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Is Ted Cruz protesting against Joe Biden's gun control ban? Internet calls Texas senator's militia mask 'dumb'

Cruz wore a 'Come and Take It' mask for President Joe Biden's inauguration amid promises of policies for renewing a ban on AR-style rifles, universal background checks and restrictions on high-capacity magazines

For many Americans, President Joe Biden's Inauguration Day on Wednesday, January 21, was a cause for celebration. But Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) might have wanted to make a statement, which many on social media think is "showing clear disrespect". Cruz wore a gray mask that read, "Come and Take It". If you recall correctly, the contents of Cruz's mask bore resemblance to the notorious flag seen during the Texan Revolution in 1835.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) tweeted a photo of Cruz at the event with the caption, "Sen. @TedCruz Sends Strong Message With Mask at Biden’s Inauguration". 

Cruz wearing the "Come and Take It" mask on the occasion of his inauguration comes amidst promises of policies for renewing a ban on AR-style rifles, universal background checks, restrictions on high-capacity magazines. The new President has also proposed new gun controls measures that would bring existing, privately-owned AR-15s, AK-47s, and similar guns under the purview of the National Firearms Act, which could result in a tax of $200 on each such rifle and each such magazine. 

Ever since this report broke out, gun stores owners in states such as California, Virginia, Tennessee, Montana and Florida reported a big increase in sales in the two weeks preceding Joe Biden's inauguration. 

'Come and Take It' and gun violence 

The flag was used in the Battle of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution in 1835. Even today, it is still commonly used by Texans as a show of pride for their state.

Former President Donald Trump told gun controllers to “Come and Take It” during his speech at the 2018 NRA convention, and he explained the origins of the Gonzales motto: "In 1835, soldiers from General Santa Anna’s army marched into the little Texas town of Gonzales and ordered those Texans to surrender their small cannon that they relied on to protect their lives and protect their homes. The Texans refused! They were not about to give up their only means of self-defense," he said, adding, "In response, Santa Anna’s army returned with a large group of additional people. They had men all over the place … [but] this time, they were met by dozens of Texans … who had rushed to Gonzales to defend their rights and their freedom. As Santa Anna’s men watched from a distance, those brave Texans raised a flag for all to see. On the banner, they painted a cannon along with four words that echoed through the ages. It said, “Come and Take It.”

Ted Cruz's silent protest

Cruz sporting a mask with a militia history as such proves that he embarked on a silent protest against Biden's plans. He had previously even challenged the President for a debate.  

The internet has already deemed it a "stupid" endeavour. "But just saw him call out @tedcruz for wearing the stupid mask at an inappropriate occasion showing clear disrespect. So... they cancel out," one tweeted. "LOL Ted Cruz wearing a "Come and take it" mask. As if he would have any clue what to do if someone broke into his home to take his gun (if he even owns one). You know he'd be hiding under the bed soaked in his own urine. he's never fought for a thing in his life. #SoftHands," another added. 

"@tedcruz your dumb looking mask looked dumb on your dumb fucking face. I’m not sure if it was your dumb fucking mask, or your dumb fucking face that looked most fucking dumb. Resign. Please," a very angry user tweeted. "Omg Ted Cruz’s mask! He has some fucking nerve! Wow!!" another added. "Ted Cruz in his militia mask need to be arrested for his part in inciting the 1/6 insurrection. He violated his oath of office," one more said. 

Many are even calling for his resignation. "@JoeBiden THE WORDS ON TED CRUZ'S MASK HE WORE TO BIDEN'S INAUGURATION ARE THE SAME WORDS ON A FLAG THE SO-CALLED PATRIOTS WAVED AT THE INSURRECTION.TED & TRUMP'S GROUP OF MILITIA ARE PAT-RIOTS! CRUZ IS CONTINUING TO INCITE VIOLENCE. HE SHOULD BE REMOVED, CONVICTED & DISBARRED!"