WHAT ARE AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS: UNPACKING THOSE SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET

 

WHAT ARE AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS

 UNPACKING THOSE SKELETONS IN YOUR CLOSET

Are you ready to learn about America's family secrets? Well, get ready to laugh because this is going to be a wild ride!

According to a recent investigation by Reuters, over 100 of America's leaders - lawmakers, presidents, governors, and justices - have ancestors who owned slaves. And they're keeping it a secret! I mean, come on, guys, it's time to let the skeletons out of the closet and confront our past mistakes.

Let's start with the lawmakers. These are the people who make the laws that govern our country. But did you know that some of them are descendants of slave owners? It's like having a fox guard the henhouse. How can we take them seriously when they come from a lineage of oppressors? At least they're not trying to pass laws that bring back slavery, right? (I hope not.)

Moving on to the presidents. From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, many of our founding fathers owned slaves. And yet, we put them on a pedestal and celebrate their achievements. I mean, sure, they helped create this great nation of ours, but let's not forget the fact that they also owned human beings. It's like praising a chef for making a delicious meal while ignoring the fact that he used rotten ingredients.

Next on the list are the governors. These are the people who run our states and make decisions that affect our daily lives. But did you know that some of them have ancestors who owned slaves? It's like having a blind person lead a sightseeing tour. How can they truly understand the struggles of their black constituents when their own ancestors were part of the problem?

And finally, we have the justices. These are the people who interpret the laws and ensure that justice is served. But did you know that some of them have ancestors who owned slaves? It's like having a referee who's secretly rooting for one team. How can we trust them to make unbiased decisions when their own family history is tainted by slavery?

But let's not forget about the impact of slavery on the values of both black and white Americans. Jim Crow laws were created by white southerners to enforce racial segregation across the South from the 1870s through the 1960s. They had a negative impact on the values of both black and white Americans in various ways.

Some of the effects of Jim Crow laws on black Americans were restrictions imposed by the black codes that made it hard for them to gain economic independence, segregated and inferior facilities for public transportation, education, housing, employment, health care, and recreation, limited opportunities compared with those for white children, denial of the right to vote, to serve on juries, to run for office, or to participate as equals in the social or economic life of their area, and violence and terrorism by lynch mobs and the Ku Klux Klan who wanted to reenforce white supremacy.

Some of the effects of Jim Crow laws on white Americans were a sense of superiority and entitlement over black Americans based on their skin color, rationalization of racism and discrimination as necessary for maintaining social order and progress, benefit from the exploitation and oppression of black labor and resources, fearfulness and hostility towards any challenge or change to the status quo of segregation, and lost opportunities to learn from and interact with diverse cultures and perspectives.

The legacy of Jim Crow is still felt today in the persistent racial disparities and inequalities in education, health, wealth, employment, housing, criminal justice, and political representation. It's time to confront our past mistakes with humor and honesty. After all, laughter is the best medicine. And if we can't laugh at ourselves, then what's the point?

Report reveals many current U.S. leaders have slaveholding ancestors | PBS NewsHour https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/report-reveals-many-current-u-s-leaders-have-slaveholding-ancestors 

Big Education Ape: AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS: REUTERS ASK WHAT'S IN YOUR WOODPILE http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/americas-family-secrets-reuters-ask.html 

THE DEFT DIVE

According to Britannica¹, Jim Crow laws were laws created by white southerners to enforce racial segregation across the South from the 1870s through the 1960s. They had a negative impact on the values of both black and white Americans in various ways.

Some of the effects of Jim Crow laws on black Americans were:

• - They faced restrictions imposed by the black codes that made it hard for them to gain economic independence¹.
• - They had to use segregated and inferior facilities for public transportation, education, housing, employment, health care, and recreation¹².
• - They had limited opportunities compared with those for white children¹.
• - They were denied the right to vote, to serve on juries, to run for office, or to participate as equals in the social or economic life of their area¹².
• - They were subjected to violence and terrorism by lynch mobs and the Ku Klux Klan who wanted to reenforce white supremacy¹².
• - Many of them migrated to cities in the North and West to escape segregation and violence in the South¹.

Some of the effects of Jim Crow laws on white Americans were:

• - They developed a sense of superiority and entitlement over black Americans based on their skin color⁴.
• - They rationalized their racism and discrimination as necessary for maintaining social order and progress⁴⁵.
• - They benefited from the exploitation and oppression of black labor and resources⁵.
• - They became fearful and hostile towards any challenge or change to the status quo of segregation⁵.
• - They lost the opportunity to learn from and interact with diverse cultures and perspectives⁴.

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Jim Crow Laws | Causes and Effects | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Jim-Crow-Laws-Causes-and-Effects.

(2) Jim Crow (article) | Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/the-gilded-age/south-after-civil-war/a/jim-crow.

(3) Impact - Jim Crow Laws. https://jimcrowlaw1877.weebly.com/impact.html.

(4) A Brief History of Jim Crow - Constitutional Rights Foundation. https://www.crf-usa.org/black-history-month/a-brief-history-of-jim-crow.

(5) What Is The Impact Of Jim Crow Laws On African Americans. https://www.studymode.com/essays/What-Is-The-Impact-Of-Jim-Crow-85895241.html.

According to Merriam-Webster², black codes were **any of various racially discriminatory laws that were passed in 1865 and 1866 in states that had been part of the Confederate States of America and that were enacted in order to maintain white supremacy after the formal abolition of slavery at the end of the American Civil War**. They originated in the slave codes, which defined slaves as property⁴.

Some examples of black codes were:

• - Laws that required black people to sign yearly labor contracts with white employers; if they refused, they risked being arrested, fined and forced into unpaid labor¹.
• - Laws that prohibited black people from owning land, renting property, or testifying against white people in court¹³.
• - Laws that imposed curfews, vagrancy laws, and other restrictions on the movement and assembly of black people¹³.
• - Laws that regulated the types of occupations and wages available to black workers, often reserving the most profitable and desirable jobs for white people¹³.

The black codes were widely opposed by the Radical Republicans in Congress, who passed the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Reconstruction Acts of 1867-1868 to override them and protect the rights of black citizens. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1868, also granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all people born or naturalized in the United States, regardless of race. However, many states continued to enforce discriminatory laws and practices against black people under the guise of \"separate but equal\" doctrine until the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Black code Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20code.

(2) black codes summary | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/black-code.

(3) Black Codes - Definition, Dates & Jim Crow Laws | HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes.

(4) Black Codes legal definition of Black Codes. https://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Black+Codes.

According to a book by Ruth Thompson-Miller, Joe R. Feagin and Leslie H. Picca³⁴⁵, Jim Crow's legacy is **the lasting impact of segregation on the lives of African Americans who lived through it, as well as its impact on future generations**. Some of the aspects of this legacy are:

• - The psychological trauma and emotional scars of living under a system of oppression, violence and humiliation³⁴⁵.
• - The intergenerational transmission of racialized memories, stories and coping strategies among African American families and communities³⁴⁵.
• - The persistent racial disparities and inequalities in education, health, wealth, employment, housing, criminal justice and political representation³⁴⁵.
• - The ongoing struggle for civil rights, social justice and racial healing in the face of systemic racism and discrimination³⁴⁵.

Some scholars and activists have argued that the politics of today are partially driven by the end of Jim Crow and the irrational fears of some white people, especially in the South, who feel threatened by the demographic, cultural and economic changes in the country. They have also claimed that some political parties, particularly the Republican Party, have used the so-called \"Southern Strategy\" to appeal to white voters by exploiting racial resentment, anxiety and backlash against the civil rights movement and its achievements¹².

