Marching Fourth - A New Look at Banning Assault Weapons

In this episode, Grace talks with Kitty Brandtner, founder and co-president of the nonpartisan organization March Fourth, which is focused on reinstating the federal assault weapons ban. Kitty shares her personal journey toward activism, sparked by mass shootings and the Uvalde tragedy, emphasizing the need for gun legislation. The conversation cover the impact of gun laws including the expired assault weapons ban and its potential to reduce gun violence significantly.

Kitty also discusses the challenges and strategies in mobilizing political support for the GOSAFE Act, a proposed bill aiming to update the assault weapons ban by addressing technical aspects of firearms. They highlight the organization's approach to advocacy, the importance of public opinion in shaping policy, and the bipartisan effort required to enact effective gun control legislation.

00:00 Introducing Kitty

00:08 Origin of March Fourth Organization

00:42 A Personal Journey to Activism

02:50 The American Gun Crisis

04:24 The Second Amendment Debate and Gun Legislation

05:27 The Assault Weapons Ban and the Push for Legislation

06:22 Building a Nonpartisan Movement for Gun Control

13:25 The Challenges and Strategies of Gun Control Advocacy

17:50 Engaging the Public and Politicians for Change

30:03 The GOSAFE Act: A New Path Forward

36:24 Concluding Thoughts and the Path Ahead

Copyright 2024 Grace Cowan

• GOSAFE Act | Senator Martin Heinrich
• March Fourth - Organization website
• The Poets of Rhythm - "South Carolina