Donald Trump's Return to the Public Eye
With his injured right ear bandaged and the smile of a miracle worker, Donald Trump reappeared in public for the first time after the attack, causing the arena of the Republican convention in Milwaukee to explode with applause. The event also marked the first significant foreign policy moves with the selection of his deputy, JD Vance. Vance, who has proposed negotiating peace in Ukraine, also made controversial remarks about the United Kingdom potentially becoming the first "Islamist" country with an atomic bomb.
The AR-15: Icon of Freedom and Controversy
The AR-15 rifle, the weapon allegedly used in the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, is idolized rather than feared in the USA. The rifle has a storied history, from its military origins to its current status as a civilian weapon. Despite its involvement in numerous mass shootings, the AR-15 remains a symbol of freedom, power, and independence for many Americans. According to a survey, AR-15 owners are predominantly white, male, and between the ages of 40 and 65, with a significant number residing in states won by Trump in 2020.
Political Implications and Gun Lobby Influence
Donald Trump has long been a staunch supporter of gun rights, promising NRA members that "nobody will touch your firearms" if he returns to the White House. This stance has made him a patron of the interests of US gunsmiths and a catalyst for internal social brutality. In contrast, President Joe Biden has established an Office for Gun Violence Prevention, aiming to curb gun violence through executive and legislative actions. However, attempts to tighten gun laws are repeatedly thwarted by Republican vetoes, highlighting the deep political divide on this issue.
- Trump's reappearance at the Republican convention was met with chants of 'USA, USA' and 'Fight, fight, fight' from the crowd. His emotional response and the support from his family members, including Eric and Donald Jr., were evident.
- JD Vance's controversial remarks at the National Conservatism conference in Washington have raised concerns among Washington's European allies, especially London, which seeks to maintain its 'special relationship' with the US.
- The AR-15 rifle, originally manufactured for military use, has become a civilian weapon with a 25-round magazine. It is praised for its precision and power but criticized for its role in mass shootings.
- In 2021 alone, 48,830 people died from firearm injuries in the USA, with a significant number of these deaths involving rifles like the AR-15. Despite this, the weapon remains popular, with an estimated 16 million AR-15s expected to be owned by American households by 2024.
- Joe Biden's efforts to curb gun violence through the establishment of the Office for Gun Violence Prevention face significant challenges due to strong opposition from the Republican gun lobby.
