Guns Save Lives: Ad Campaign Stirs Up Controversy on Twitter

An ad campaign proclaiming “guns save lives” launched by TrainMeAZ.com as part of its educational and awareness efforts regarding firearms in Arizona stirred up some strong feelings and controversy on Twitter.

TrainMeAZ used the phrase “guns save lives” on billboards and other advertising formats in Arizona, along with messages like, “Arizona Says: Learn to Shoot Straight.” The wording came to national attention when Phoenix banned the ads on city bus shelters and Alan Korwin, owner of TrainMeAZ.com, took the city to court in 2010. In May 2014, the courts ruled in Korwin’s favor.

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The wording of the ads garnered both criticism and support online, and the hostility comes through strongly even in 140 characters. The phrase also has been picked up as a pro-gun slogan, not connected to TrainMeAZ. Here are nine tweets concerning “guns save lives”:

Gun-grabbers in Phoenix hating life right now: http://t.co/MInOFxB7xT #GunSaveLives pic.twitter.com/4k26g0Fh7M

— Dean Michaels (@quixxdraw) August 16, 2014

I don't think they know how guns work MT @azcentral: 'Guns Save Lives' ads return to #Phoenix http://t.co/hwwPwPYN5Z pic.twitter.com/NuhvccOuNm

— Derek Montilla (@Cap_Kaveman) August 14, 2014

"Guns save lives" how have you honestly managed to make it this far in life being so stupid

— lulu violentine (@LuluCalrissian) October 24, 2014

Three thugs broke into a home in NC and tried to rape a young woman. Her grandfather saved her life by shooting them all. #GunsSaveLives

— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) October 24, 2014

Guns don't kill, even if billionaires spending millions for ads say so. Guns SAVE LIVES! Guns are your RIGHT! #NRA

— Chuck Nellis (@ChuckNellis) October 12, 2014

Gun grabbers hate 2 admit it, media does everything 2 ignore it, but guns in trained citizens' hands do save lives http://t.co/K2fHLcJ1sW

— New Republitarian (@NuRepublitarian) October 4, 2014

@jennleiboaz Jen... please don't tell me you're falling for the 'more guns would save lives' BS. Have you been brainwashed since move to AZ?

— Richard Taylor (@rtaylor) December 16, 2012

WE MUST OUTLAW HATCHETS - THAT WILL STOP THIS SENSELESS VIOLENCE! #2A #GunsSaveLives #NSA #disobey #unschooling

— Tisha T. Casida (@tishatcasida) October 24, 2014

If only there was a 9 yr old with an Uzi there to stop the other 9 yr old with an Uzi from causing that horrible tragedy. #GunsSaveLives

— Brian Diaz (@briankeithdiaz) August 27, 2014

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