Another mass shooting tragedy in Orlando, the likes of which our LGBT community has never seen before, is of course unsettling and sad.
In Tucson, we count ourselves as experienced in this world of gun violence—what at times seems without resolution. I’m tired of politicos and lobbyists who remain part of the problem, never coming to the table with a solution. Those same people are quick to release social media statements saying they are saddened by tragedy after tragedy. Here’s the deal: Hundreds of Tucsonans may have shown their grief and outrage on Fourth Avenue Sunday night and we may have shown our grief at the dozens of other tragedies that have occurred before Orlando—but it isn’t enough.
Do we have to have more of these tragedies before citizens are tired of semi-automatic weapons being available? Maybe we do—because obviously what’s taken place so far has yet to create the organizing groundswell needed to pressure lobbyists to back off and pressure politicians to create the policy changes we hear cries for after every tragedy.
Perhaps this will turn the tide. Perhaps something will grow from this. I hope so. Right now we can cling to hope, but it is useless without action.
— Mari Herreras, mherreras@tucsonweekly.com
PS: Quick change in topic, but important reminder: We are in the midst of the second round of voting for Best of Tucson. We’re breaking records again. Please, be part of that and helping us recognize local businesses in Tucson. They appreciate it and we appreciate it.
This article appears in Jun 16-22, 2016.
The first reaction of liberals is to strip Americans of their constitutional rights. And they don’t have the courage to attempt within the framework of our country, which they have no respect for. You want to take our guns? Change the constitution.
But instead they will defend the killer, defend the terrorists and blame Republicans. Liberals hate America.
What, Again hates America.
If he’s willing, I’ll purchase him a ticket to Antarctica.
The weather will fit his personality.
What Again,
Initials WA…..WA……..WA
Illustrates the problem perfectly.
Hey WA WA…………..ever been in a firefight?
Before you go off half cocked, let’s all try to digest this:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/orlando-shooter-turned-away-from-gun-store-owner-says-1466024932
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/homeland-security/268282-dhs-ordered-me-to-scrub-records-of-muslims-with-terror
More laws of any type will not fix what went wrong before this tragedy occurred.
Still want to call them the JV team? We run around screaming at each other. They are planning their next move.
This bad guy passed multiple background checks, was NOT on any no-fly list and the FBI was not currently investigating him. So NONE of the (knee jerk) gun control proposals being offered today in Congress would have stopped this cowardly killer. People everywhere are screaming for SOMETHING to be done. Nothing will work short of crushing all the guns – wait – then these wackos will turn to bombs. That would be worse (imho).
I just bought more ammo and another weapon for protection. Filling the safe over time. So are others and thanks to Dems stock values for Mfrs. are increasing greatly.