Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence: “Happiest place on earth” now “scared sh!tless”

On Thursday, the Brady Campaign for Gun Violence made a provocative claim.

The “happiest place on earth” (Disney World) is now “scared sh!tless thanks to gutless politicians.”

Why? “Disney, SeaWorld, and other theme parks have announced they are upping security measures at all their parks to include metal detectors and thorough bag searches, in light of recent mass shootings and amid growing national fear of continued gun violence,” claims the release.

Dan Gross, President of the BCGV, fulminated further in the release.

“This is what it’s come to. Instead of passing sensible policies to just keep guns out of the hands of those intent on harming others, the gun lobby’s lap dogs in Congress would rather pat down and screen children in places where they shouldn’t have a care in the world. Now, families can’t even go to ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ to escape the realities of gun violence in this country,” Gross observed.

“Disney’s decision, undoubtedly made with the safety of their guests foremost in mind, reflects the sacrifices we are all being forced to make as feckless politicians kowtow to the corporate gun lobby. It doesn’t have to be this way; we are better than this,” Gross continued, before issuing a call to action.

“It should be Congress’ highest priority when they return to Washington in January to do right by the children and families of this country and expand the Brady background checks that keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.”

Gross cited the “incredible coalition of support” for the Brady Coalition position on a media call, saying that “policy makers aren’t taking the steps they need to” to prevent gun violence.

Gross also mentioned the gun lobby’s intransigence in making sure that “anybody can be armed anywhere,” saying that “the American people are better than that.”

Ninety-three percent of Americans support background checks, Gross continued.

The problem? “Lap dog politicians” making the “gun lobby position a reality.”

“We refuse to see this become the new normal in this country,” Gross said.

“We’re better than this.”

Calling for politicians to “stand up to the gun lobby,” Gross linked background checks to homeland security and the anti-terror battle.

Disney’s ban (a “terrifying commentary on the new normal”) extends to toy guns as well; Gross noted that “some guns look like real guns, which presents a danger.”

Gross urged for state background check expansion, saying that currently anybody can buy a gun at a gun show or online, including “convicted felons” and “domestic abusers,” including with concealed carry permits in Florida.

“George Zimmerman was an example of that,” Gross said.