I realize what I am about to type might have a polarizing effect on my audience, but my hope is that you can begin (or continue) to examine desperate times with reason and use your power for the betterment of our society. Some things need to be said and this is the most open forum I have where I can speak out about what is going wrong in this country. I write this not only as a mother, but as a sister, daughter, wife, friend, and human being. This particular incident took place less than a mile from where I used to work. I know people who went there, and people who live there, and I feel overwhelmingly obligated to say something. I remember when Columbine was unfathomable and shocking. Now, some shootings barely incite a reaction. We simply cannot let this cycle continue.
Yesterday, the news was flooded with the occurrence of yet another school shooting. My deepest sympathies go out to the families who were affected in this tragedy and also to the students who survived and witnessed their friends, peers, and leaders suffer horrific and senseless demise. But sympathies only go so far. Thoughts and prayers are an easy way for people to absolve their conscious from guilt and then continue to extremely protect or protest whatever it is they believe. We have to stop thinking things are cut and dry, black and white.
Here are some things you can do simultaneously:
Sympathize loss and also want change
Protect your rights and also want to protect your families
Blame mental health and also blame weapons
