HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN ALLEN, TEXAS
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 6, 2023, in Allen, Texas, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, May 11, 2023. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Today in west central Missouri:
Also, in west central Missouri, continuous thoughts and prayers:
Today in our locale we have “non-partisan” municipal and county elections today. There are right wingnut candidates for the county health board and the local hospital board.
This morning, on the entry door at our precinct polling location:
“Gun Raffel [sic] $20.00 Ea Only 100 to be Sold April 1 Drawing May 11 Tickets at the Bar”
Unfortunately, No. This has been another edition of Short Answers to Simple Questions.
Jesus Christ helped me save 15% on my car insurance by telling me to switch to Geico.
He ain’t walking through that door.
The problem is, you don’t even care to understand the question.. so, when the going gets rough, you throw the name of Jesus around to cover your sins, bc you believe it can’t possibly be the guns? [….] IT’S THE GUNS MARK! [….]
Then why didn’t he protect the elementy school? Were they not praying hard enough?
He wasn’t the answer for people in a . Christian school. Kind of left his people high and dry there didn’t he
From the way you turned out, he doesn’t have much to be proud of. [….]
Responsible gun laws are the answer.
This is the all time laziest excuse for doing nothing.
[….] this is such a lame response
I hate when republicans invoke Christ and behave nothing like Him. Jesus would not recognize the Republican Party as Christians. Like the Bible says, “you’ll know them by their fruit.”
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” James 2:14
Obviously Jesus wasn’t the answer. Self serving politicians aren’t the answer either. None of you have shown that you actually care for the safety of children.
Electing lawmakers with the guts to do what’s necessary to save lives in this country is the answer. You’re not one of them. Vote him out Missouri 4th.
Jesus Christ – or any other “God” – has no place in our government.
We need change and policies not thoughts and prayers .
Why didn’t he just stop the shooter then? Letting those children die seems kind of cruel, doesn’t it?
The question is: “Who is someone currently very disappointed in Mark Alford?”
Jesus isn’t bringing back those 9 year olds
JFC you’re an awful person!!!!
Jesus Christ is the answer.
“Can you name a fictional character?” is the question.
If your response to another incident of children being murdered en masse is a make believe man in the clouds, please, do this country a favor and get out of politics because you clearly have no intention of creating positive change.
How many prayers before he actually answers you Mark?
So if there’s a fire, you just pray that Jesus puts it out? If a kid is choking, you just pray about it?
If that’s the case, why have guns at all? Just use prayer.
Okay, that’s a reference to smiting…
Lmfao
I can’t believe people voted for you.
Jesus likes guns and shooting kids?
Mark, we did not elected to Congress to preach the word of God. We asked you to change policy. If that means sponsoring legislation that takes guns out of hands, that’s what it means. It’s not about who loves Jesus Christ.
I am still trying to understand how you got elected.
Mail.
You misspelled cheese and rice.
Would you wake up already? Ever wonder if God is trying to send our country a message or is that reserved for thinking God wants Trump to be President?
Oh. My. God.
Shut up you overgrown street reporter. You were terrible as a newscaster and now you are terrible as a Congressperson. I pray Jesus sends you a sign to mend the error of your ways.
I stopped believing in fairytales and fictional characters after the tooth fairy fucked me over at 8 years old.
Dayam.
How’d that work out for the poor families who lost their children at a Christian school?
I’m pretty sure our Jewish and Muslim friends would disagree MAGA Mark.
He’s not doing a thing to help his people. So I think we need another answer.
Helluva ratio ya got here buddy.
Your Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu constituents may need to be informed.
People like you are the reason thousands of Americans are leaving the church.
The degree of delusion that you and your ilk possess is nauseating. I hope Jesus can forgive you Mark, but it’s not likely.
Republicans not being NRA whores is the answer.
Evil, is the GOP being bought by the NRA. Evil is no red flag laws that would prevent the majority of mass shootings. Evil is the refusal to ban AR-15’s in our country because your hobby is more important than our safety. Evil is pretending guns aren’t the problem.
Red flag laws and banning AR-15’s is the answer. Stop the bs rhetoric. This trope is so freaking old. The facts are the facts. The US is a gun sick country, the ONLY gun sick country full of greedy, soulless politicians who have sold their souls to the NRA devil for power and $.