Here are some links where you can learn more about the lasting legacy of Jim Crow on America:

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Jim Crow's Legacy: The Lasting Impact of Segregation. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781442230286/Jim-Crows-Legacy-The-Lasting-Impact-of-Segregation.

(2) Jim Crow's Legacy : The Lasting Impact of Segregation - Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/Jim_Crow_s_Legacy.html?id=7WmPBQAAQBAJ.

(3) Jim Crow's Legacy : The Lasting Impact of Segregation - Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/Jim_Crow_s_Legacy.html?id=kMfooAEACAAJ.

(4) Jim Crow Legacy Continues Today | Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/jim-crow-legacy-continues-today.

(5) Effects of Jim Crow Era Live On in Modern America, Some Say. https://www.voanews.com/a/usa_effects-jim-crow-era-live-modern-america-some-say/6204908.html.

The history of the Southern Strategy is a complex and controversial topic in American politics. It refers to **a political tactic employed by the Republican Party in the mid-20th century to appeal to white Southern voters by exploiting racial tensions and opposition to civil rights advancements**¹. It is often associated with the presidential campaigns of Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater, who tried to win over white Southerners who felt alienated by the Democratic Party's support for civil rights legislation and integration¹².

However, some historians and political scientists have challenged or nuanced this view, arguing that:

• - The Southern Strategy was not solely based on race, but also on other social and cultural issues, such as feminism, religion, crime, patriotism, and economic conservatism⁵.
• - The Southern Strategy was not only a top-down strategy by Republican elites, but also a bottom-up response by grassroots activists and voters who mobilized around their own interests and identities¹.
• - The Southern Strategy was not only a Southern phenomenon, but also a national one, as Republicans appealed to white voters across the country who shared similar values and grievances⁵.
• - The Southern Strategy was not only a Republican invention, but also a Democratic failure, as Democrats lost support among white Southerners due to their internal divisions, policy mistakes, and lack of outreach².

The Southern Strategy had significant consequences for American politics, such as:

• - The political realignment of the South from a solidly Democratic region to a predominantly Republican one¹².
• - The ideological shift of the Republican Party to the right and the Democratic Party to the left on racial and social issues¹².
• - The polarization of the electorate along racial and cultural lines¹².
• - The marginalization of black voters and politicians in the South and in the Republican Party¹².

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Southern strategy - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_strategy.

(2) How the ‘Party of Lincoln’ Won Over the Once Democratic South - HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/how-the-party-of-lincoln-won-over-the-once-democratic-south.

(3) The Western Origins of the “Southern Strategy” - The New Republic. https://newrepublic.com/article/158320/western-origins-southern-strategy.

(4) Southern Strategy | Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/southern-strategy.

(5) Southern Strategy · George Washington's Mount Vernon. https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/southern-strategy/.

The impact of the Southern Strategy on today's politics is still evident and debated. Some of the possible impacts are:

• - It contributed to the **political realignment** of the South from a solidly Democratic region to a predominantly Republican one, especially among white voters¹².
• - It influenced the **ideological shift** of the Republican Party to the right and the Democratic Party to the left on racial and social issues, creating a more polarized and partisan political landscape¹².
• - It shaped the **electoral strategy** of the Republican Party for decades to come, relying on appealing to conservative whites, especially in the South, while losing support among black voters and other minorities¹².
• - It reflected and reinforced the **racial resentment** and backlash among some white voters against the civil rights movement and its achievements, as well as against demographic, cultural and economic changes in the country¹³.
• - It intersected and interacted with other factors, such as **religion, gender, class, region and culture**, that also influenced the political preferences and identities of voters in the South and beyond¹⁴.

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) The New Southern Strategy | Othering & Belonging Institute. https://belonging.berkeley.edu/new-southern-strategy.

(2) The Long Southern Strategy: How Chasing White Voters in the South .... https://www.timeshighereducation.com/books/long-southern-strategy-how-chasing-white-voters-south-changed-american-politics-angie-maxwell.

(3) The Western Origins of the “Southern Strategy” - The New Republic. https://newrepublic.com/article/158320/western-origins-southern-strategy.

(4) Southern strategy - Political Dictionary. https://politicaldictionary.com/words/southern-strategy/.

BREAKING NEWS: MOMS FOR LIBERTY IS JUST CHARLES KOCH'S TEA PARTY IN DRAG

BREAKING NEWS: MOMS FOR LIBERTY IS JUST CHARLES KOCH'S TEA PARTY IN DRAG

In a shocking revelation, it has been discovered that Moms for Liberty, the supposedly nonpartisan grassroots organization advocating for parental rights in education, is actually just the Tea Party in drag. And who is behind this cunning disguise? None other than billionaire industrialist Charles Koch and his network of right-wing groups and organizations.

It all started with the Tea Party movement, a loose network of local groups that emerged in 2009 as a conservative backlash against the Obama administration. The movement was funded and supported by the Koch brothers, who have been known to support various right-wing causes and groups in the US. The Tea Party's agenda was to promote limited government, lower taxes, and constitutionalism, and it was influential in shaping the Republican party and its candidates in the 2010 and 2014 midterm elections.

Fast forward to 2021, and we have Moms for Liberty, a new group founded by three Florida women, one of whom is married to the chair of the Florida GOP. The group claims to be nonpartisan, but has been criticized for promoting anti-LGBTQ, anti-mask, and anti-critical race theory views and policies. And who is behind this group? You guessed it - Charles Koch and his network of right-wing groups and organizations.

The Joyful Warriors Moms for Liberty national summit was held in Philadelphia from June 29 to July 2, 2023, and featured several prominent speakers, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. The summit also attracted hundreds of protesters from local groups who accused Moms for Liberty of spreading hate and misinformation, and of harassing school officials and teachers.

Moms for Liberty has faced criticism for various reasons, such as harassment of teachers, administrators, parents, and school board members who disagree with their views or policies; deepening divisions among parents and communities over issues such as masks, vaccines, LGBTQ rights, and critical race theory; making students' education more difficult by trying to remove books, materials, and programs that they deem inappropriate or harmful; and having close ties to the Republican Party rather than being a nonpartisan grassroots organization.

But let's face it - Moms for Liberty is just the Tea Party in drag. It's the same old agenda of limited government, lower taxes, and constitutionalism, dressed up in a new outfit. And who is behind this disguise? None other than Charles Koch and his network of right-wing groups and organizations.

Some of the other wealthy supporters of right-wing policies similar to the Koch network are the Mercer family, led by hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah; the Adelson family, led by casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam; the Searle Freedom Trust, founded by the late pharmaceutical heir Daniel Searle; and the Sarah Scaife Foundation, established by the late banking heir Richard Mellon Scaife.

Compared to other political actors in the US, Koch's political influence is unrivaled in its scope, scale, and sophistication. But let's not forget that Koch's political influence is subject to public scrutiny, criticism, and resistance from various media outlets, watchdog groups, activists, and citizens. And now that we know that Moms for Liberty is just the Tea Party in drag, we can see through this cunning disguise and hold Charles Koch accountable for his political agenda.

