Rhode Island Says 'No More Mr. (Semi) Nice Guy': Assault Weapons Ban Divides the State!

From Cosmopolitans to Controversies: A State Divided

So there I was sipping my morning coffee (extra sugar naturally) when I stumbled upon a story that's got Rhode Island all in a twist – and not the fun cha cha kind. It seems the state House bless their Democratic hearts has just approved a bill banning the sale and manufacturing of those scary sounding 'assault weapons.' You know the ones that make you think less 'Sex and the City' and more 'Die Hard.' Governor McKee is all for it which means Rhode Island might just join the cool kids' club of states with some serious gun control. But like a bad date not everyone's thrilled.

Is It Fashionable or a Faux Pas?: The Debate Heats Up

Now you might be thinking 'What's the big deal? Less guns more peace right?' But honey it's never that simple. Gun control advocates have been pushing for this for ages but Rhode Island lawmakers have been squabbling like Carrie and Aidan over furniture choices for years. The bill only stops the sale not the possession which is like buying a fabulous pair of Manolos but being told you can only look at them. And just like finding a vintage dress that doesn't quite fit some people think this law doesn't go far enough. David Hogg a survivor from that awful Parkland shooting calls it the 'weakest assault weapons ban in the country.' Ouch.

From Little Rhody to Legal Showdown?

Of course the Republicans are having a field day. They're saying this bill just punishes law abiding citizens and won't stop criminals. It's like blaming my shoe addiction for my empty bank account – totally missing the point! And get this one Republican rep even thinks the Supreme Court will toss it out. Talk about a legal drama! It reminds me of the time I accidentally wore a dress inside out to a book launch. Mortifying!

Washington State of Mind: A Lone Wolf or a Trendsetter?

What’s even more intriguing? Only Washington State has a similar law that focuses on the sale and manufacturing. Rhode Island could be setting a trend or it could be that girl at the party who's wearing something totally out there and you're not sure if it's genius or just... wrong. But hey at least they're trying something right? As Elisabeth Ryan from Everytown for Gun Safety so perfectly put it 'The weakest law is what Rhode Island has now no ban on assault weapons.' It's like saying 'At least I didn't wear Crocs to the Met Gala.'

Second Amendment Style: A Supreme Court Statement?

Speaking of fashion let's talk about the Second Amendment. Gun rights groups are ready to fight this in court claiming it's unconstitutional. And with the Supreme Court leaning conservative this could get messy. They already declined to hear a challenge to Maryland's ban but some justices are itching for a gun control case. It's like waiting for the verdict on whether crop tops are still in style. High stakes darling high stakes.

To Ban or Not to Ban: That is the Question and I Need a Drink

So what's the verdict? Is Rhode Island's new bill a bold step towards safety or a misguided attempt to look like they're doing something? Honestly I'm not sure. But one thing's for certain: this story is far from over. And just like a good pair of shoes the debate is sure to keep walking all over the news. Now if you'll excuse me I need a Cosmopolitan. All this talk of guns is making my head hurt. And maybe just maybe I'll wear my 'gun' necklace... ironically of course.