Apparently not considering where the shooting happened. Put down your Bible and do your God damn job
If Jesus Christ is the answer, then why do we need politicians? You were elected to do a job, not to use religion as a justification for inaction to suit your (GQP) agenda. [….]
Man if this imaginary guy is capable of stopping school shootings he sure seems like a pretty big asshole to let someone shoot up a building meant for children to worship him.
You are deluded. Utterly lost.
Your “thoughts and prayers” do sweet FA.
Open your eyes, look around. Look at countries with proper gun control, and look at the lack of school shootings.
You utter idiot.
No you dumbfuck forcing your fucking religion on us isn’t the answer. Legislating fucking gun laws is. Every other civilized country in the world does it to great effect. Just. Like. Healthcare.
Where the fuck has he been, Mark? If he is the answer, why do we need your incompetent self in Washington?
You are a Stupid Person.
Quit speaking out loud.
It annoys everyone else…
Roll Call Vote 117th Congress – 1st Session
Vote Summary
Question: On Passage of the Bill (S. 937, As Amended)
Vote Number: 165
Vote Date: April 22, 2021, 01:45 PM
Required For Majority: 3/5
Vote Result: Bill Passed
Measure Number: S. 937 (COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act)
Measure Title: A bill to facilitate the expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes, and for other purposes.
This bill requires a designated officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate the expedited review of hate crimes and reports of hate crimes.
DOJ must issue guidance for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies on establishing online hate crime reporting processes, collecting data disaggregated by protected characteristic (e.g., race or national origin), and expanding education campaigns.
Additionally, DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services must issue guidance aimed at raising awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
The bill establishes grants for states to create state-run hate crimes reporting hotlines. It also authorizes grants for states and local governments to implement the National Incident-Based Reporting System and to conduct law enforcement activities or crime reduction programs to prevent, address, or respond to hate crimes.
Finally, in the case of an individual convicted of a hate crime offense and placed on supervised release, the bill allows a court to order that the individual participate in educational classes or community service as a condition of supervised release.
Today:
[image cropped]
Josh Hawley @HawleyMO
When will the White House condemn this hate crime against Christian children and teachers
[….] 12:52 PM · Mar 28, 2023
Self-righteous cockwomble.
Some of the responses:
They have. It was another mass shooting. Everyone has condemned it.
Christians are not persecuted in America. But we do have a gun problem in America.
You, like Trump, are a white nationalist.
You are a deeply unserious fool.
Run josh, run!!
The WH has condemned the violence multiple times, against all of the violence, not just one specific group. That is the difference, Hawley. They condemn all violence. You only condemn it when it suits your purposes to do so. I remember how you behaved when Paul Pelosi was violently attacked. Where was your public apology for that hateful and sickening behavior? Where was your condemnation of your fellow MAGA politicians behavior?
This is why Biden is the sitting President, Hawley. Because he has at least respected America and Americans, be he a Democrat or not. You betray America, you discriminate and attack anyone not “MAGA”.
There are almost 300 million Americans out there who are NOT MAGA. We do not like your discrimination. If you want to spread hate, go to Russia or China where it is normal. Your fascist ways are not welcome in OUR government.
When will elected officials do something to actually prevent children dying in school?
Dems have condemned every school shooting. But condemning does nothing.
It’s the legislation that you oppose that at least gives us a chance.
They did that yesterday. Try to keep up. Why does it matter that the victims were at a Christian school? Have YOU condemned OTHER mass shootings based on the race/ethnicity of the victims….?
When will you stop using dog whistles?
Got news for you dude. Shooter was from highly religious Christian family.
[….]
Your mouth was silent on all other school shootings ..what Christians are above every other shooting? Hypocrite
It’s weird, because the “christians” are usually the ones doing the shooting.
Why do you assume it’s a hate crime? She was a former student. She had other ties to the school. We just don’t know at this point.
Christian on Christian violence? [….]
A. The murderer went to that school
B. Now your up in arms cause it’s a Christian school. Excuse me. A white Christian school.
C. No issue w El Paso, Buffalo, Club Q, Montery Park, et al
D. 2 yrs ago you voted No on a hate bill.
#GOPDomesticTerrorists
#GunControlNow
Did you sit around with your team all night workshopping how to get you the most attention out of this? “Should we use ‘massacre?’ That’s an emotionally charged word.”
“You know what plays well? Making it sound like a hate crime against Christians!”
You are pathetic.
