Podcast: One country musician is calling for other artists to oppose assault rifles

Country music artist, Cody Johnson, has taken a bold step in the music industry by using his platform to call on his fellow artists to join him in opposing assault rifles. Johnson, known for his chart-topping hits like “On My Way to You” and “Dear Rodeo,” made the call during an episode of his popular podcast, “Ain’t Nothin’ To It.”

Johnson, a former professional bull rider turned country music sensation, is leveraging his influence to take a stand against gun violence. He believes that the country music industry, which is often associated with a pro-gun culture, can play a significant role in advocating for responsible gun ownership and the prohibition of assault rifles.

“Our music has always been about real-life stories and experiences,” Johnson said during the podcast. “We sing about love, loss, joy, pain, and yes, sometimes even guns. But it’s crucial for us, as artists, to distinguish between the romanticized version of a cowboy with a gun and the harsh reality of gun violence.”

Johnson emphasized that his call to action does not mean he is against the Second Amendment or responsible gun ownership. He himself grew up in a family of hunters and understands the importance of gun ownership for many Americans. However, he strongly believes that there is no place for assault rifles in civilian hands.

“I have seen the damage these weapons can cause firsthand,” Johnson said, recalling his experiences growing up in rural Texas. “They are not hunting tools. They are not self-defense weapons. They are designed for one purpose: to kill a large number of people in a short amount of time. And that’s a reality we can no longer ignore.”

Johnson’s stance is garnering mixed reactions from the music industry and his fans. While some applaud his courage to speak out on such a controversial issue, others feel that his views are out of touch with the values of his predominantly conservative fanbase.

However, Johnson remains undeterred. He argues that the issue of gun violence transcends political ideologies and should be addressed as a public safety concern. He urged his fellow country musicians to use their platforms to advocate for change.

“I’m not asking for us to become activists overnight,” Johnson said. “But we can’t just stand by and watch as innocent lives are lost. We have a voice. We have a platform. Let’s use it to make a difference.”

Johnson’s call comes amid an ongoing debate about gun control in the United States, following a spate of mass shootings that have reignited calls for stricter gun laws. The country music industry has not been immune to this violence. In 2017, a lone gunman opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more.

As the debate continues, Johnson hopes his appeal will encourage more artists to join the conversation and use their influence to advocate for a safer America.

“I understand that this is a complex issue,” Johnson concluded. “But we can’t let complexity be an excuse for inaction. We have to start somewhere, and I believe that a ban on assault rifles is a step in the right direction.”

Whether Johnson’s call will resonate with his fellow artists or result in any substantial change remains to be seen. However, his willingness to broach the subject is a significant departure from the norm in a genre that often steers clear of such contentious issues. It remains to be seen how the country music industry and its fans will respond to Johnson’s call to action.