Group takes credit for Vegas 'Shoot a School Kid' billboard

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Ken Ritter, Associated Press
 Updated 7:33 pm, Thursday, March 1, 2018



LAS VEGAS (AP) — A guerrilla art collective claimed credit Thursday for changing a freeway-side billboard inviting Las Vegas tourists to fire high-powered assault-style rifles to read, "Shoot A School Kid Only $29."

The altered advertisement, which had said "Shoot a .50 caliber only $29," was taken down within hours and police began an investigation after the vandalism was reported, Officer Larry Hadfield said.

An email statement from the activist group INDECLINE took credit for the protest.

A telephone caller who said he represents the group but refused to give his name provided the statement to The Associated Press.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/education/article/Vegas-gun-range-billboard-changed-to-Shoot-a-12719996.php

[vkkv]

1. A terrorist group.. let's see the NRA is very likely associated WITH THIS TERRORIST GROUP

making the NRA -

" A TERRORIST GROUP"

- according to 'ol Bush law.

[sl8]

13. If by "associated" you mean "targeted", then yes.

The NRA, gun culture, and the government are all targeted.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/vandalized-las-vegas-billboard-says-shoot-a-school-kid/

...
“This protest piece is in response to America’s longstanding obsession with gun culture and our government’s inability to honor the victims of mass shootings by distancing themselves from the homicidal policies of the (National Rifle Association),” the group wrote in a news release.
...

[Silver1]

2. I get the point

but this is offensive and ineffective.

[Weed Man]

4. No it isnt offensive

Its the fucking truth. Gunners needs to give it up and now.

[Silver1]

15. The sooner the better.

But shock therapy isn't the right way. It's just not going to get us there. I think it will only create more fear and division.

[PSPS]

25. Let me guess. You're really saying, "now is not the time to confront this issue." amirite?

[Silver1]

30. Now is the time.

Yesterday was the time. The issue is way overdue. The longer we wait the more dangerous this becomes. Military weapons should not be in the hands of civilians. Of any age. Etc.

What I'm saying is that I don't like the billboard. I find it repulsive. It's yet another assault on our kids. I don't support promoting ideology at any cost, especially when it comes to children.

[PSPS]

33. LOL. "(the billboard) is another assault on our kids"

I can't fathom why you can't (or won't) get it. Well, I have my suspicions.

What's more dangerous? A billboard or a gun? It's funny that you claim that you "don't support promoting ideology at any cost, especially when it comes to children." That's exactly what the insane gun culture is doing -- promoting its ideology at any cost including the lives of kids and everyone else.

And if you think that a kid seeing the billboard will be "traumatized," you're not thinking rationally. Kids are already aware of the situation and will instantly get the message.

[TheDebbieDee]

54. You sound like one of these "take the high road"

people whose soft-sell tactics allow progressive goals to be put on the back burner time after time after time...

I'd like to tell those people to STFU! We Dems have been taking the high road for decades and it hasn't gotten us very far!

[TheSmarterDog]

77. One reason why Australia was able end mass shootings

was that the public was allowed to see photos of the victims.

[Silver1]

79. Really?

How did they do it? Were the images published everywhere? Or did they do some kind of tv programming just for that? I don't expect you to necessarily know the details, I'm just wondering.

I wouldn't have a problem with that. Just as long as there was fair warning so little kids wouldn't accidentally see. Or adults who are already dealing with trauma, PTSD, or who just couldn't stand it.

[iluvtennis]

17. Ditto.

[PSPS]

7. "Offensive and ineffective"

It's supposed to be offensive. The 'gun culture' is offensive.

As for "ineffective," well, it had an effect on you.

[Silver1]

14. Yes and yes.

I get it and I'm there.

But this is about our children, and this ad is too graphic, too frightening for them. It's self serving without regard for the kids. So, I object.

[PSPS]

23. "But this is about our children ... too frightening for them"

What? You think "our children" are blissfully unaware of the situation and it is this billboard that will "frighten" them? That's ridiculous. "Without regard for the kids" doesn't make any sense either. If anything, this is how you force people to have "regard for the kids" and see their gun fetish for what it is -- the very embodiment of not having "regard for the kids" or anything/anybody else.

[Silver1]

32. Children understand much more than they are credited with.

And yes, they are very afraid right now.