Moms for Liberty Is the Tea Party All Over Again | The Nation https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/moms-for-liberty-summit/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

• - The **Koch brothers** are billionaire industrialists who have funded and supported various **rightwing causes** and groups in the US, including the **Tea Party movement**, which emerged in 2009 as a conservative backlash against the Obama administration¹².
• - The **Tea Party movement** is not a single organization, but a loose network of local groups that share a common agenda of limited government, lower taxes, and constitutionalism. The movement has been influential in shaping the Republican party and its candidates, especially in the 2010 and 2014 midterm elections¹².
• - The **Moms for Liberty** is a relatively new group that was founded in January 2021 by three Florida women, one of whom is married to the chair of the Florida GOP. The group claims to be a nonpartisan grassroots organization that advocates for parental rights in education, but has been criticized for promoting **anti-LGBTQ**, **anti-mask**, and **anti-critical race theory** views and policies³⁵⁷.
• - The **Joyful Warriors Moms for Liberty** is the name of the group's national summit that was held in Philadelphia from June 29 to July 2, 2023. The summit featured several prominent speakers, such as former President **Donald Trump**, Florida Governor **Ron DeSantis**, and former UN Ambassador **Nikki Haley**, who are all potential contenders for the 2024 presidential election⁵⁶.
• - The summit also attracted hundreds of **protesters** from local groups who accused the Moms for Liberty of spreading hate and misinformation, and of harassing school officials and teachers. The protesters chanted \"Hate has no place here\" and held signs that read \"Stop the lies\" and \"Educate, don't indoctrinate\"⁶⁷.

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Tea Party movement: Billionaire Koch brothers who helped it grow. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/13/tea-party-billionaire-koch-brothers.

(2) How the Koch brothers built the most powerful rightwing group you've .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/sep/26/koch-brothers-americans-for-prosperity-rightwing-political-group.

(3) American Women, not Koch Brothers, birthed the Tea Party Movement. https://legalinsurrection.com/2013/02/american-women-not-koch-brothers-birthed-the-tea-party-movement/.

(4) Trump, DeSantis and more address Moms for Liberty conference. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/moms-liberty-fired-philadelphia/story?id=100554051.

(5) Trump, DeSantis, protestors rally at Moms For Liberty convention. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/06/30/moms-for-liberty-convention-philadelphia-protests/70363926007/.

(6) Event - Moms for Liberty 2023 Summit. https://www.momsforliberty.org/events/1418/.

(7) 2023 Joyful Warriors National Summit | M4L National - USA. https://www.momsforliberty.org/summit23/.

Moms for Liberty has faced criticism for various reasons, such as:

• - **Harassment** of teachers, administrators, parents, and school board members who disagree with their views or policies. Some critics have reported receiving threats, insults, and intimidation from Moms for Liberty members or supporters²³⁴.
• - **Deepening divisions** among parents and communities over issues such as masks, vaccines, LGBTQ rights, and critical race theory. Some critics have accused Moms for Liberty of spreading misinformation, fearmongering, and polarization²³⁴.
• - **Making students' education more difficult** by trying to remove books, materials, and programs that they deem inappropriate or harmful. Some critics have argued that Moms for Liberty is censoring diverse perspectives, limiting academic freedom, and undermining educational quality²⁴⁵.
• - **Having close ties to the Republican Party** rather than being a nonpartisan grassroots organization. Some critics have pointed out that Moms for Liberty was founded by former GOP officials, has received funding and support from conservative donors and groups, and has endorsed or hosted Republican candidates and politicians¹²³.

These are some of the main reasons why Moms for Liberty has been criticized. However, the group has also defended its actions and goals as being motivated by parental rights, children's welfare, and constitutional values. The group has also denied being hateful, violent, or partisan¹²³.

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Moms for Liberty Has Aggressive, Predatory Tactics—and They ... - VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy3gnq/what-is-moms-for-liberty.

(2) Activist moms spy on each other in culture wars over schooling. https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/20/us/colorado-moms-for-liberty-liberals-spying/index.html.

(3) US conservative group apologizes for using Hitler quote in newsletter .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/23/moms-for-liberty-hitler.

(4) Moms Threatened With Lawsuit For Questioning CRT Curriculum. https://thefederalist.com/2021/07/09/moms-threatened-with-lawsuit-for-questioning-radical-leftist-indoctrination-of-their-kids/.

(5) Moms for Liberty - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moms_for_Liberty.

Some of the right wing groups and organizations that Koch supports are:

• - **Americans for Prosperity (AFP)**, a political advocacy group that promotes lower taxes, less regulation, and free markets. AFP has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives to oppose Obamacare, climate change legislation, labor unions, and public education reforms¹²⁴.
• - **The Cato Institute**, a libertarian think tank that conducts research and analysis on various policy issues, such as trade, immigration, civil liberties, and foreign affairs. The Cato Institute was co-founded by Charles Koch and has received funding from the Koch family foundations¹³.
• - **The Heritage Foundation**, a conservative think tank that promotes traditional values, national security, and limited government. The Heritage Foundation has received donations from the Koch family foundations and has collaborated with AFP on several projects, such as opposing Obamacare and promoting voter ID laws¹².
• - **The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)**, a nonprofit organization that brings together state legislators and corporate representatives to draft and promote model bills on various conservative issues, such as gun rights, school choice, and environmental deregulation. ALEC has received funding from the Koch family foundations and has partnered with AFP on several initiatives¹².
• - **The Federalist Society**, a network of conservative lawyers, judges, and legal scholars that advocates for originalism and textualism in constitutional interpretation. The Federalist Society has received funding from the Koch family foundations and has influenced the selection of several conservative judges for the federal courts¹².

These are some of the main right wing groups and organizations that Koch supports. However, there are many more groups and organizations that have received funding or support from the Koch network over the years¹².

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Political activities of the Koch brothers - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_activities_of_the_Koch_brothers.

(2) How the Koch brothers built the most powerful rightwing group you've .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/sep/26/koch-brothers-americans-for-prosperity-rightwing-political-group.

(3) The Radical Capitalist Behind the Critical Race Theory Furor. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/charles-koch-crt-backlash/.

(4) Five key ways the Koch brothers pushed their rightwing agenda. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/23/koch-brothers-agenda-key-donations-promotions.

Some of the other main wealthy supporters of right wing policies similar to the Koch network are:

• - **The Mercer family**, led by hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah. The Mercers have funded various conservative media outlets and organizations, such as Breitbart News, Project Veritas, and the Media Research Center. They have also been major donors to Republican candidates and groups, such as Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and the Club for Growth¹².
• - **The Adelson family**, led by casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam. The Adelsons have been prolific donors to conservative media outlets and organizations, such as the Washington Free Beacon, the Jewish News Syndicate, and the Israel Hayom newspaper. They have also been influential backers of Republican candidates and groups, such as Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and the Republican Jewish Coalition¹².
• - **The Searle Freedom Trust**, founded by the late pharmaceutical heir Daniel Searle. The trust has supported various conservative media outlets and organizations, such as Reason Foundation, Real Clear Foundation, and the National Review Institute. It has also funded several right wing think tanks and policy shops, such as the Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, and the American Legislative Exchange Council¹².
• - **The Sarah Scaife Foundation**, established by the late banking heir Richard Mellon Scaife. The foundation has supported various conservative media outlets and organizations, such as Judicial Watch, Accuracy in Media, and the Center for Security Policy. It has also funded several right wing think tanks and policy shops, such as the Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute¹³.

These are some of the main wealthy supporters of right wing policies similar to the Koch network. However, there are many more donors and foundations that have contributed to conservative media outlets and organizations over the years¹².

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) How the Koch brothers built the most powerful rightwing group you've .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/sep/26/koch-brothers-americans-for-prosperity-rightwing-political-group.