A good share of children murdered have been Christians. Which should not determine how concerned you are. That makes no difference. A kid is a kid
Josh spewing hate while whining about a hate crime.
Every mass shooting is a hate crime. Is this one more important because it happened in a Christian school? How many Sandy Hook, Uvalde, Buffalo Topps, and the many thousands of other instances, victims were Christian? The loss of innocent lives, Christian or not needs to stop!!
There’s nothing rich white guys love more than pretending that they are the ones who are truly oppressed
Um. They have.
Interesting that Republicans say there is no such thing as a “hate crime” until it’s someone they hate committing the crime.
Stop trying to profit of this horrific tragedy. You look gross and Jesus is watching.
So it only a hate crime when it’s against Christians? Got it.
Tell us about the 1.3 million you received from the NRA
The fact that this is your focus, and not the proliferation of weapons that have resulted in over 100 mass shooting this year already, shows exactly where you get your talking points
When will you stop being ok with children being killed by guns
You are such an armchair Sunday Christian speaking out of both sides of your mouth! You are so pathetic! Where was this anger in Uvalde, Buffalo, all other mass shootings? Hypocrite
When will Josh Hawley condemn the gun violence everywhere and not just a Christian school? Where was he when mosques were being attacked? Other schools? That’s right. A meaningless “T&P” for the loved ones of kids murdered in school by violent people. Josh is only about Josh
How was it a hate crime when she was a student at the school?
Just stop it.
When will you DO SOMETHING besides ‘thoughts and prayers?’
Hawley, the NRA funded traitor and seditionist says what about guns killing innocent children and adults?
[….]
You’re a lowlife Sweetie
You are a disgusting disgraceful human being. Issue an apology to the parents of these CHILDREN. Quit twisting the narrative and FIX The Problem. You can stick your thoughts and prayers. #MAGAMoron
The White House condemns all gun violence. We’re all on that pedestal except you. Stop tweeting and go do your job.
Thoughts and prayers? Prayers and thoughts? Good enough, apparently.
Yesterday:
Erin Hahn @erinhahn_author
Please stop acting like arming teachers is the answer. You don’t even trust us to pick out books for your children. 1:17 PM · Mar 27, 2023
A response:
Not to mention that anyone who has ever worked in a school knows FOR SURE that the teachers who would happily volunteer are that last people we’d want to have a gun in the school.
Yesterday:
David Hogg @davidhogg111
Senator Blackburn took $1.25 million from the NRA.
[….] 12:53 PM · Mar 27, 2023
Andy Ogles (r) represents the 5th Congressional District in Tennessee.
What will they all talk about next?
Yesterday:
Rep. Andy Ogles @RepOgles
UPDATE: In light of the tragic losses at Covenant School today, this telephone town hall is being postponed until April 11th. More details to follow.
For now, please join me in continuing to pray for all those involved and impacted by this senseless violence. 5:08 PM · Mar 27, 2023
Some of the responses:
Cooooooowwwwwwwwaaaaarrrrrrrddddddddd
It’s time for you to take responsibility for your actions and rethink your choices.
This would’ve been the perfect day to hear from your constituents. Ogly.
Wouldn’t today be one of those days you’d WANT to hear your constituents? [….]
be a grown up and talk to your constituents.
Save your thoughts and prayers. Do something about the guns.
I’m assuming you’re not interested in what we have to say.
That Christmas card photo you took to own the Libs was pretty hilarious wasn’t it?
You’re part of the problem. You. Personally. Are part of the reason this happened.
You glorify guns on your Christmas card. Please visit with the victims’ families tonight and explain why you do so – why you celebrate a Christian holiday with weapons meant for murder.
Are you afraid about what people are going to say to you?
Topics for your next town hall – 1) Lying about educational credentials, 2) Where did the $25K go supposedly for a burial garden, 3) Why did you cosplay with weapons on a Christmas card?
Coward.
Will prayers bring back the dead? Or will they just make you feel better about doing nothing that actually helps anybody?
Understandable postponement. But it won’t get any better for you on April 11th.
[….]
Prayers are meaningless.
But I bet you’re happy you found this year’s Christmas card.
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller
On social media:
Well, another loud dog whistle.
Turning Point USA Activism Hubs for Johnson County and Cass County, Missouri:
Mark Alford (r) [2022 file photo].
Interestingly, Mark Alford (r) has yet to hold an open public town hall in the 4th Congressional District.
