The dog-whistle politics of "gun control"

Media, wake up. Those dog-whistle words prompt speed-dialers to call their lawmakers from their basements where they are holed up with their fears, fueled by gun lobby propaganda that “Obama is coming for” their guns.

While the politics of guns in America is complicated, the wording for the solutions is not.

Academics and seasoned public health advocates replaced “gun control” long ago with “gun violence prevention,” using “GVP” for short-hand. Confused news writers should just follow their lead.

Clearly, the media understands the need for nifty acronyms when it comes to their brands. If not, on-air anchors like Brian Williams would be tripping over their tongues identifying themselves as the Microsoft National Broadcasting Company (MSNBC).