We need to set out a couple of important facts for context.
Most importantly, the picture was taken prior to yesterday’s mass shooting in Texas, though – we should note, that Texas had had plenty of mass shootings prior to yesterday and the U.S. has had perhaps thousands. Normal people realize that guns are a huge problem and don’t want to sit with one smiling for a picture. Of course, every Republican does.
Additionally, every Republican believes the bigger the gun, the better. So Abbot is holding a monstrously big gun, one probably developed for military use but possibly available in Texas (Can we rule anything out?) He is not, however, holding an assault rifle. Abbott is holding a sniper rifle with a silencer. The silencer is illegal nearly everywhere. A sniper rifle like the one Abbot is holding could be extremely dangerous, especially with a silencer, if someone sat in a tall building and started shooting people below 500 yards away. But it is very hard to haul around a gun that big and not attract attention prior to shooting, it is also hard to load and reload. Abbott is holding a huge and dangerous gun but not the type causing all these mass shootings.
But it doesn’t change the dynamic that Republicans worship guns to the point that a picture with one is an entry-level requirement for anyone seeking office and the bigger the better. It is yet another example of the sickness that permeates the American Right.
What do you see? pic.twitter.com/hWYWIDKGbs [1]
— Republicans against Trumpism (@RpsAgainstTrump) May 25, 2022 [2]
And, of course, Twitter went off about how ubiquitous these pictures are as a Republican campaign picture:
He's laughing about the thought of all of the children yet to be slaughtered by 2nd Amendment freedom. No doubt the next gun law he signs will make it even easier for the killings to continue, just like they last one he signed.
— Pat (@PatMagu74522108) May 25, 2022 [3]
I'd pay money to see him shoot that thing, without putting the brakes on his chair.
Newton's Third Law can be hilarious sometimes.
— Eric: Antifa CRT Teacher and NFT dealer (@NotBadgers) May 25, 2022 [4]
If we can change pro choice laws, we can change the 2nd amendment. I mean, seems anything goes these days. Or just allow muskets.
— Barb Berns (@BarbBerns) May 25, 2022 [5]
Someone desperate to prove their manhood.
— Khashoggi’s Ghost 🇺🇦🌻 (@UROCKlive1) May 25, 2022 [6]
pic.twitter.com/ZgLSa2PvHU [7]
— Old Man Yelling at Clouds is Live M-F 11a-3p EST (@TwitchOMYAC) May 25, 2022 [8]
I see a picture that should be posted all over Texas. Until Election Day.
— Leetesgirl2🇺🇸 (@MitziForPelosi) May 25, 2022 [9]
A pussy
— John Sipher (@john_sipher) May 25, 2022 [10]
Always harping on the second amendment…. I wonder if most of them can name any of the others. Or can they just not count higher than 2
— Jane Endrich (@jane_endrich) May 25, 2022 [11]
You know, I had this misconception that the handicapped folks were kinder, more sensible, sensitive & understanding than others. And then, Gov. Abbott and Cawthorn guy came along. Sad!
— MKaur (@ManmanthanKaur) May 25, 2022 [12]
What is shooting with this? Dinosaurs?
— Tami Marie (@opalmarie69) May 25, 2022 [13]
We rarely see Abbott smile, but it's pure joy here. May this man be diminished; made small & insignificant. https://t.co/IZ9ChcJ4XU [14]
— JeanLake (blu dot) (@JeanLake20) May 26, 2022 [15]
This is the Governor of TX. Where they recently did away with all background checks, gun licenses. Anyone can now buy any gun without ID. https://t.co/KpdVYzoJhS [16]
— Tabitha *Slava Ukraini *🇺🇦 Pro-Choice (@redtailredux) May 25, 2022 [17]
When someone shows up brandishing a gun in a public space, unless they're active duty law enforcement or military, it is pretty clear that they're desperately trying to compensate for some deep-seated inadequacy. (Spoiler alert: It's not working.) https://t.co/B6jPeVFny9 [18]
— Michael Okuda (@MikeOkuda) May 25, 2022 [19]
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[email protected], @JasonMiciak, with Nicole Hickman