(2) Right-Wing Megadonors Are Financing Media Operations to ... - PR Watch. https://www.prwatch.org/news/2020/01/13531/right-wing-megadonors-are-financing-media-operations-promote-their-ideologies.

(3) Five key ways the Koch brothers pushed their rightwing agenda. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/23/koch-brothers-agenda-key-donations-promotions.

(4) Right-Wing Megadonors Are Financing Media Operations to ... - EXPOSEDbyCMD. https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/01/27/right-wing-megadonors-financing-media-operations-promote-their-ideologies/.

Some of the other conservative donors are:

• - **The Adelson family**, led by casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam. The Adelsons have been prolific donors to conservative media outlets and organizations, such as the Washington Free Beacon, the Jewish News Syndicate, and the Israel Hayom newspaper. They have also been influential backers of Republican candidates and groups, such as Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and the Republican Jewish Coalition¹².
• - **The Mercer family**, led by hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah. The Mercers have funded various conservative media outlets and organizations, such as Breitbart News, Project Veritas, and the Media Research Center. They have also been major donors to Republican candidates and groups, such as Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and the Club for Growth¹².
• - **The Searle Freedom Trust**, founded by the late pharmaceutical heir Daniel Searle. The trust has supported various conservative media outlets and organizations, such as Reason Foundation, Real Clear Foundation, and the National Review Institute. It has also funded several right wing think tanks and policy shops, such as the Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, and the American Legislative Exchange Council¹².
• - **Donors Trust** and **Donors Capital Fund**, two connected donor-advised fund sponsors that allow wealthy conservatives to anonymously funnel money to various right wing causes and groups. Some of the recipients of Donors Trust funds include traditionalist Catholic parishes, pro-life organizations, religious liberty law firms, free-market think tanks, and academic groups that advocate libertarianism and constitutional originalism³⁴.

These are some of the other conservative donors. However, there are many more donors and foundations that have contributed to conservative causes and groups over the years¹².

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Who are the Biggest Donors? • OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/elections-overview/biggest-donors?cycle=2020&view=fc.

(2) We tracked media owners' political donations: Here's what we found. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/09/08/tracking-media-owners-political-donations/5719743001/.

(3) Exposed: The Dark-Money ATM of the Conservative Movement. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/02/donors-trust-donor-capital-fund-dark-money-koch-bradley-devos/.

(4) Right-wing Catholic causes got millions from group that funded some .... https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/right-wing-catholic-causes-got-millions-group-funded-some-capitol-rioters.

Koch's political influence is hard to measure precisely, but it is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and pervasive in the US. Some of the factors that contribute to Koch's political influence are:

• - **The Koch network**, a vast and complex web of groups, organizations, and individuals that share the Koch brothers' libertarian and conservative vision for America. The network includes think tanks, policy shops, advocacy groups, political action committees, donor-advised funds, and grassroots activists. The network has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives to promote lower taxes, less regulation, free markets, and constitutionalism¹².
• - **The Koch money**, a massive and often secretive source of funding for the Koch network and other conservative causes and groups. The Koch brothers have an estimated net worth of over $100 billion, and have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on politics over the years. They have also mobilized other wealthy donors to join their efforts through semi-annual donor summits¹².
• - **The Koch strategy**, a long-term and multifaceted plan to influence American politics and society at all levels. The Koch brothers have been pursuing their political agenda since the late 1970s, when they co-founded the Cato Institute, one of the first libertarian think tanks. They have also invested in academic programs, judicial nominations, state legislatures, local tax initiatives, media outlets, and public opinion¹²³.

Compared to other political actors in the US, Koch's political influence is unrivaled in its scope, scale, and sophistication. However, Koch's political influence is not uncontested or unchallenged. There are other wealthy donors and groups that support different or opposing policies and politics, such as George Soros, Tom Steyer, Michael Bloomberg, labor unions, environmental organizations, and progressive movements²⁴. Koch's political influence is also subject to public scrutiny, criticism, and resistance from various media outlets, watchdog groups, activists, and citizens²³.

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) How the Koch brothers fundamentally changed modern politics. https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/23/politics/david-koch-charles-koch-brothers/index.html.

(2) Why the Koch brothers' political machine is 'unrivalled in America .... https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/david-koch-brothers-political-influence-1.5258077.

(3) Political activities of the Koch brothers - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_activities_of_the_Koch_brothers.

(4) Capital Rivals: Koch Brothers vs. George Soros • OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2010/09/opensecrets-battle-koch-brothers/.

THE INSTANT EDUCATION EXPERT CONSULTANT FROM HILLSDALE COLLEGE: RIGHT WING CORPORATE EDUCATION REFORM AT ITS WORST

RIGHT WING CORPORATE EDUCATION REFORM AT ITS WORST

THE INSTANT EDUCATION EXPERT CONSULTANT FROM HILLSDALE COLLEGE

When it comes to education, we all want the best for our children. We want them to learn from experienced professionals who are passionate about teaching. Unfortunately, not everyone shares this sentiment. Some people see education as an opportunity to make a quick buck, and that's exactly what Jordan Adams did.

Adams is the founder of Vermilion Education, a consulting firm that promises to improve social studies curricula in public schools. On June 20, he presented his recommendations to the Pennridge School Board via Zoom. The presentation was eagerly anticipated, but it turned out to be a disaster.

Adams, who is only 31 years old, has no experience developing curricula for public schools. In fact, he doesn't hold any degrees in education at all. His only qualifications are a bachelor's degree in political science from Hillsdale College and a master's degree in humanities from the University of Dallas. Both of these are private conservative schools known for their right-wing ideology.

So how did Adams become an education expert? He simply declared himself one and started charging $125 per hour for his services. It's a classic case of fake it till you make it, except Adams hasn't made it yet. He has only one public school client – Pennridge – and even they are starting to regret their decision.

Ronald Wurz, a member of the Pennridge School Board, described Adams' presentation as "amateurish," "horrible," and "a total lack of preparation." He was particularly disturbed that Adams had already billed the district $7500 for his recommendations. That's 60 hours of work at $125 per hour, which means Adams is making more than $100 per hour for work he's not qualified to do.

To make matters worse, Adams seems to have deleted his LinkedIn profile, which is usually a red flag. If you're proud of your qualifications and experience, why would you delete your online presence? It's almost as if Adams has something to hide.

Perhaps he's hiding the fact that he's promoting a K-12 curriculum developed by Hillsdale College known as the 1776 curriculum. This curriculum is favored by right-wing activists and has been criticized for its inaccurate and biased portrayal of American history. It's not surprising that Adams would be a fan of this curriculum given his background.

So what can we learn from this debacle? First of all, we need to be more discerning when it comes to hiring education consultants. Just because someone has a fancy website and charges a lot of money doesn't mean they know what they're doing. We need to look for qualifications and experience, not just slick marketing.

Secondly, we need to be wary of right-wing ideologues who want to rewrite history to fit their agenda. Education should be about learning the truth, not promoting a particular political viewpoint. We need to ensure that our children are getting a balanced education that prepares them for the real world.

In conclusion, Jordan Adams is a cautionary tale of what happens when we prioritize profit over education. Let's learn from his mistakes and demand better for our children. After all, they deserve the best.

The right-wing scheme to upend public education — for $125 per hour https://popular.info/p/the-right-wing-scheme-to-upend-public

THE PARKLAND MASSACRE REVISITED

THE PARKLAND MASSACRE REVISITED

The Parkland massacre of 2018 will forever be etched in the minds of those who were affected by it. The shooting, which claimed the lives of 17 people and injured 17 others, was a tragedy that shook the nation to its core. But now, more than three years later, the families and survivors of the massacre are getting some closure.

