The reports of a mass shooting in Las Vegas is something that tears at the heart and soul of all Americans. Today, few can say there has not been a gunshot victim in their family. While that is true for so many Americans, that is not normal for any civilized or industrialized nation. Our unfettered gun laws allow almost anyone to purchase a gun freely and there are so many guns on the streets and a firearm is available to anyone at a price. When do we finally act to do something?
While there are calls to concentrate solely on the pain and grief of the victims and to save political judgement for late, it is perhaps now, while the moment is fresh that we move to do what we must. Another shooting will only compound the issue. And truly gun laws alone will not stop the shooting. We must spend as much time acting on what makes people kill in this country. It happens a lot, so often it’s not news or we are numb to the parade of carnage.
Frankly, this country recoils more at the thought of some thoughtful and sane gun laws than people being shot and killed. Some opine that the chances of gun control ended after the murder of school children at Sandy Hook, when it was clear the slaughter of children was bearable over any more gun laws. Even the shooting of President Reagan created some mild and largely unused attempt at keeping guns out of the hands of those who have dark intentions. Is there a law that can prevent that? At the very least there should be a revisiting of debate on the appropriateness of assault rifles and explosive rounds (sometimes called cop killers).
This country can do better. But, there are some harsh realities at play. Even if it was determined we need to address those with mental issues that could become deadly or violent, there are few facilities anywhere, and Oklahoma ranks near the bottom, providing services. The closing of state facilities everywhere in Oklahoma means those needing short and long-term help is not just small it is often nonexistent. Why on earth do we kill so much so often and so easily? There was a mass shooting in little Lawrence, Kansas Saturday night, there are others every day. When is it enough?
For the grieving we offer our prayers and sympathy. But, like the old African saying goes we “must pray then move our feet.” Whatever we do, it would help if we do it without hate in our heart.
They say it was the largest mass shooting in American history. Perhaps they forgot about the Greenwood Race Riot, Wounded Knee, and other slaughters of people of color. While we must act, we should let our greater angels be a part of our actions. We can look to history for good examples. Robert Kennedy announced the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before a largely African American audience and did so with some compassionate wisdom, we could use today: “You can be filled with bitterness, and with hatred, and a desire for revenge,” he told the horrified crowd. But “…what we need in the United States is not hatred…but love and wisdom and compassion toward one another.” He then quoted Aeschylus, who wrote 25 centuries ago of the wisdom that pain and despair can reveal. He then quoted off the top of his head “Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country, and for our people.”
Let us move with thought, remembrance and the wisdom of the ages to do what we must and not be deterred by those who would shout down our responsibilities.
