The Sunday Story: Is this what democracy looks like?
The Sunday Story: Is this what democracy looks like?
5Digest
This episode of Supermajority tells the story of three conservative white mothers in Tennessee who, after a deadly school shooting at their children's school, the Covenant School, find themselves thrust into the political arena. Sarah Shoop Newman, Melissa Alexander, and Mary Joyce, all Republican voters and gun owners, are initially shocked and traumatized by the shooting. However, they are further outraged by the Tennessee legislature's response, particularly the expulsion of three Democratic lawmakers who called for gun control. This event, along with the leaked audio of a Republican caucus meeting, leads the women to question the state's political climate and their own party's priorities. They decide to take action, forming a nonprofit and action fund, and lobbying lawmakers to pass stricter gun laws. Their efforts culminate in a special session of the legislature, where they face resistance from the Republican supermajority, including the banning of signs in the gallery and the removal of a gun control activist by state troopers. Despite their efforts, the special session results in the passage of only three bills, none of which address the issue of gun control in a meaningful way. The episode concludes with the women reflecting on their journey and their determination to continue fighting for change, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This episode explores the complexities of political activism, the power of a supermajority, and the fragility of democracy in a state where one party holds absolute control.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast Supermajority and its focus on the story of three conservative white mothers in Tennessee who push back against their own party after a deadly school shooting.
The Covenant Shooting and its Aftermath
This Chapter details the impact of the Covenant School shooting on Sarah Shoop Newman, a mother whose son attended the school. It describes her initial shock and grief, her subsequent online activism, and her decision to attend the expulsion hearings of three Democratic lawmakers who called for gun control.
The Expulsion Hearings and the Rise of the Covenant Moms
This Chapter focuses on the expulsion hearings of the three Democratic lawmakers and the subsequent backlash. It introduces Melissa Alexander and Mary Joyce, two other Covenant mothers who, inspired by the events, decide to join Sarah in advocating for gun control.
The Covenant Moms' Political Awakening
This Chapter explores the women's decision to become politically active, their initial meetings with lawmakers, and their efforts to organize and raise awareness about gun violence.
The Special Session and the Women's Lobbying Efforts
This Chapter details the special session of the Tennessee legislature called by Governor Bill Lee to address public safety and the Second Amendment. It highlights the women's intensive lobbying efforts, their meetings with lawmakers, and the challenges they face in getting their message heard.
The Women's Confrontation with the Republican Supermajority
This Chapter describes the women's experience at the special session, including their encounter with Proud Boys, the banning of signs in the gallery, and the removal of a gun control activist by state troopers. It also explores the debate over the nature of American democracy and the power of a supermajority.
The Special Session's Outcome and the Women's Determination
This Chapter details the outcome of the special session, where only three bills are passed, none of which address gun control in a meaningful way. It highlights the women's disappointment and their determination to continue fighting for change, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
The Women's Expanding Activism
This Chapter explores the women's decision to expand their activism beyond gun control, as they become increasingly aware of other issues being addressed by the Tennessee legislature, such as banning pride flags, banning books, and restricting abortion. It highlights their growing frustration with the Republican supermajority and their determination to hold them accountable.
Keywords
Supermajority
A supermajority refers to a situation where one political party holds a significant advantage in a legislature, often exceeding a simple majority. In this context, it refers to the Republican supermajority in the Tennessee legislature, which gives them significant power and influence over legislation.
Covenant School Shooting
The Covenant School shooting was a mass shooting that occurred on March 27, 2023, at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. The shooting resulted in the deaths of three nine-year-old children and three adults, including the school's headmaster. The event sparked widespread outrage and calls for gun control.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a state located in the southeastern United States. It is known for its diverse geography, including the Appalachian Mountains, the Mississippi River, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tennessee is also home to a vibrant music scene, particularly in Nashville, which is known as the "Music City."
Gun Control
Gun control refers to laws and regulations designed to restrict the ownership, sale, and use of firearms. It is a highly contentious issue in the United States, with strong arguments on both sides. Proponents of gun control argue that it is necessary to reduce gun violence, while opponents argue that it infringes on the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
Republican Party
The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-right on the political spectrum, with a focus on limited government, individual liberty, and free markets. The Republican Party has been in control of the Tennessee legislature for several years, giving them significant power and influence over legislation.
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-left on the political spectrum, with a focus on social justice, economic equality, and government intervention in the economy. The Democratic Party has been in the minority in the Tennessee legislature for several years, making it difficult for them to pass legislation.
Political Activism
Political activism refers to the act of engaging in activities designed to influence political decisions. It can take many forms, including voting, protesting, lobbying, and donating to campaigns. Political activism is essential to a healthy democracy, as it allows citizens to voice their concerns and advocate for change.
Democracy
Democracy is a system of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation, usually involving periodically held free elections. It is characterized by the rule of law, the protection of individual rights, and the principle of majority rule.
Authoritarian Regime
An authoritarian regime is a form of government characterized by strong central power, limited political freedom, and suppression of dissent. It is often associated with dictatorships, one-party states, and military juntas. Authoritarian regimes typically control the media, restrict freedom of speech and assembly, and use force to maintain their power.
Proud Boys
The Proud Boys is a far-right, anti-Muslim, and anti-LGBTQ+ organization that has been involved in violence and hate crimes. They are known for their aggressive tactics, their use of violence, and their association with white supremacist ideology. The Proud Boys have been linked to several incidents of violence, including the January 6th attack on the US Capitol.
Q&A
What event sparked the three mothers' political activism?
The deadly school shooting at the Covenant School, where their children attended, was the catalyst for their political awakening.
What was the Tennessee legislature's response to the shooting?
The legislature's response was met with outrage by the mothers, particularly the expulsion of three Democratic lawmakers who called for gun control.
What challenges did the women face in their lobbying efforts?
They encountered resistance from the Republican supermajority, including the banning of signs in the gallery and the removal of a gun control activist by state troopers.
What was the outcome of the special session?
The special session resulted in the passage of only three bills, none of which addressed gun control in a meaningful way, leaving the women feeling disappointed and frustrated.
What is the significance of the women's story?
Their story highlights the complexities of political activism, the power of a supermajority, and the fragility of democracy in a state where one party holds absolute control.
What is the women's motivation for continuing their activism?
They are determined to continue fighting for change, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, driven by their desire to protect their children and prevent future tragedies.
What is the broader message of the episode?
The episode raises important questions about the role of citizens in a democracy, the power of political parties, and the need for meaningful action on gun violence.
How does the episode challenge the traditional narrative of political activism?
It shows that political activism can come from unexpected places, and that even conservative voters can become vocal advocates for change.
What is the significance of the women's decision to expand their activism beyond gun control?
It demonstrates their growing awareness of the broader political landscape and their commitment to fighting for a more just and equitable society.
What is the future of the women's activism?
The episode suggests that the women are committed to continuing their activism, and that they are likely to become increasingly influential voices in Tennessee politics.
Show Notes
Reeling from a mass shooting at their kids' school, the three moms become advocates for gun control. But this isn't a story about gun control. It's about what they find when they step inside their state capitol for the first time in their adult lives. These political newcomers confront powerful lawmakers, a dizzying legislative process and most importantly – their own long-held beliefs. What can the women accomplish? How will the work change them? And what might it all reveal about democracy?
Listen to the full series on the Embedded podcast from NPR.
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