Texas 'thoughts and prayers' Republicans cash more NRA checks than anyone else
With the tragic mass shooting at Sante Fe High School in Texas unfolding over the past few hours, it's a good time to remember what is not being done about the gun violence threatening our children. It's also important to note that the NRA loves Texas Republicans. According to Texas Monthly, Texas Republicans have gotten the most yummy money from the NRA since 1998.
Nine members of the Texas delegation—all Republicans—received A+ ratings from the NRA. These include senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. Another 18 members—all Republicans except for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo—received an A grade. Seven Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke—who is hoping to unseat Cruz in the Senate this fall—received an F rating. Only two Texas Democrats—U.S. Rep. Gene Green, from Houston, and Cuellar—accepted any money from the NRA.
An important thing to note about the "numbers" given below: They are complete lowball numbers of direct contributions to these elected officials. They do not include the myriad other dark avenues through which big money contributors can give to campaigns.
Santa Fe High School is in Republican Randy Weber's district. Randy has a coveted "A" rating from the NRA.
My office and I are following the situation closely, and offering assistance and support. Praying for Santa Fe. https://t.co/zYin6eRiwE
â€Â" Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) May 18, 2018
Meanwhile, Pete Sessions, a Republican "proudly representing Texas's 32nd Congressional District," hasn't begun praying yet, but make sure you don't brush up against a police officer! He's received more than $150,000 from the NRA over the years and has an "A+" rating
Proud to vote in support of the Protect and Serve Act, which makes assaulting a police officer a federal crime, with up to 10 years of punishment - a great victory during #NationalPoliceWeek. Thank you, law enforcement officials, for keeping us safe. https://t.co/MxQtz1OJDr
â€Â" Pete Sessions (@SessionsforTX32) May 17, 2018
Failed human being Sen. Ted Cruz is a top NRA lapdog. Here he is, using his messiah complex to send out the good juju to dead children.
Heidi and I are keeping all the students and faculty at Santa Fe High School in our prayers this morning, along with all first responders on the scene. Please be safe and heed warnings from local officials. https://t.co/5Un3Y4IA86
â€Â" Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) May 18, 2018
CNN is reporting that Sen. Cruz is flying to Texas as we speak. Probably wants to "think" and "pray" in front of cameras. It's also a good time to get some more NRA money, and Cruz has already received at least $77,500 over the years.
John Culberson is another A+ NRA fellow with just under $50K from his Second Amendment overlords.
My heart goes out to every student, faculty member, and first responder at Santa Fe High School. https://t.co/qJpsigBvX0
â€Â" John Culberson (@CongCulberson) May 18, 2018
A "first responder" to Culberson's Tweet had this to say.
â€Â" Ian W. Hill (@geminicollision) May 18, 2018
Republican Rep. John Ratcliffe is an "A" rating kind of guy.
Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those killed in the Santa Fe High School shooting, as well as everyone involved. We are very thankful for the law enforcement officers who swiftly arrived on the scene.
â€Â" John Ratcliffe (@RepRatcliffe) May 18, 2018
Good point. If law enforcement hadn't arrived swiftly, more people would have died. Of course, at least 10 are dead already. So fuck. You.
Judge Ted Poe says:
Our hearts are with Santa Fe High School this morning. I am following the situation as more details develop. Thank you to our emergency responders who are answering the call. https://t.co/7i0xd5IyW8
â€Â" Ted Poe (@JudgeTedPoe) May 18, 2018
He retired this past year after he spent 15 years being an A+, $15,500-kinda NRA stooge.
One of the single dumbest and most terrible people in the world, Rep. Louie Gohmert, looked into his teeny tiny heart, truly.
My heart truly goes out to those at Santa Fe High School >Texas high school shooting leaves at least 8 dead, suspect in custody: report https://t.co/cwaJUkv6Xx
â€Â" Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) May 18, 2018
And Brian Babin, who already had gotten thousands from the NRA and his A rating, didn't even care to try.
Our prayers are with the students, staff, and families of those at Santa Fe High School.
â€Â" Brian Babin (@RepBrianBabin) May 18, 2018
Never fear: Texas, Rep. Pete Olson and his $15K from the NRA are "closely monitoring this situation."
All of Texas stands with @SantaFeISD this morning. I'm closely monitoring this situation as it develops. We stand ready to help and thank our emergency responders and law enforcement for their quick action. https://t.co/hY8ILPrif2
â€Â" Rep. Pete Olson (@RepPeteOlson) May 18, 2018
Maybe "this" situation is how much more money he can get out of the NRA to drown the soul he once had? Who is to say?!?!
Finally, Rep. Barry Loudermilk took his NRA endorsement and A rating right to God.
We are praying for those affected by the shooting in Texas. May God be with all of them.
â€Â" Barry Loudermilk (@RepLoudermilk) May 18, 2018
Good news, Barry! According to your religion, God is with all of them now! Except if they're not Christian, and more specifically your kind of Christian. In fact, statistically speaking, the person who killed all of these people might be the only one "with God," according to your special set of beliefs!
Please feel free to drop in any other Texas elected officials spouting off hypocritical bullshit in the comment thread below.