You are looking for a fight and I'm not interested. Take it somewhere else.

[PSPS]

34. It must be lunch time in St. Petersburg.

[pazzyanne]

57. You are also targeting me with your attitude and comment.

I came to DU to have a voice which I do not have in my right wing nut job family. Unfortunately there are people here who are not receptive to those who have a difference of opinion. I also found this billboard offensive (see other posts on this thread) and find that I have been marginalized due to a difference of opinion. I really expected more from DU when I joined a few months ago after following DU for a few years. You do not have to agree, but a little respect for those of us who have a different opinion would be nice, especially here.

[Jedi Guy]

75. I have a question.

Why do you think it's okay to accuse another member of being a Russian troll because they have a different opinion? The DU terms of service state...

No personal attacks or flaming
Do not personally attack, insult, flame, threaten, bully, harass, stalk, negatively call-out, ascribe ugly ulterior motives to, or make baseless claims about any member of this community. Do not post in a manner that is hostile, abusive, or aggressive toward any member of this community.

It's fine to disagree. It's fine to disagree vehemently. It's not fine to accuse another person of being a Russian troll because you don't like their opinion. I'm curious as to why you think it's okay for you to violate DU's terms of service.

[GWC58]

76. My 12 year old son said

“That’s interesting, and creepy.”

[Silver1]

78. Leave it to a kid. That's exactly what it is.

Adults should listen to kids more.

[tazkcmo]

44. wow

Have you seen Call of Duty? How about prime time TV? The news? You could have written your post to the NRA, your Rep/Senators but you chose instead to spend your time hand wringing over this billboard. Priorities, ya know.

[tazkcmo]

45. W/o regard to the kids.

Have you seen Call of Duty? How about prime time TV? The news? You could have written your post to the NRA, your Rep/Senators but you chose instead to spend your time hand wringing over this billboard. Priorities, ya know.

[LanternWaste]

51. You make many accusations and allegations in regard to the sign, but you fail to provide any

You make many accusations and allegations in regard to the sign, but you fail to provide any evidence at all for your conclusions that it's too graphic/frightening/self-serving/etc/

So, the objection is over-ruled.

[lagomorph777]

50. Welcome to DU. Say hi to Cozy Bear for me.

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

5. WHAT IN THE WILD WORLD OF FUCKS IS THIS NONSENSE?

I'm all for expressing oneself via art but this is about 3 million to the nth degree light years past anything that looks like genuine art. Especially considering that there are FAR too many crazies that would take this as a personal challenge...

[PSPS]

6. The air up there on your high horse must be pretty thin. I think this is great.

It exposes the real derangement of the "gun culture" in this country.

[groundloop]

8. I think possibly someone didn't read the entire article....

Especially the part where it showed the original billboard (SHOOT A .50 CAL). Just to add clarification, the 'art' was that they're forcing people to understand that Americas' fascination with guns and ease of obtaining them is fostering mass murder.

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

24. Um, I did read it, ground BUT I ALSO know what it feels like to be reminded with horrible

pain when well meaning groups go back and forth but forget that there are families who've lost people they love due to sick minds & easy access to guns. Sometimes, it's WAY too much, WAY TOO SOON. Unfortunately, I KNOW what it feels like to be a member of the GROWING numbers of families who can only visit their loved ones in dreams. columbariums or cemetaries. dylan roof was my family's monster. That church in Charleston? yeah, that one is my family's "ancestral church & my family lost 2 cousins. So, NO, it doesn't fucking matter what was written. Sometimes, it's a bit too much. PERIOD.

[PSPS]

26. LOL. In other words, "now is not the time to confront this issue."

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

35. WOW, laugh it up. I hope that you NEVER find yourself in my shoes...

it would be a harsh lesson that I wouldn't wish on my worse enemy. SNDH

[LanternWaste]

52. You presume far too much of those whose experiences you minimize.

You presume far too much of those whose experiences you minimize.

It's great pretense, but not much else.

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

63. I'M MINIMISING OTHER PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCES? REALLY?

My family lost TWO members to that creep dylan roof shooting up their Bible study night & YOU're telling ME I'M minimising other people's experiences?

