It may come as a surprise to some, especially those living on the coasts or abroad, but gun raffles are a common occurrence in various parts of the United States. According to reports, these raffles—where tickets can be as low as $5—have been a longstanding tradition, often organized by groups such as the National Rifle Association.
Following the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and teachers lost their lives to an AR-15, there has been heightened scrutiny towards these raffles, especially when they involve children. The Kansas City Star highlighted a case in Neosho, Missouri, where a youth baseball team was selling tickets for a chance to win an AR-15. The rifle was donated by the father of one of the players, who owns a local gun shop. The sheriff of Charlotte, North Carolina, who previously held a similar raffle, noted their effectiveness as fundraisers, but after the events in Florida, it’s time for some serious reflection on the implications of such actions.
In a rather tone-deaf move, the principal of South Elementary School in Neosho announced the raffle on social media just hours after the Parkland tragedy, promoting it as a way to support the young baseball players. Coach Jake Thompson mentioned that the idea had been planned prior to the shooting, but after some backlash, he thought about turning the criticism into something positive. It raises the question of appropriateness when children are involved in selling tickets for a weapon linked to mass violence.
As reported, Thompson initially referred to his critics as a “hate group,” a statement he later walked back, acknowledging their right to voice their concerns. He justified the raffle by stating that gun raffles have been commonplace for years and that evil will always exist. In the wake of the tragedy, donations reportedly increased, indicating a troubling trend of using such events to make a statement about gun rights rather than prioritizing the lives affected by gun violence.
Alongside Thompson, there are others who have chosen to continue with their raffles. For instance, Congressman Martin Reynolds of Kansas has organized an AR-15 giveaway, dismissing calls to cancel it. While he stated that a background check would be required for the winner, his state does not mandate checks for personal gun transfers, raising significant safety concerns.
However, not everyone is ignoring the sensitivity of the situation. The Detroit Free Press reported that a football booster organization in South Lyon decided to cancel their AR-15 raffle, citing the recent tragic events as the reason for their decision. They recognized that the community’s feelings were too raw to proceed.
There are countless ways to raise funds for schools or sports teams that do not involve weapons capable of inflicting mass harm. From vacations to gourmet dinners, let’s keep firearms out of the equation, especially when the safety of our children and educators is on the line.
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In summary, it is imperative to reconsider the appropriateness of raffling off firearms, particularly in the context of school fundraising. The focus should remain on the safety and well-being of our children and communities.
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