According to reports, the 1200 building where the shooting occurred will be demolished soon. But before that happens, family members and survivors will be allowed to visit the building for a few weeks. The visits will be strictly private and accompanied by prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement officials and school district representatives.

It's a small step towards closure for those who lost loved ones in the shooting. But it's also a reminder of the need for better school safety measures in our country.

Since the Parkland shooting, there have been numerous efforts to improve school safety and prevent future tragedies. Recommendations have been made to implement access controls, conduct regular threat assessments, provide mental health services and counseling, develop emergency operation plans, train school staff and law enforcement, and enhance coordination and communication among school officials and community partners.

But as with any controversial issue, there are criticisms of these measures. Some argue that they create a false sense of security or infringe on the rights of students and staff. Others say they are costly and ineffective.

However, one thing is clear: we need to do more to prevent mass shootings in our schools. We need to find a balance between safety and freedom, between prevention and intervention.

It's a tough challenge, but one that we must tackle head-on. As the families and survivors of the Parkland massacre prepare to say goodbye to the 1200 building, let's remember that their loss was not in vain. Let's honor their memory by working towards a safer future for our children and our communities.

THE DEFT DIVE

On February 14, 2018, a former student named N******* C*** opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. It was the deadliest shooting at a high school in U.S. history. ¹²

The shooting sparked a nationwide movement for gun control and school safety, led by the survivors and the families of the victims. C*** was sentenced to life in prison without parole on November 2, 2021, after pleading guilty to 17 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder. ³

The building where the shooting occurred, known as the 1200 building, has been preserved as a crime scene since then, pending the trials of C*** and Scot Peterson, the former school resource officer who was accused of failing to confront the shooter. Peterson was acquitted of all charges on December 29, 2021. ⁴

Parkland families, survivors to visit 1200 building before it’s demolished

According to the Broward State Attorney's Office, family members and survivors of the massacre will be allowed to visit the 1200 building before it is demolished, starting from Wednesday, July 5, 2023. The visits will be strictly private and accompanied by prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement officials and school district representatives. ⁵⁶

The state attorney's office said that this procedure was made at the request of the 34 listed victims in the mass shooting prosecution and with the cooperation and agreement of all the agencies involved. The visits are expected to last for a few weeks. ⁵

After the visits, custody of the building will be turned back over to the Broward School District and it will be demolished. The school district said that it will move quickly to demolish the building, remove the debris and restore the site to a landscaped condition for future use. ⁷

List of victims

The following table shows the names and ages of the 17 people who were killed in the shooting.

 Alyssa Alhadeff  14 

Scott Beigel 35 

Martin Duque Anguiano  14 

Nicholas Dworet  17 

Aaron Feis  37 

Jaime Guttenberg  14 

Chris Hixon  49 

Luke Hoyer  15 

Cara Loughran  14 

Gina Montalto  14 

Joaquin Oliver  17 

Alaina Petty  14 

Meadow Pollack  18 

Helena Ramsay  17 

Alex Schachter  14 

Carmen Schentrup  16 

Peter Wang  15 

 Bing, 7/5/2023

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(3) 17 killed in mass shooting at high school in Parkland, Florida - NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/police-respond-shooting-parkland-florida-high-school-n848101.

(4) What happened at Parkland: The Stoneman Douglas High School shooting .... https://www.foxnews.com/us/what-happened-at-parkland-the-stoneman-douglas-high-school-shooting.

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(6) Parkland families, survivors to visit 1200 building before it’s demolished. https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/07/04/parkland-families-survivors-to-visit-1200-building-before-its-demolished/.

(7) In ‘strictly private’ sessions, 34 to visit crime scene of 2018 Parkland shooting. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/in-strictly-private-sessions-34-to-visit-crime-scene-of-2018-parkland-shooting/ar-AA1dqJrW.

(8) Family, survivors to visit Marjory Stoneman Douglas building | Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article277005813.html.

(9) Families ask court to allow reenactment of Parkland shooting - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/families-ask-court-to-allow-reenactment-of-parkland-shooting/ar-AA1dqwzn.

Parkland shooting and school safety measures

The Parkland shooting prompted several initiatives to improve school safety measures nationwide, especially regarding access control, threat assessment, mental health support and emergency response. Two government commissions on school safety, one federal and one state, issued recommendations based on best practices and research.

Federal Commission on School Safety

The Federal Commission on School Safety was established by the Trump administration in March 2018 to study and recommend solutions to advance the safety of schools. The commission released its final report in December 2018, which contained 93 best practices and policy recommendations for federal, state and local governments. ¹

Some of the key recommendations related to school safety measures are:

• - Implementing access controls that limit the number of entry points to school buildings and allow only authorized personnel and visitors to enter.
• - Conducting regular threat assessments to identify and intervene with students who pose a risk of violence to themselves or others.
• - Providing mental health services and counseling to students who need them and promoting a positive school climate that fosters social and emotional learning.
• - Developing emergency operation plans that include protocols for prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery in the event of a crisis.
• - Training school staff, students and law enforcement on how to respond to an active shooter situation and conducting drills and exercises to test the plans.
• - Enhancing coordination and communication among school officials, law enforcement, first responders and community partners.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission was created by the Florida legislature in March 2018 to investigate the Parkland shooting and make recommendations to improve school safety and security. The commission released its initial report in January 2019, which contained 215 findings and 100 recommendations. ²

Some of the key recommendations related to school safety measures are:

• - Establishing a single point of entry for visitors to school campuses and directing them to appropriate entry points with clear signs.
• - Installing door alert or notification systems, electronic access systems, video intercoms, locks and buzzers at entrances and exits.
• - Requiring visitors to show identification, state their purpose, wear a badge and have a staff escort when inside the school.
• - Implementing a statewide behavioral threat assessment instrument and process for identifying, reporting and managing students who exhibit concerning or threatening behavior.
• - Providing adequate mental health professionals and services for students in need and ensuring timely referrals and follow-ups.
• - Adopting policies that allow qualified school staff to carry firearms on campus as part of the Guardian Program or hiring more school resource officers or security personnel.
• - Developing comprehensive emergency operation plans that include roles and responsibilities, procedures, training, exercises and evaluation.
• - Improving radio communication systems among school staff and law enforcement agencies.

¹: https://www2.ed.gov/documents/school-safety/school-safety-report.pdf

²: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MSDHS/CommissionReport.pdf

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) 5 years after Parkland shooting, school safety initiatives in Florida .... https://bing.com/search?q=Parkland+shooting+school+safety+measures.

(2) Parkland Officer Found Not Guilty in Case That Shed Light on Police Role in School Safety. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/parkland-officer-found-not-guilty-in-case-that-shone-on-police-role-in-school-safety/2023/06.

(3) Then-Parkland school resource officer who stayed outside during mass shooting found not guilty. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/then-parkland-school-resource-officer-who-stayed-outside-during-mass-shooting-found-not-guilty/ar-AA1dcFzz.

(4) Parkland shooting sheriff's deputy Scot Peterson found not guilty on all counts. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scot-peterson-verdict-parkland-shooting-sheriff-deputy/.

(5) Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety (PDF). https://www2.ed.gov/documents/school-safety/school-safety-report.pdf.

(6) School safety commissions recommended single entry point after Parkland .... https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/education/school-safety-commissions-recommended-single-entry-point-after-parkland-shooting.

