(WBAP/KLIF) – A social media post made over the weekend by a Texas State Representative is drawing criticism.
Rep. Shelby Slawson of Stephenville (R-District 59) made the post late Friday on Twitter, following an event she attended with fellow lawmakers who are beginning their first session in Austin.
The Tweet drew criticism from a number of commenters, including the father of a victim in last year’s elementary school massacre in Uvalde that left 19 students and two teachers dead.
“So legislation is now held at gunpoint?” asked Brett Cross. “You’re a representative of our state? And you wonder where these people get the idea to run up in places with guns. You’re sick. And need help.”
Cross compared Rep. Slawson to State Senator Roland Gutierrez, who has been an advocate for the families of victims in the Uvalde killings.
“Two different representatives,” said Cross. “The difference? One cares for our children and has been fighting everyday to make sure they have a chance at life. The other places guns above children and tries to intimidate; unsuccessfully.”
Rep. Slawson explained the context of the social media post to WBAP/KLIF News on Saturday. She said the Friday legislative tour at Fort Hood consisted of about 80 people, including lawmakers and staff.
“The day included a variety of speakers, tours, and simulated training events,” Rep. Lawson said. “The tour serves to familiarize legislative offices with the soldiers and airmen serving at Fort Hood, the economic impact the base has on Texas, and the needs of the area.”
She called the event an “an incredibly valuable experience for all involved.”
According to Slawson, Friday’s activities included simulated breaching and clearing a structure with enemy combatants inside, simulated driving of and firing from a Bradley, a presentation by the Medical Simulation Training Center including tools used in training for medical combat emergencies, and other static and interactive displays. She said attendees were also able to view a portion of Fort Hood’s Central Texas footprint during a Black Hawk aerial tour.
When asked about the criticism the social media post has received, Rep. Slawson pointed to what she called the “Twitter-left.”
“The Twitter-left is bereft of humor and on constant prowl for anything to feed its need for outrage,” Rep. Slawson said. “That they would feast on a tongue-in-cheek photo caption is as unsurprising as it must be unsatisfying to their insatiable appetite for taking offense.”
Others took to social media accusing Slawson’s post of being insensitive and disgusting.
“They treat guns like toys,” said a post referring to the photographed lawmakers.
“The depth of depravity of the gun hugging, Bible toting ammosexuals is not just disturbing, but dangerous,” Twitter user Marla Tauscher said.
The gun debate is expected to be featured during the current legislative session in Austin. Some lawmakers support raising the age to buy an assault weapon to 21, but it’s not believed the measure would get enough support to pass the Texas House or Senate.
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