In a tearful statement to the press this afternoon, President Obama said that the nation needs to set politics aside and “come together and take meaningful action” to prevent future tragedies like today’s mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Although he concluded by encouraging Americans to begin by extending a hand to those in need and offering prayers, many seized on those two earlier words, “meaningful action,” as a call for more strict gun control.
Radio host Randi Rhodes — notorious for skits featuring gunshot sound effects — was among those dissatisfied with the mere promise of “meaningful action.”
Obama: Need 'meaningful action regards of the politics'. I hope that pres-speak for "this s**t is going to to end, NRA be damned!"
— Randi Rhodes (@RandiRhodes) December 14, 2012
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also felt that the president’s promise fell short and called out Obama and Congress for a lack of leadership on the issue.
https://twitter.com/A_Grossman/status/279694522605268992
President Obama rightly sent his heartfelt condolences to the families in Newtown. But the country needs him to send a bill to Congress.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 14, 2012
We heard after Columbine that it was too soon to talk about gun laws. We heard it after VTech, Tucson & Aurora. Now we are hearing it again.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 14, 2012
For every day we wait, 34 more people are murdered with guns. Today, many of them were five-year olds.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 14, 2012
We have heard all the rhetoric before. What we have not seen is leadership–not from the White House, not from Congress. That must end today.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 14, 2012
.@MikeBloomberg: My deepest sympathies are with families of those affected, and my determination to stop this madness is stronger than ever.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 14, 2012
Tell @BarackObama that you #DemandAPlan to end gun violence in America http://t.co/yCsuaarU
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) December 14, 2012
“Calling for ‘meaningful action’ is not enough. We need immediate action.” – @MikeBloomberg Agree? http://t.co/LrfVcJxY
— David Scholnick (@DaveScholnick) December 14, 2012
"We are going to have to come together to take meaningful action," said @BarackObama. Please proceed, Mr. President.
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) December 14, 2012
Obama: need "meaningful action" to prevent more tragedies. True, but urgency always seems to ebb till next tragedy.
— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) December 14, 2012
@nickschickuk just watching it now. Heartfelt but 'meaningful action' seems vague.. Readdress gun laws is what he should say!
— Kavita (@kaosprincess) December 14, 2012
Obama: "We're going 2 have 2 come 2gether & take some meaningful action." Just maybe some sort of gun control is in the offing. #cdnpoli
— ?? #CPC can't have my name? (@CometsMum) December 14, 2012
@whitehouse More than a speech, the president needs to take action right now. The adjective "meaningful" sounds like "procrastinating."
— Yaxue Cao (@YaxueCao) December 14, 2012
https://twitter.com/praddenkeefe/status/279701265603231745
Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney had told reporters that there will be “a day for discussion of the usual Washington policy debates, but I do not think today is that day.” That statement, too, failed to satisfy many eager for the government to take action on guns — today.
Asked about CT school shootings & Obama policy, Carney said "Today is not the day" for gun control debate
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) December 14, 2012
Dear Colleagues: it's time 2 act to control access 2 handguns. This not about ducks & deer. I pray for the victims. I pray for our courage.
— Rep Donna F Edwards (@repdonnaedwards) December 14, 2012
http://twitter.com/A_Grossman/statuses/279661345169874944
http://twitter.com/joshgreenman/statuses/279660386440056832
https://twitter.com/Bro_Pair/status/279652945405042688
https://twitter.com/DramaOfWar/status/279647484446375936
https://twitter.com/maaaatthew/status/279648060529860609
We'll wait for the next shooting, then? RT @ZekeJMiller: Carney repeats that “today is not the day” to discuss gun control legislation
— Mark Joyella ?️? (@standupkid) December 14, 2012
https://twitter.com/AnnaHolmes/status/279645955991683073
After Giffords massacre Obama said now's not the day to discuss gun control. Apparently the last 2 yrs havent been the day either. #shameful
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) December 14, 2012
https://twitter.com/MMinhas/status/279656022686199809
By late afternoon, people had gathered in front of the White House to demand action, many carrying Twitter-friendly signs promoting a #TodayIsTheDay hashtag.
"Everybody needs heroes. President Obama, today you can be that hero." #Newtown pic.twitter.com/xq6Qsbdx
— Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) December 14, 2012
Pro gun-control protest outside the White House. Media making up a good portion of the crowd pic.twitter.com/X8vyUZbQ
— CJ Ciaramella (@cjciaramella) December 14, 2012
https://twitter.com/evanmc_s/statuses/279699780895113218
How soon we’ll know exactly what the president meant by “meaningful action” is unsure, but as Carney had said, today is not that day.
Wise to remember the old adage "let dead bodies cool slightly before exploiting them to advance your political agenda."
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) December 14, 2012
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