The gun control debate will dominate social media once again in the wake of shootings at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, as well as the recent church shooting in Texas on Nov. 5. It’s something that came to the forefront in 2016 as well, with dozens of pop, rock and country artists signing a letter asking Congress for tighter gun control measures.
The June 2016 letter came was found in Billboard and included nearly 200 signatures, including those from the Dixie Chicks, Rosanne Cash and Cam. Heads of record labels at Sony Nashville, Big Machine Music and Warner Music Nashville also signed, joining pop and rock stars such as Lady Gaga, Sting, Pearl Jam and Demi Lovato.
It was a call for gun safety, and specifically called for background checks for all gun purchases and a block on suspected terrorists who want to purchase a firearm.
“Billboard and the undersigned implore you — the people who are elected to represent us — to close the deadly loopholes that put the lives of so many music fans, and all of us, at risk,” the letter reads.
All who signed are listed with their signatures on a digital version of the letter. It was a response to two tragedies in Orlando, Fla. Both the shooting at the Pulse night club and killing of The Voice singer Christina Grimmie happened at places where fans and musicians gather, the magazine points out.
On Oct. 1 a man fired down at the Route 91 Harvest Festival from a 32nd floor window in Las Vegas. Stephen Paddock is said to have had over a dozen firearms in his possession, including automatic weapons.
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This Article Was Originally Posted at www.TasteofCountry.com
http://tasteofcountry.com/letter-to-congress-for-gun-control/
