MVP’s don’t just come in the form of Stephen Curry or Cam Newton. They also come in the form of someone willing to share the blunt reality of America with a hint of comedic relief, especially at this year’s annual Radio and Television Correspondents dinner. This year’s MVP award for most honest speech at the RTCA dinner goes to Hasan Minhaj, an American actor and comedian who is currently a Senior Correspondent on "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah," who not only let it rip on Drumpf (by calling him a “racist cheeto”), but also the lack of action by Congress pertaining to gun control.
Everyone has something to say about gun control, which is great, because it is a major issue that needs to be discussed, not ignored or pushed to the side. According to BBC News, about 13,286 people were killed in the United States by firearms last year, and 26, 819 people were injured (these numbers exclude suicide). Politifact offers insightful data, showing that since 1968 there have been more firearm-related deaths than cumulative war deaths since the American Revolution - that’s over 100,000 more deaths unrelated to actual warfare. With 60 percent of murders in the U.S. during 2012 produced by firearms, the U.S. is quickly moving toward becoming the shooting capital of the world.
Even my mom, who has worked in the school system for years and is no stranger to the idea of the possibility of a school shooting, has not stopped bolting around the house in the wake of the Orlando tragedy yelling about how she wants to start a petition to destroy the ability to own an assault rifle- one of the most fearless women I know is terrified of her own country.
Minhaj placed a spotlight on the fact that the role of Congress in our society is to create rules meant to better the country as a whole, not to tweet their condolences and sympathies over social media platforms. However, for years, the National Rifle Association has contributed over three million dollars to Congress, which according to the Center for Responsive Politics includes hundreds of representatives ranging from republicans to democrats. Could this be why the fight for better gun control is moving at the same pace as Drumpf’s plan to build a real wall around the U.S.?
So do we as a people continue the fight for a country rid of homophobia, xenophobia and ridiculously easy access to assault rifles, or should we leave it to the professionals who, according to a 2014 Congressional Salaries and Allowances brief done by Congressional Research Service, make around $200,000 per year to write legislation meant to help society.
“If 3.7 million dollars can buy influence to take lives,” says Minhaj, “if we raise 4 million dollars, would you guys [Congress] take that to save lives?”