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

20. You know, Happy that YOU think that this is great but I still NOT only feel that

this was WAY past too much, I can honestly say I know what it's like to be in the shoes of those who've lost their babies, siblings, brothers, daddies, Uncles, Sisters, Daughters & sons on that terrible day. You see, the church in South Carolina where that sumbitch, dylan root murdered those people? Yeah, well, it's the church that my paternal family, including my grandmother attended often, for weddings, funerals, etc. While I understand what these people were trying to point out, it's HORRIFICALLY painful for we Americans who have loved ones lying six feet under or in urns because of gunplay. So, in the end, DOESN'T MATTER TO ME what YOU like.

[PSPS]

29. Yeah, I get it. "Now is not the time to debate gun control."

So who, specifically, was a relative of yours who was killed in Charleston? That's the name of the town "in South Carolina" you couldn't remember.

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

64. YOU KNOW WHAT? FUCK YOU! Where the hell did you get the idea that I

forgot the name of the CITY? Not that it's ANY of your motherfucking business but My father;s side of the family lives primarily in the low country of South Carolina, ( Mayesville, Bishopville, Greenville, celebrating important events like Weddings, Mother's day, Funerals etc) I've been a member of DU since 2001 & recently just came back after surviving cancer, (couldn't remember my password due to Chemo brain) and I can TRULY say that I haven't seen a heartless creep in quite some time. Consider yourself elected to the inaugural place of my ignore list.. Have a happy life..

[summer_in_TX]

9. So you think those who just went through school shootings

are likely to take it as art, maybe morbid, but still worthy commentary?

With raw emotions and a world that has become suddenly far more terrifying and unpredictable for them, this is okay???

[PSPS]

27. Yes. If I were a parent of a dead kid, I'd welcome anything to WAKE PEOPLE UP TO THE GUN PROBLEM

[Blindingly apparent]

10. The billboard is satirical.

Yes, it is offensive but no more so then Jonathan Swift’s proposal to eat Irish babies during the Irish potato famine. It is meant to shock and it does. Jonathan Swift tried to shame the English for their indifference for and cruelty to the plight starving Irish. This group is trying to shame our nation for our indifference towards the killing of innocent youth.

[pazzyanne]

11. And hurting every person that has a loved one

who has been injured or killed in school mass shootings. I find this totally deplorable. Yes, I went there.

[Merlot]

21. Actually, it was guns that hurt those people

[pazzyanne]

39. So rubbing salt in an open wound doesn't hurt.

Try it sometime. I think that that stings and brings back of flood of PTSD type memories that just are not necessary. It is adding hurt to hurt as far as I am concerned. Just call me a flaming liberal when it comes to this type of thing. I do not apologize for my feelings.

[LanternWaste]

53. Pouring alcohol on an open wound is often painful, but necessary.

Pouring alcohol on an open wound is often painful, but necessary to heal (since we're using bumper stickers and platitudes rather than rational thought).

"I do not apologize for my feelings..."
No one is asking you to.

[pazzyanne]

68. Don't expect you to understand.

Obviously you have not lost someone to insane violence. Until you do your comments are not credible.

[tazkcmo]

46. The damage was done before this billboard

Don't want to see anymore like it then remember it's not the 1st Amendment killing kids, it's the 2nd. Apparently the billboard edit has accomplished it's mission which was not to be warm and fuzzy about children being turned into hamburger. And yes, I went there.

[Silver1]

16. It's just so crude and indifferent.

Insensitive beyond comprehension. It's like saying brutality is the norm, and so, once we accept that, the "revised" billboard is just okay. The point some of us are trying to make here is that neither of these two versions of the billboard are acceptable.

I get what this group of people is doing and I support the effort. But they're not thinking it through.

[Merlot]

22. Brutality IS the norm. When there is a school shooting

as often as there are in America, it's the norm. School shootings are insentsitive beyond comprehensio. So is every talking point the nra says after every shooting. And every politician who regurgitates the nra talkng points is crude and indifferent.

So, the billboard is giving them a very small taste of their own medicine.

[pazzyanne]

40. And at the same time

the people affected by the brutality of the attack itself are hit again and again, every time they drive by or see pictures of that billboard. You are right, brutality is the norm for uncaring people. I choose not to be among the uncaring.

[Silver1]

55. "I choose not to be among the uncaring."

Me too.

