5 Facts About Mariia Butina, The Millennial Russian Spy With NRA Ties

Take a shot of vodka and say a prayer for Mueller, because the saga known as Russian collusion is the gift that just keeps giving. After seeing Trump and Putin’s creepy friendship earlier this month, it’s clear that something is up between Trump and Russia. Now Russian spy national Mariia Butina has been formally charged of conspiracy and acting as a foreign agent after her eight hour testimony in front of Senate Intelligence Committee.

Here’s 5 Things To Know About Mariia:

  1. Mariia (also known as “Maria”) grew up in Siberia where she learned to hunt and got really good with guns.
  2. She started an activist group called Right to Bear Arms in her twenties. Yes, only in Russia would it be that kind of bear…
  3. She became the “special assistant” and spokes person for Aleksandr Torshin, a Russian Senator who is v powerful. Together they grew the Right to Bear Arms and basically they tried to hand out guns like candy across Russia.
  4.  She conveniently moved to the U.S. in 2016 to go to American University, but also teamed up with the NRA *cough* collusion *cough* and started a lobbying group in the U.S. with Paul Erikson, Republican uber villain supporter. Talk about really killing it on the extra curriculars.
  5. Oh yeah, a grand jury formally charged her with conspiracy and acting as a foreign agent! That’s def important to know about her.

Maybe that was more than 5 things, but Mariia has been a busy girl since she came to the U.S. Turns out a Russian billionaire, Konstantin Nikolaev, was funneling money through her gun lobbying to gain influence in America. Now that is a political sugar daddy, no doubt. They tried to set meetings and discussed ways to make the Kremlin and Trump work in a mutually beneficial way. We’ll see if Trump continues to pull a Shaggy and say “it wasn’t me,” but it seems like collusion might not be so far fetched. Go stock up on some vodka and play a fun game while watching the news where you take a shot every time they mention collusion… you’ll be drunk in no time!

Heads up, you need to keep up with the news. It’s not cute anymore. That’s why we’ve created a 5x weekly newsletter called The ‘Sup that will explain all the news of the week in a hilarious af way. Because if we weren’t laughing, we’d be crying. Sign up for The ‘Sup now!

3 Common Sense Gun Laws Even Your NRA-Obsessed Cousin Can Get Behind

First of all, common sense gun laws is such a misleading name. If they’re so common sense then why is it that most people don’t know wtf they are? The NRA has been pouring money into keeping guns around, but after the Parkland shooting they are being dropped like last season’s shoes. So when will the laws change?

America is still way behind on the issue of gun control. Not only does Australia have the sexiest accents, they also don’t have guns. Yup, you read that right, an entire country decided to stop carrying around guns after one mass shooting. Meanwhile, America is like, “lol let’s give the preschool teacher a gun!”

Here are three common sense gun laws you need to know about:

Permit-to-Purchase

PTP for short. You would think that in today’s world everyone would need to be approved to purchase a gun, but currently laws are handled on a state-by-state basis. A national PTP requirement would include handguns sold through private parties and gun shows, closing major loopholes in the current system. In order to acquire a permit you would have to pass a background check, apply for the permit in person at a local law enforcement office, have your fingerprints taken, and submit a photograph along with your paperwork. The fact that people don’t have to do all of this is unreal! If you’re opposed to a background check, you probably shouldn’t have a gun.

Denying Guns to Domestic Abusers

DUH. Let’s just think about the tumultuous relationship in I, Tonya and if you think anyone in a constantly violent situation like that should be carrying around guns. The answer is no. Just, no. Also, there has been legislation proposed to deny guns from anyone who has a restraining order against them, because this is common in domestic abuse cases. If you don’t want them near you, you certainly don’t want them to get a gun that can cross that 1000 feet restraining order you have on them. This seems like a no brainer. Yet here we are.

Assault Weapon Ban

Someone please tell me when any civilian has needed an assault weapon to defend themselves or hunt, because this is insane. I am having a hard time understanding why after the Vegas shooting these are still around. Honestly, I’m confused as to why they’ve ever been avail to the general public. The sole purpose of military grade weapons and high volume cartridges are to kill people, in war, not in a school or theater. After Vegas it looked like Congress might pass the Assault Weapons Ban of 2018, but political gridlock seems to have gotten in the way. There doesn’t need to be another mass shooting, and tbh this would seriously help stop one from happening. Excuse me while I go stick needles in my NRA voodoo doll.

After looking at these proposed laws, I’m v confused how they aren’t already in place. Next time your at happy hour, sound like a woke genius and explain these three ways to keep everyone in America safer. Also, be super cool and practice civil engagement by giving your Rep. a ring and telling them you haven’t forgotten about gun laws.

Heads up, you need to keep up with the news. It’s not cute anymore. That’s why we’ve created a 5x weekly newsletter called The ‘Sup that will explain all the news of the week in a hilarious af way. Because if we weren’t laughing, we’d be crying. Sign up for The ‘Sup now!