Rep. Eric Burlison @RepEricBurlison
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON SAPA DECISION:
As the sponsor of the Second Amendment Preservation Act, I am disappointed but not surprised by the decision from an Obama-appointed, district court judge to unilaterally strike down a pro-Second Amendment law. (1/3)
The State of Missouri, not a federal judge, should determine how it spends its resources. That’s what SAPA does. I fully support Attorney General Bailey’s announcement to appeal this decision. (2/3)
I will continue to fight to protect Americans’ constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, just like I did in the Missouri State Legislature. (3/3)
(1) Declares that laws, rules, orders, or other actions that collect data, restrict or prohibit the manufacture, ownership, and use of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition exclusively within this state exceed the powers granted to the federal government except to the extent they are necessary and proper for governing and regulating land and naval forces of the United States or for organizing, arming, and discipling militia forces actively employed in the service of the United States Armed Forces. Infringing actions would include any registration or tracking of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition or any registration or tracking of the ownership of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition;
(2) Declares that all federal acts, laws, executive orders, administrative orders, court orders, rules, and regulations, whether past, present, or future, that infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution must be invalid in this state, including those that impose a tax, levy, fee, or stamp on these items as specified in the bill; require the registration or tracking of these items or their owners; prohibit the possession, ownership, use, or transfer of a firearm; or order the confiscation of these items;
WASHINGTON, March 7 (Reuters) – A Missouri state law that declared several federal gun laws “invalid” is unconstitutional, a U.S. federal judge ruled on Tuesday, handing the U.S. Justice Department a victory in its bid to get the law tossed out.
At issue was a measure Republican Governor Mike Parson signed into law in 2021 that declared that certain federal gun laws infringed on the rights of individuals to keep and bear arms under the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment.
U.S. District Judge Brian Wimes in Jefferson City, Missouri, said the state’s Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA) violates the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which holds that federal laws take priority over conflicting state laws.
[….]
Rep. Peter Merideth @PeterforMO
Every MO R voted that children can carry guns in public. They voted to defund police if a cop helps stop a fed gun crime. They voted to ban a 12 year old rape victim with major health risks from having an abortion. Bills to ban mentioning racism or LGBT issues, ban drag….
[….] 8:23 PM · Feb 8, 2023
Rep. Peter Merideth @PeterforMO
Kids carrying guns on the street or in a park is a matter of individual freedom and personal responsibility. Kids seeing a drag queen read a children’s book or sing a song is a danger the government must ban. Do I have that right MO GOP? #moleg 7:58 PM · Feb 8, 2023
Rep. Peter Merideth @PeterforMO
That’s right. I choose not to own a gun so I can’t have opinions about gun laws. They CAN’T get pregnant but certainly don’t mind passing laws about pregnancy. And I bet most of them don’t know much about drugs but are happy to throw people in prison for those every day, too.
[….] 7:35 PM · Feb 8, 2023
Crystal Quade (D) [2018 file photo].
Crystal Quade @crystal_quade
Republican #moleg men: “Democrats don’t understand guns so shouldn’t be legislating them!!”
Also #moleg Republican men: “What does trans mean? What’s an ectopic pregnancy? Let’s legislate it anyway!” 4:50 PM · Feb 8, 2023
Rep. Peter Merideth @PeterforMO
Right now Republicans in the MO House are fighting against an amendment that would say children can’t carry guns in public. (Yep it’s legal right now.) They’re saying it would violate the 2nd amendment to deny a 12 yr old the right to carry an AR-15 down the street. #moleg 4:56 PM · Feb 8, 2023
Jason Kander @JasonKander
Dumb shit like this encourages dumb people to actually fire at an object that is tens of thousands of feet out of range, and those rounds come down, and sometimes they kill innocent Americans, which seems like the kind of thing a United States Senator might want to discourage.
[….] 8:50 AM · Feb 4, 2023
JD Vance (r) doesn’t have a clue:
Jason Kander @JasonKander
Nah, but I guess I could’ve moved to a state I didn’t live and then disavowed everything I’d ever claimed to believe.
But I’ve had a far greater impact on the world by doing it my way.
I can live without the title. You go enjoy it, because it’s all you have, Senator.
[….] 12:49 PM · Feb 4, 2023
Heh.
It’s a good bet that only one of the two can reassemble a rifle blindfolded.