Effectiveness of school safety measures in preventing shootings

There is no definitive answer to how effective school safety measures are in preventing shootings, as different measures may have different impacts depending on the context, implementation and evaluation. However, some studies and surveys have attempted to assess the perceived or actual effectiveness of some common school safety measures based on empirical evidence or expert opinions.

Perceived effectiveness

A 2018 survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research asked a nationally representative sample of 1,122 adults about their views on various school safety policies and their effectiveness in reducing firearm violence. The survey found that:

• - The school policies perceived to be most effective in reducing firearm violence were installing an alert system in schools (70 percent), working with law enforcement to design an emergency response plan (70 percent), creating a comprehensive security plan (68 percent), requiring criminal background checks for all school personnel prior to hiring (67 percent), and implementing an anonymous system for students to report peer concerns regarding potential violence (67 percent).
• - The school policies perceived to be least effective in reducing firearm violence were arming teachers and other school staff (36 percent), allowing teachers and other school staff to carry their own guns (34 percent), and installing metal detectors at school entrances (33 percent).
• - The survey also found that 69 percent of adults supported stricter gun laws in general, and 76 percent supported banning assault-style weapons. ¹

Actual effectiveness

A 2018 essay by Cheryl Lero Jonson, a criminal justice professor at Xavier University, reviewed the empirical literature on the effectiveness of various school safety measures, such as access control, threat assessment, mental health services, emergency operation plans, active shooter training and armed security. The essay found that:

• - Access control measures, such as locks, buzzers, cameras and metal detectors, may have some deterrent effect on potential shooters, but they also have limitations and drawbacks, such as false alarms, maintenance costs, privacy concerns and negative impacts on school climate.
• - Threat assessment is a promising strategy that involves identifying, assessing and managing students who pose a risk of violence to themselves or others. However, it requires adequate training, resources and collaboration among school staff, law enforcement and mental health professionals.
• - Mental health services are essential for preventing and responding to school shootings, as many shooters suffer from mental health problems or trauma. However, many schools lack sufficient mental health professionals and services to meet the needs of their students.
• - Emergency operation plans are critical for mitigating the effects of a shooting and ensuring a coordinated response among school staff, law enforcement and first responders. However, many schools do not have comprehensive or updated plans or do not conduct regular drills or exercises to test them.
• - Active shooter training, such as lockdown drills or "run, hide, fight" protocols, may help prepare school staff and students for a shooting situation and reduce casualties. However, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of these trainings and some concerns about their potential psychological harms or unintended consequences.
• - Armed security personnel, such as school resource officers or armed teachers, may provide some protection or deterrence against shooters, but they also pose significant risks and challenges, such as accidental shootings, misuse of force, legal liability and negative effects on school climate. ²¹: https://apnorc.org/projects/school-safety-and-shootings/
• ²: https://www.schoolsafety.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/Preventing%20School%20Shootings.pdf

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(4) School Safety and Shootings - AP-NORC. https://apnorc.org/projects/school-safety-and-shootings/.

(5) Can Security Measures Really Stop School Shootings?. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-security-measures-really-stop-school-shootings/.

Criticisms of school safety measures

School safety measures are not without controversy or criticism, as some of them may have unintended or undesirable consequences for students, staff and school climate. Some of the common criticisms of school safety measures are:

• - They may create a false sense of security or complacency, as they cannot guarantee the prevention or elimination of school shootings or other forms of violence.
• - They may be costly, ineffective, impractical or inappropriate for certain schools or contexts, as they may not address the root causes or risk factors of school violence or meet the diverse needs of students and communities.
• - They may have negative impacts on the academic, social and emotional well-being of students and staff, as they may create a climate of fear, distrust, anxiety or alienation, or interfere with learning and teaching activities.
• - They may infringe on the rights, privacy or dignity of students and staff, as they may involve surveillance, searches, profiling, discrimination or criminalization of certain groups or behaviors.

Examples of criticisms

Some examples of criticisms of specific school safety measures are:

• - Metal detectors: Critics argue that metal detectors are expensive, inefficient, unreliable and intrusive. They may create long lines, delays and bottlenecks at school entrances, disrupt the flow of instruction and increase tardiness and absenteeism. They may also fail to detect some weapons or contraband, or be easily circumvented by determined offenders. Moreover, they may create a hostile or prison-like atmosphere in schools, erode trust and respect between students and staff, and disproportionately target students of color or low-income backgrounds. ¹²
• - Armed security: Critics argue that armed security personnel, such as school resource officers or armed teachers, are risky, unnecessary and harmful. They may increase the likelihood of accidental shootings, misuse of force, escalation of conflicts or injuries. They may also divert resources from more effective prevention and intervention programs, such as mental health services or restorative justice practices. Furthermore, they may contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, as they may criminalize minor or nonviolent infractions, disproportionately arrest or discipline students of color or with disabilities, or violate their civil rights. ³ 
• - Active shooter training: Critics argue that active shooter training, such as lockdown drills or "run, hide, fight" protocols, are traumatizing, ineffective and counterproductive. They may induce fear, stress, anxiety or panic among students and staff, especially if they are conducted without warning, consent or debriefing. They may also fail to prepare them for the unpredictability and complexity of a real shooting situation, or even provide useful information to potential shooters. Additionally, they may undermine the sense of safety and belonging in schools, as they may normalize violence and distrust.  

¹: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-security-measures-really-stop-school-shootings/

²: https://www.npr.org/2018/03/01/590076949/efficacy-of-school-metal-detectors-questioned

³: https://www.aclu.org/issues/juvenile-justice/school-prison-pipeline/bullies-blue

: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/educators-oppose-arming-teachers

: https://www.npr.org/2019/11/10/777711503/experts-worry-active-shooter-drills-in-schools-could-be-traumatic-for-students

: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/02/the-case-against-active-shooter-drills-in-schools/554146/

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Making Schools Safe for Students | National Institute of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/making-schools-safe-students.

(2) Fast Facts: School safety and security measures (334). https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=334.

(3) School Safety: What Really Works - National Association of School .... https://www.nasponline.org/Documents/Resources%20and%20Publications/Handouts/Families%20and%20Educators/March_13_School_Safety.pdf.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit organization that tracks gun-related incidents in the U.S., there have been at least 17 school shootings that resulted in deaths since the Stoneman Douglas massacre on February 14, 2018. These are:

• - March 7, 2018: Huffman High School, Birmingham, Alabama. One student killed by another student.
• - March 20, 2018: Great Mills High School, Great Mills, Maryland. One student killed and another injured by a student shooter, who also died.
• - May 18, 2018: Santa Fe High School, Santa Fe, Texas. Ten people (eight students and two teachers) killed and 13 others injured by a student shooter.
• - May 25, 2018: Noblesville West Middle School, Noblesville, Indiana. One teacher and one student injured by a student shooter.
• - August 20, 2018: Overland High School, Aurora, Colorado. One student killed in a parking lot shooting.
• - September 11, 2018: Canyon Springs High School, North Las Vegas, Nevada. One student killed in a shooting near the school.
• - November 14, 2018: David W. Butler High School, Matthews, North Carolina. One student killed by another student after a fight.
• - December 13, 2018: Dennis Intermediate School, Richmond, Indiana. A teenage suspect died after exchanging gunfire with police at the school.
• - January 31, 2019: Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School, Memphis, Tennessee. One student killed in an off-campus shooting after a fight at the school.
• - May 7, 2019: STEM School Highlands Ranch, Highlands Ranch, Colorado. One student killed and eight others injured by two student shooters.
• - May 24, 2019: Muncie Central High School, Muncie, Indiana. One student killed in an off-campus shooting after an argument at the school.
• - November 14, 2019: Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, California. Three students (including the shooter) killed and three others injured by a student shooter.
• - February 3, 2020: Texas A&M University-Commerce Residence Hall, Commerce, Texas. Two women (a student and her sister) and a toddler killed by the student's ex-boyfriend.
• - February 4, 2020: Ombudsman Chicago Charter School West Campus Alternative Learning Opportunity Program (ALOP), Chicago Heights Illinois. One student killed by another student after an argument at the school.
• - November 30, 2021: Oxford High School, Oxford Township Michigan. Four students killed and seven others injured (including a teacher) by a student shooter.
• - December 6th ,2021: Robb Elementary School Uvalde Texas .19 children and two teachers were gunned down
• - January 10th ,2022: Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan .Three students dead and five critically wounded

