October 1, 2017. Las Vegas, Nevada. What was meant to be a fun, celebratory evening fades quickly into the abyss. 59 killed. More than 500 people injured within the period of 9-11 minutes. 31 seconds, 280 rounds fired. The death toll climbing. The bloodiest and deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S History.
Our silent acceptance prevails, as politicians offer prayers and condolences, but starkly advocate: “It is not the time to dive into the politics and try and score political points on this topic” (Rep. Jason Chaffetz), “Sadly, violence will always be part of our lives” (Sen. Ted Cruz), “People are going to have to take steps in their own lives to take precautions to protect themselves (Sen. John Thune), and “I think it’s particularly inappropriate to politicize an event like this, it just happened in the last day-and-a-half. It is entirely premature to be discussing legislative solutions, if any”. Better yet, this is “the price of freedom” as so eloquently put by former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly. At large, the inaction fostered by our contemporaneous governmental body suggests that nothing can be done to avoid the subsequent (and seemingly inevitable) carnage. That is something I refuse to accept. How could we let this happen, AGAIN?
The preceding statements are inflammatory and disheartening and it undoubtedly, proves quite difficult and challenging as one treads through the adverse waters towards healing, new-found love, and hope.
Somewhere, this HAS to STOP. We have to make our voices heard.
“So, the gun lobby may be holding Congress hostage right now, but they cannot hold America hostage. We do not have to accept this carnage as the price of freedom” – Former President Barack Obama
“It is positively infuriating that my colleagues in Congress are so afraid of the gun industry that they pretend there aren’t public policy responses to this epidemic. There are, and the thoughts and prayers of politicians are cruelly hollow if they are paired with continued legislative indifference. It’s time for Congress to get off its ass and do something.” – Sen. Chris Murphy, Democrat
This is NOT the new normal. We have a moral obligation to act.
With that being said, in the immediate aftermath of this calamity, I’d like to extend a beacon of hope, good-will and comfort, an invigorating and fortified reassuring statement that the world is NOT, at large, a scary nor abominable place. No words can semantically describe the pain our brothers and sisters are experiencing all around our lovely country. Nevertheless, I hope we remember and reaffirm: There is more good in the world than bad.
I hope you watch this profound, inspiring, and heartfelt remark, entitled Ellen Isn’t Giving Up Hope in the Midst of Devastating Events. At the least, I hope it helps one cope.