the gun lobby! Our Children, Grandchildren deserve better from us!

VOTE in November for any candidate that is willing to make these changes. Everytown USA and Moms Demand Action have a list of these Candidates! We deserve better and I Hope and Pray that Nashville and others follow the Memphis City Council’s leed in Sueing The State when they are the ones playing the Big Government Card.

Please excuse typos and spelling errors, typed in a hurry! 😳

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Ann V Roberts's avatar

Tennessee's powers that be are bullies who don't hesitate to throw their super majority rule around. Their contempt for citizens trying to save lives is in stark contrast to their "pro-life" stance.

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Diane Tucker's avatar

I'm so happy you chose to write a post on the gun violence issue. This week, I read 2 articles in The Tennessean about Memphis. I applaud Memphis City Council's for trying to get this topic on the ballot. People can make up their own minds when it is on a ballot. Once again, the state of TN Republicans have chosen to react by threatening to withhold tax money. What are they afraid of? So tired of Tennesseans being held hostage by greedy lawmakers!

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John H. Bailey III's avatar

Stay after this issue, Keel. The worm will turn (we hope).

jhb

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Sue Allison's avatar

I was glad to read that at least local school districts aren’t embracing teachers packing heat. That’s an encouraging example of local authorities pushing back. The bought and paid for elected officials in Nashviile should take note. Keep fighting, Memphis!

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Walker, Henry's avatar

Of course these non-binding resolutions are common sense proposals that should be supported by anyone with sense. Of course the city has no legal authority to make these resolutions binding. Of course the Secretary of State should decline to spend public money on performative elections that have no legal effect

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