WBOB Original Reads

Thoughts + Prayers Exposed: A Look at Massacre-Loving Politicians

2/15/2018

Kevin Aherne

It happens all too often, and it's almost always predictable. It's a three-step process intended to curb gun violence in America, unfortunately, it has never worked.

Step 1: Disturbed gunman opens fire on innocent civilians
Step 2: Thoughts and Prayers are offered,
Step 3: No substantial action is taken.

Since the individuals we, as Americans, hired to take action continually fail to do their job, we must also understand we have the power to fire them as well. So, it might be important to consider how much money our political representatives have accepted from sources antithetical to American safety - namely, the National Rifle Association.

Listed below, please find the latest Thoughts + Prayers Tweets from some of the top U.S. elected officials listed (along with their contact information) juxtaposed by how much money they have accepted from NRA sources in the last few decades.

Note: Source for data listed below is the Center for Responsive Politics. The totals include both direct campaign contributions as well as outside money spent on behalf of candidates from the N.R.A.'s Political Action Committees and directly from the N.R.A.'s 501(c)(4) social welfare arm from 1989 until 2017.

John McCain, Senator (R) - AZ
$7,740,521
NRA Rating: B+

Cindy & I are praying for all those impacted by the senseless shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in #Florida. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, all first responders & the entire Parkland community.
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) February 15, 2018

Contact Info
(202) 224-2235 (Washington, D.C.)
(602) 952-2410 (Phoenix)
Email

Marco Rubio, Senator (R) - FL
$3,303,355
NRA Rating: B+

Just spoke to Broward School Superintendent. Today is that terrible day you pray never comes.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 14, 2018

Contact Info
(202) 224-3041 (Washington, D.C.)
(305) 418-8553 (Miami)
Email

Thom Tillis, Senator (R) - NC
$4,418,012
NRA Rating: A+

Tragic news out of Florida. Please keep the victims, their families, first responders and the community in your thoughts and prayers.
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) February 14, 2018

Contact Info
(202) 224-6342 (Washington, D.C.)
(704) 509-9087 (Charlotte)
Email

Cory Gardner, Senator (R) - CO
$3,879,064
NRA Rating: A

I am heartbroken for the students & family of those involved in this horrible tragedy & I'm praying for our first responders as they act swiftly to contain the situation. https://t.co/rCn5lFYhHP
— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) February 14, 2018

Contact Info
(202) 224-5941 (Washington, D.C.)
(303) 391-5777 (Denver)
Email

French Hill, Representative (R) - AR
$1,089,477
NRA Rating: AQ (A Qualified)

I’m sincerely troubled by the senseless acts of violence in Parkland, FL. Martha and I are praying for the families and the community that has been stricken by this horrific evil. We are thankful for the bravery of those who respond to such acts. We remain prayerful at this time.
— French Hill (@RepFrenchHill) February 15, 2018

Contact Info
(202) 225-2506 (Washington, D.C.)
(501) 324-5941 (Little Rock)
Email (use zip code 72002)

Joni Ernst, Senator (R) - IA
$3,124,273
NRA Rating: A

Please join me in praying for the students, faculty, and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, as well as their loved ones. Let us also show our gratitude to the courageous first responders.
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) February 14, 2018

Contact Info
(202) 224-3254 (Washington, D.C.)
(515) 284-4574 (Des Moines)
Email

Bill Cassidy, Senator (R) - LA
$2,861,047
NRA Rating: A+

Praying for the students, teachers and first responders affected by the tragic shooting in Florida. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
— Bill Cassidy (@BillCassidy) February 14, 2018

Contact Info
(202) 224-5824 (Washington, D.C.)
(225) 929-7711 (Baton Rouge)
Email