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) All of these fatal shootings have happened since Parkland. https://abcnews.go.com/News/list-fatal-school-shootings-parkland/story?id=55262193.

(2) Parkland school shooting: 5 years later, here's what has changed (and .... https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/us/parkland-school-shooting-5-year-anniversary/index.html.

(3) It’s been 2 years since the deadly shooting at a high school in ... - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/14/us/parkland-shooting-marjory-stoneman-douglas-2-years/index.html.

(4) Florida shooting: What happens to places like Stoneman Douglas High .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/02/20/too-many-bad-memories-what-happens-to-the-sites-of-mass-shootings/.

(5) Parkland shooting: Five years later, survivors speak out - USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/02/11/parkland-shooting-survivors-speak-out-five-years/11203322002/.

There is no universally agreed-upon definition of a mass shooting, but one common criterion is that it involves four or more people being shot, not including the shooter. According to this definition, there have been hundreds of mass shootings in the U.S. since the Stoneman Douglas massacre on February 14, 2018. Some of the most notable ones are:

• - October 27, 2018: Tree of Life synagogue shooting, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eleven people killed and six others injured by a gunman who opened fire during a Shabbat service.
• - November 7, 2018: Borderline Bar and Grill shooting, Thousand Oaks, California. Twelve people (including a sheriff's deputy) killed and 10 others injured by a gunman who attacked a country music night at a bar.
• - May 31, 2019: Virginia Beach municipal building shooting, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Twelve people killed and four others injured by a gunman who was a disgruntled city employee.
• - August 3, 2019: Walmart shooting, El Paso, Texas. Twenty-three people killed and 23 others injured by a gunman who targeted Hispanic shoppers at a Walmart store.
• - August 4, 2019: Oregon District shooting, Dayton, Ohio. Nine people killed and 17 others injured by a gunman who opened fire in a popular nightlife area.
• - December 6, 2019: Naval Air Station Pensacola shooting, Pensacola, Florida. Three people killed and eight others injured by a gunman who was a Saudi military trainee.
• - May 26, 2020: Molson Coors brewery shooting, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Five people killed and one injured by a gunman who was an employee of the brewery.
• - March 16, 2021: Atlanta spa shootings, Atlanta, Georgia. Eight people (six of them Asian women) killed and one injured by a gunman who attacked three spas in the metropolitan area.
• - March 22, 2021: King Soopers supermarket shooting, Boulder, Colorado. Ten people killed (including a police officer) and one injured by a gunman who opened fire at a grocery store.
• - April 15, 2021: FedEx Ground facility shooting, Indianapolis, Indiana. Nine people (including the shooter) killed and seven others injured by a gunman who was a former employee of the facility.
• - May 26th ,2021: Robb Elementary School Uvalde Texas .19 children and two teachers were gunned down
• - June 12th ,2021: Pulse Nightclub Orlando Florida .49 people were killed and 53 wounded in a hate crime against the LGBTQ community
• - July 22nd ,2021: Century Movie Theater Aurora Colorado .12 people were killed and 70 injured by a gunman who opened fire during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises
• - August 3rd ,2021: Garlic Festival Gilroy California .Four people (including the shooter) were killed and 17 wounded by a gunman who attacked the annual festival
• - September 1st ,2021: Odessa-Midland Shooting Odessa and Midland Texas .Eight people (including the shooter) were killed and 25 injured by a gunman who went on a shooting spree after being fired from his job
• - October 4th ,2021: Las Vegas Strip Shooting Las Vegas Nevada .One person was killed and four wounded by a gunman who fired from his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
• - November 30th ,2021: Oxford High School Oxford Township Michigan .Four students were killed and seven others injured (including a teacher) by a student shooter
• - December 6th ,2021: Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan .Three students were dead and five critically wounded

Bing, 7/5/2023

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(5) ‘Mass shootings should not be normal.’ Atlanta, Boulder, Parkland call .... https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2021/03/24/mass-shootings-should-not-be-normal-atlanta-boulder-parkland-call-for-gun-safety-laws/.

Commonalities among mass shootings

Mass shootings are complex and multifaceted phenomena that defy simple explanations or solutions. However, some researchers have attempted to identify some common patterns or factors that may contribute to or characterize mass shootings, based on empirical data or expert opinions. Some of the commonalities among mass shootings are:

Demographic characteristics

According to a database of public mass shootings in the U.S. from 1966 to 2020, compiled by the Violence Project, a research center funded by the National Institute of Justice, most mass shooters were male (97.8%), young (average age of 34), and acted alone (87.9%). ¹

The database also found that mass shooters were racially diverse, reflecting the general population. Those shooting were 52.3% White, 20.9% Black, 8.1% Latino, 6.4% Asian, 4.2% Middle Eastern, and 1.8% Native American. ¹

Psychological and social factors

According to the same database, most mass shooters had experienced some form of childhood trauma (69%) or exposure to violence at an early age (62%). They also had reached an identifiable crisis point (78%) in the weeks or months leading up to the shooting, such as losing a job, getting divorced, or facing eviction. ¹

Additionally, most mass shooters had a history of mental health problems (61%), suicidal thoughts or behaviors (68%), or substance abuse (37%). However, only 16% had been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. ¹

Furthermore, most mass shooters had studied other mass shooters (80%) or expressed admiration or identification with them. They also had access to firearms (77%), either legally or illegally obtained, and often used high-capacity magazines or assault-style weapons. ¹

Motivational factors

According to a study by the FBI of active shooter incidents in the U.S. from 2000 to 2013, most shooters had multiple motives for their attacks, which were often complex and overlapping. The study identified four main categories of motives: grievances (45%), ideology (14%), mental health issues (10%), and unknown (31%). ²

The study also found that most shooters selected their targets based on their connection to a grievance (63%), their symbolic value (21%), their vulnerability (9%), or their randomness (7%). The most common types of grievances were related to work (21%), family/domestic (14%), school/academic (10%), or personal/other (28%). ²¹: https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/

²: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-study-2000-2013-1.pdf/view

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Two Professors Found What Creates a Mass Shooter. Will ... - POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/05/27/stopping-mass-shooters-q-a-00035762.

(2) What do most mass shooters have in common? Hint: It isn’t politics .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/09/14/what-do-most-mass-shooters-have-in-common-hint-it-isnt-politics-video-games-or-religion/.

(3) New database tracks commonalities among mass shooters - ABC Action News. https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/i-team-investigates/new-database-tracks-commonalities-among-mass-shooters.

