TAG: Talking About Guns 97Percent

The first Gen Z member of congress joins us on the latest episode of Talking About Guns. 26-year-old Representative Maxwell Frost recounts the “emotional whiplash” of attending the Newtown vigil in DC at age 15 and how it “made me uncomfortable to a point where I’ve devoted my life to fighting for a world where people don’t have to feel that kind of pain.” The former national organizing director of March for Our Lives explains why the first bill he introduced on the Hill was to create a national gun violence prevention office. He unpacks the frustrations of his colleagues telling him off the record that they want to act but fear breaking from their party. We also chat about the importance and pressures of representing what it means to be a young person today.
On the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope and in the wake of multiple shootings that have brought Stand Your Ground laws to the forefront, Dr. Michael Siegel breaks down the difference between the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws, explains how the latter came to be, what his research shows about their impact on homicide rates, and why he argues they should be repealed.

Host: Mathew Littman
Guest: Congressman Maxwell Frost
Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia
Executive Producer: Adria Márquez
Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In the wake of the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, we’re joined by Second Amendment activist and gun rights attorney Kostas Moros on the latest episode of TAG. “The idea that we don’t care is absurd and offensive,” Kostas tells us regarding the perception of gun owners and their feelings about school shootings. We discuss the number one area of common ground between gun owners and non-gun owners; we delve into the pros and cons of gun permitting and red flag laws; and he tell us why he engages with 97Percent so much on Twitter. 

And on the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel does a deep dive on red flag laws: the evidence of their effectiveness, specific provisions needed to protect the rights of gun owners, and the importance of enabling family members to petition the court – particularly in light of the Nashville shooting.

Host: Mathew Littman
Guest: Kostas Moros
Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia
Executive Producer: Adria Márquez
Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In the latest episode of TAG, we’re joined by UCLA’s Adam Winkler – one of the most cited law professors in judicial opinions today – to discuss what he deems “a revolution in American gun policy” since the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision came down in June. The “Gun Fight'' author and Second Amendment expert breaks down the new Bruen constitutionality test and its consequences. He reveals how the “centerpieces of modern gun policy just don’t have any history in the 17 and 1800s,” so they are “on thin ice.” He explains how gun rights organizations have been empowered to challenge every regulation, the possible path to the 5th Circuit decision on domestic abusers being overturned, and what he thinks the gun safety movement should prioritize when the courts are a “minefield.” 

And on the latest edition of Siegel's Scope, Dr. Siegel explores the lessons learned from public health’s approach to tobacco and how they might be applied to gun violence.

Host: Mathew Littman
Guest: Professor Adam Winkler
Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia
Executive Producer: Adria Márquez
Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, we’re joined by Wake Forest Professor David Yamane, who shares with us what prompted a liberal academic to become an armed American, acclaimed for his expertise in Gun Culture 2.0: the shift toward self-defense. He tells us about his Sociology of Guns course and what surprises his students most – including the cognitive dissonance they feel when going to the gun range on Day 1. Most importantly, he imparts some poignant advice for how to have more productive conversations about gun safety, including: to have them face-to-face with “people not already committed on this issue,” to begin with commonalities, to “relentlessly focus” on who shouldn’t have guns, and to not invoke Australia or England. 

And on the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel analyzes the “devastating implications for public health” of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision to strike down a law barring those subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing a gun. 

Host: Mathew Littman
Guest: Professor David Yamane
Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia
Executive Producer: Adria Márquez
Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, 97Percent Board Member and Former Homeland Security Advisor to VP Mike Pence, Olivia Troye, shares the incredible story of how her aunt was at the El Paso Walmart shooting -- and after being dragged to safety by a stranger, provided intel on the shooter. Olivia walks us through her responsibilities in the aftermath of a crisis. We analyze whether mass shootings should be considered domestic terrorism. And the “recovering Republican” shares what’s missing from her party on gun safety and why she thinks members of the GOP are “required to make a difference.” 

And, on the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel discusses the merits of laws that reduce incentive to steal guns, laws that require reporting lost or stolen guns, age requirements for purchasing guns, high capacity magazine bans, and child access prevention laws.

Host: Mathew Littman
Guest: Olivia Troye
Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia
Executive Producer: Adria Márquez
Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, we’re joined by former Illinois Republican Congressman and 2020 GOP Presidential Candidate Joe Walsh: a self-proclaimed “gun nut” who tells us what propelled his evolution from Tea Party member with an A rating from the NRA to outspoken gun safety advocate. 97Percent’s newest board member explains why “it’s going to take someone like me helping to lead the way to get change”; “it can’t be the Dems out in front.” He shares the feedback he’s received from gun owners and how “they’re looking for a vehicle to jump on to.” 

Also, in the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel examines the effect of state gun laws on the incidence and severity of mass shootings.

Host: Mathew Littman
Guest: Congressman Joe Walsh
Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia
Executive Producer: Adria Márquez
Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane