Here’s what shameful GOP wanted you to know about Democrats’ sit-in over gun control

The answer: Absolutely nothing.

On Wednesday morning, House Republican leaders shamefully made sure cameras in the House and microphones were turned off during the sudden sit-in.

GOP leaders wanted to try to prevent Americans from seeing what was going on in the chamber.

Enter the modern world of social media.

Resourceful representatives used Periscope to livestream the dramatic, moving speeches from elected officials. C-SPAN then broadcast those videos.

Some supporters of the GOP mocked Democrats and called the sit-in childish.

But in the wake of the Orlando massacre and deaths of 49 people, Democrats were understandably frustrated by House Speaker Paul Ryan’s refusal to vote on gun control legislation.

Specifically, Democrats want to at least vote on a positive bill that would prevent suspected terrorists from buying firearms.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City showed up to support the cause, speaking at the sit-in after posting this on Twitter: “We are talking about preventing people on the terrorist watch list from buying guns. This is common sense. #NoFlyNoBuy#NoMoreSilence”

Ryan recently offered a laughable response when asked why he wasn’t seeking swifter action.

“We’re going to take a deep breath and make sure that this is done correctly,” he said.

That’s a bald-faced lie.

Ryan and the rest of Congress have had years to get gun control “done correctly.”

They have refused.

And on Monday, the U.S. Senate rejected four measures on the issue.

All of that led to Wednesday’s actions on the House floor.

Americans deserve a vote on stronger gun control laws.

And turn on the cameras, so we can see the actions of brave elected officials. And see who the cowards are.

This story was originally published June 22, 2016 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Here’s what shameful GOP wanted you to know about Democrats’ sit-in over gun control."