BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Remember playing “cowboys and Indians” or “cops and robbers” when you were growing up? If one liberal political activist has his way, the next generation of Alabama kids won’t have quite that same experience.
Frank Matthews, a Birmingham-based political activist and the president of the Outcast Voters League said on Monday that he is urging the Birmingham City Council to ban the sale of toy guns in the city.
“Nothing stops a kid from using (the) money from (his) allowance to buy what he wants. If we don’t have this on the shelves, that eliminates the temptation to even buy them,” he said. “It’s not a panacea but it can be a start.”
Matthews’ toy gun ban idea was brought on by the tragic story of a 12-year-old Cleveland, Ohio boy who police shot and killed when the child brandished what appeared to be a handgun. It turned out to be a toy that did not have the orange tip that is typically found on the barrel of a toy gun.
Matthews is starting his push in Birmingham, but is planning to rally support for the toy gun ban in other parts of the state and round the nation, as well.
“We are encouraging a toy gun gathering all over America,” he said on Facebook. “Outcast Voters League advocates (for) mass toy guns collection FOR BURNING in a peaceful yet firm manner.” (emphasis his)
Matthews also drew a parallel between his cause and the Montgomery Bus Boycott that took place during the Civil Rights movement. Monday was the anniversary of Rosa Parks being arrested for refusing to give up her seat for a white passenger in 1955.
“Today marks a day in Black History where a spark led to change,” he said. “A Boycott in Montgomery, Alabama that stands as an example for our revolution today as it relate to toy guns elimination in America.”
Matthews previously worked in Birmingham City Hall as the co-director of the Office of Citizens Assistance under Mayor Larry Langford. He continued in the same position under acting Mayor Roderick Royal, who took over when Langford was convicted by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy, money laundering, fraud and bribery. Matthews was later fired from his $72,000 per year job for a profanity-laced tirade at a Christmas party.
What do you think about his toy gun ban idea?
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