(4) Science has identified common threads in school shootings - CalMatters. https://calmatters.org/justice/2019/11/school-shooting/.

(5) Public Mass Shootings: Database Amasses Details of a Half Century of U .... https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-half-century-us-mass-shootings.

Weapons used in mass shootings by type

Mass shootings can involve various types of firearms, depending on the availability, preference and motive of the shooter. However, some types of weapons are more commonly used than others, especially handguns and semi-automatic rifles. Here are some statistics and examples of weapons used in mass shootings by type:

Handguns

Handguns are the most common weapon type used in mass shootings in the U.S., with a total of 161 different handguns being used in 111 incidents between 1982 and April 2023, according to the Violence Project, a research center funded by the National Institute of Justice. ¹

Handguns include pistols, revolvers, derringers and other unspecified semi-automatic handguns. They are appealing to mass shooters because they are easy to conceal, access and use, and can hold multiple rounds of ammunition. ²

Some examples of mass shootings involving handguns are:

• - The 2019 Virginia Beach municipal building shooting, where the shooter used two .45-caliber pistols with extended magazines and a silencer, killing 12 people and injuring four others. ³
• - The 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, where the shooter used a .38-caliber revolver and a 9mm Glock pistol, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others. ⁴
• - The 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting, where the shooter used several handguns in addition to rifles, killing 58 people and injuring 546 others. 
• - The 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, where the shooter used a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol and a .223-caliber rifle, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others. 
• - The 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, where the shooter used a Glock pistol and a Sig Sauer pistol to kill himself and his mother, and a .223-caliber rifle to kill 26 people (including 20 children) at the school. 

Rifles

Rifles are the second most common weapon type used in mass shootings in the U.S., with a total of 65 different rifles being used in 59 incidents between 1982 and April 2023, according to the Violence Project. ¹

Rifles include non-automatic, semi-automatic and illegally modified rifles. They are appealing to mass shooters because they have high accuracy, range and firepower, and can accommodate high-capacity magazines or assault-style features. ²

Some examples of mass shootings involving rifles are:

• - The 2021 Boulder supermarket shooting, where the shooter used an AR-15 style pistol with a stabilizing brace, killing 10 people (including a police officer) and injuring one other. 
• - The 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting, where the shooter used an AK-47 style rifle with a high-capacity magazine, killing 23 people and injuring 23 others. 
• - The 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, where the shooter used an AR-15 style rifle and three Glock pistols, killing 11 people and injuring six others (including four police officers). 
• - The 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting, where the shooter used an AR-15 style rifle with a high-capacity magazine and a ballistic vest, killing 26 people (including an unborn child) and injuring 20 others. 
• - The 2015 San Bernardino shooting, where the shooters used two AR-15 style rifles and two pistols, killing 14 people and injuring 22 others. 

¹: https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/

²: https://abcnews.go.com/US/type-gun-us-homicides-ar-15/story?id=78689504

³: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/01/us/virginia-beach-shooting.html

⁴: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/15/us/florida-school-shooting-map.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/10/04/us/vegas-shooting-weapons.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/06/12/us/orlando-shooting-gunfire-maps.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/12/17/us/sandy-hook-timeline.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/article/boulder-colorado-shooting.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/article/el-paso-shooting.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/article/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/06/us/texas-shooting-church.html

: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/04/us/san-bernardino-shooting.html

Bing, 7/5/2023

(1) Guns used in mass shootings U.S. 2023 | Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/476409/mass-shootings-in-the-us-by-weapon-types-used/.

(2) The type of gun used in most US homicides is not an AR-15. https://abcnews.go.com/US/type-gun-us-homicides-ar-15/story?id=78689504.

(3) Most mass shooters get their semi-automatic rifles, handguns legally. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/07/12/mass-shootings-weapons-legal-what-to-know/7814081001/.

(4) AR-15 style weapons were used in 10 major shootings. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/mar/24/viral-image/ar-15-style-weapons-were-used-10-major-shootings/.

Efforts to regulate guns at the federal level

Gun regulation is a contentious and polarizing issue in the U.S., with strong opinions and interests on both sides of the debate. The federal government has the authority to enact laws and regulations related to firearms, but it also has to respect the constitutional right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment. The main federal law governing firearms is the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), which regulates the manufacture, sale, transfer and possession of firearms and ammunition. The GCA also establishes the categories of persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms, such as felons, fugitives, domestic abusers, drug addicts and mentally ill persons. ¹

In addition to the GCA, there are other federal laws and regulations that address specific aspects of firearms, such as the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA), which imposes taxes and registration requirements on certain types of weapons, such as machine guns, silencers and short-barreled rifles; the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 (Brady Act), which requires background checks for firearm transfers by licensed dealers; and the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 (AWB), which prohibited the manufacture, transfer and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines for 10 years until it expired in 2004. ²

Despite these existing laws and regulations, there are still many gaps and loopholes in the federal system that allow some people to obtain firearms without background checks, such as through private sales, gun shows or online platforms; some types of weapons or accessories to evade regulation or detection, such as ghost guns, bump stocks or stabilizing braces; and some forms of gun violence to go unaddressed or underreported, such as mass shootings, suicides or domestic violence. ³

To address these issues, there have been various efforts to introduce or pass new legislation or executive actions at the federal level to strengthen or expand gun regulation. Some of the recent or ongoing efforts are:

• - In June 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which is the first major gun safety legislation passed in decades. The law provides $5 billion over eight years for community violence intervention programs that aim to prevent gun violence in high-risk areas; $100 million for school safety grants that can be used for mental health services, threat assessment teams or other measures; $50 million for state crisis intervention programs that can help individuals who are experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts; and $25 million for research on firearm injury and mortality prevention. The law also authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations on ghost guns and stabilizing braces; requires background checks for all firearm transfers, with some exceptions; and establishes a national extreme risk protection order system that allows courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. ⁴
• - In July 2022, the Justice Department issued a final rule to rein in the proliferation of ghost guns, which are unserialized, privately made firearms that are increasingly being recovered at crime scenes. The rule clarifies that when a device marketed as a firearm kit contains the parts necessary for a functioning firearm within the meaning of the GCA, it is a firearm subject to regulation under federal law. The rule also requires manufacturers or sellers of these devices to include a serial number and mark them as firearms. 
• - In August 2022, the Justice Department issued a proposed rule to better regulate when devices marketed as firearm stabilizing braces effectively turn pistols into short-barreled rifles subject to the NFA. The rule provides criteria for determining whether a stabilizing brace substantially alters the characteristics of a firearm such that it should be considered a short-barreled rifle; requires manufacturers or sellers of these devices to provide notice to potential buyers about their legal obligations; and offers a grace period for current owners of these devices to comply with registration requirements under the NFA or dispose of them lawfully. 
• - In September 2022, the Justice Department published model extreme risk protection order legislation to make it easier for states that want to adopt these red flag laws to do so. Extreme risk protection orders are court orders that temporarily prohibit individuals who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others from accessing firearms. The model legislation provides guidance on key features of these laws, such as who can petition for an order, what evidence is required, what procedures are followed, what remedies are available, and how due process is ensured. 

Bing, 7/5/2023

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(2) These are the gun control laws passed in 2022 | CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/30/us/gun-control-laws-2022/index.html.

(3) U.S. Gun Policy: Framework and Major Issues - CRS Reports. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11038.

(4) USDOJ: United States Department of Justice Archive - Appendix C. https://www.justice.gov/archive/opd/AppendixC.htm.