[LuvLoogie]

12. I find it kind of cheap.

I think it turns off more people sympathetic to gun control than shames the gun culture or gets them to change their minds.

[jeffreyi]

18. Took some doing to get that up there.

[DeadLetterOffice]

19. My school endured a mass shooting in 1992.

And I think it's a powerful message. I am not offended, or retraumatized, or whatever.

[PSPS]

28. Everyone on here finding it "offensive" has low post counts. Probably putin trolls sowing division.

[tazkcmo]

47. What about low post count supporters?

I'm so sick of this low post count BS. A low post count means a person doesn't post much and the treatment low posters get is one reason why. By all means, call out the content of a person's post bit their post count is not a proof of anything but the total number of their posts and it cheapens your retort.

Edit: I have been a registered member since 2005. That's 12 years and less than 6000 posts and I don't speak a bit of Russian ot have the letters b-o-t in my name.

[The_REAL_Ecumenist]

65. Or, Tazkcmo, like me . I've been a here since 2001, original SN was Ecumenist

Underwent cancer, heavy chemo & the whole shebang & can't remember the password OR associated email account to save my life. I am so SICK of people who seem to believe that people who have ACTUALLY gone through losing someone in these senseless slaughters expressing their opinion and thoughts about things like this billboards are somehow trolls. If I were a troll, I've sure spent alot of time AND money doing it. DISGUSTING!

[pazzyanne]

41. And I am!

[DeadLetterOffice]

66. I'm sorry.

It is not my intent to speak for all of us survivors, merely for myself.

[pazzyanne]

67. Thank you, DeadLetterOffice!

A nap, some supper, and your sweet post, and I am ready to carry on the fight. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

31. That is powerful and needs to stay up.

Among the reasons we continue to have these mass shootings is that too many people want to pretend they haven't happened. It's never the right time to talk about genuine gun control. And we are never shown images of what bullets do to human bodies. I strongly favor showing a few such pictures.

Maybe then more people would understand the genuine horror and finally want to do something. Until then, it will be nothing but hand wringing along with thoughts and prayers. Which do nothing to stop the shootings.

[KG]

36. !

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

37. Je suis Charlie Hebdo

Satire, disgusting and offensive, it's a style thing.

Hopefully, it will be mostly ignored, saving INDECLINE from a "Charlie Hebdo" event.

[vercetti2021]

38. I know it's satire

But...sadly it does hold true. Our guns for your kids in a sense.

[CanSocDem]

42. The danger of IRONY...

...is that Americans generally don't get it and end up responding inappropriately.


.

[Vinca]

43. Bravo to the art collective. The truth hurts.

[Nash Teeth]

48. Purpose was to spur debate on gun laws

It's been spurred.

[Aristus]

49. Wow. Lot of low-post-counters on this thread.

Bringing a lot of carefully-calculated, prime-time-ready outrage with them.



I think the billboard is just what this gun-crazed country needs right now.

Better a shot in the arm than a shot in the head.

[pazzyanne]

58. Sorry that I haven't got tons of posts

but I joined December 6th. That makes me a new member who should not be under suspicion because I have "a low number of posts". I came here to be able to express my opinion without being torn apart like my right wing family does. Thanks for making me feel at home and valued. (That is sarcasm)

[Demsrule86]

59. You said you find the billboard offensive and it will hurt 'families' Getting a child shot by an

AR 15 hurts way more...and the problem is that you are echoing righty talking points. That is always cause for suspicion. The low post count doesn't help but it is not the entire reason. When do you suppose we should talk about the fact that AR 15's and other guns are being used to murder children? When is it time?

Personally, I think they should have posted the pictures of all the five year olds in Newtown who had to be identified with dental and DNA because very little else was left...let's actually see what the NRA and their sycophants are supporting...the truth will set you free.

[pazzyanne]

60. You are preaching to the choir.

My family is composed of right wing nutjobs who call me out all the time. I came here for some sanity, and guess what. I am still being called out, but this time it is Democrats doing it. Nice to be judge and jury isn't it.

[Demsrule86]

61. We all get called out here...it is part of the fun. And seriously, you choose to be here. I am not

'judging' you just merely explaining my point of view...not everyone will agree with you and guns are a hot button issue here. Let it go...it is fun here. You just have to be able to develop a thicker skin and not let disagreements bother you.

[pazzyanne]

70. This type of verbal abuse is not "fun"

especially when the topic is about the survivors who have lost someone to gun violence (mass shooting). Weird sense of fun in my opinion.

[Demsrule86]

72. I have no problem with the billboard personally...time to call out gun humpers and it is not because

the humpers have any sympathy for those families who lost loved ones. No, they don't like it but because they know it hurts their gun
humper murder cause...maybe this site is not for you.

It is a right wing meme that after a shooting we shouldn't say stuff or call out gun humpers because of " sensitivity" for the 'families'. It is also complete bullshit.

[pazzyanne]

81. Nice to judge others that you don't know isn't it.

If someone says they are hurt by something, other people do not have the right to tell them they do not hurt.

[Demsrule86]

82. People explained their reasoning to you multiple times (including me) . You simply cannot seem to

accept that people here have differing opinions and tend to be suspicious of new folks who appear divisive.. It is a fact that as soon as there is a shooting Ryan and the other asshats send thoughts and prayers...and opine that now is not the time for a discussion or action on guns...this is why it is a GOP meme...personally I hope all the gun humpers were offended by that billboard...they deserve to be offended for what their selfish disregard for human life is causing...the death of our kids and and fellow citizens... I have a message for the GOP, I don't intend to live like this...gun rights were not 'the' issue for me, but they are now...I am not alone.

[pazzyanne]

83. I came to DU looking for a forum that I where I could take part in the discussion.

What I have found is that there are people here who only hear what they want to hear and assume a lot based on very little knowledge. It is disappointing to say the least. However, after seeing that the majority of the people here are open to discussion, I will stay after all. Yes, I was almost driven out of DU by some "well meaning" people who feel they have to beat a dead horse. And by the way, I fight the good fight for reasonable gun control in my own family every day. But for some reason there are people here that do not hear that. This is my last post on this thread. Enough is enough!

[Demsrule86]

84. Have a great day...glad you are staying.

[pazzyanne]

62. The one thing I learned today is

I have no place in DU and it breaks my heart. Thank you for attacking me without knowing who I am or where I come from. You have proven your point. I don't belong on DU so my only option is to go back into the shadows where I had no voice. My right wing nutjob family does not give me the right to hold my own opinions, and I guess neither do some of the members here.

[Silver1]

71. Don't give up.

Find another venue. Another way of expressing your view.

I've been her 4 days and I've already been accused of, well basically, treason. A Putin troll. All because I didn't agree with this crap billboard paste-up.

I posted a "Hello, I'm new here" in the Lounge discussion board like it was suggested by the moderators, and people there are still welcoming me! They're being very kind, but I'm out of here after this experience.

I have done a lot of work for the progressive cause in my life, and have personal family stories of my own that are brutal. And to have some whoosy come along and say I don't have enough posts in her comfy thousand post land to have a right to an opinion, really brings the entire thing down to miserable.

The moderators really need to do something about this as I've seen it happen to others here. I mean, what does it say about a "progressive" who resorts to McCartian tactics when someone disagrees with them? That is NO progressive. And, from what I have experienced in my own family history, that person is dangerous.

I'm going on, but what I'm saying is that I'm disappointed too. I know there are good people here, but this is really too much. I'm going to find another place to put my energy.

[pazzyanne]

69. Have you lost someone in a senseless act of brutality?

Until you do you do not get a vote.

[Demsrule86]

73. Actually yes I have. My cousin was shot in a small store he owned in rural Virginia by

a guy with a gun...serial killer. He had killed all the way from California to Virginia...He killed more after he shot my cousin too. But they got him. He made my cousin beg for his life and then shot him...several times. How does not calling out gun humpers injure those who have lost loved ones...including you? Why does this offend you and somehow hurt you?

[pazzyanne]

74. Guess a soft caring heart enters here.

That's how it hurts some people. It is cruel punishment for some people who have lost loved ones in this manner. There is a quote "If you have hurt someone, you don't get to decide if they are hurt."

[Demsrule86]

80. Now is the time to talk about it and get something done. The killer who

murdered my cousin brought his gun at a gun show we were told.

[dreamland]

56. It was a good idea that was poorly executed.

They didn't take account that most tRumpers don't get satire. There needs to be ads that needs to shock the tRumpers into getting the message.