Since Labor Day is a holiday, I didn’t post anything on Sunday night as per my usual schedule. Just want to remind people that this was not a slip from my regular writing schedule.
So, this happened. I am not generally a fan of Texas, but it is still heartbreaking to see the state torn by its second mass murder in a month. August was a horrible month in the United States for mass murder events, and not just in Texas. I do not imagine that September will be any better.
I am aghast at how common these have become. The only thing Republicans can offer in the face of this growing list of grotesque incidents are their thoughts and prayers. Democrats can only display the ineptitude that allows these incidents to continue unabated. Again, I do not foresee September being any better.
Last year I had the opportunity to see Dr. Jeremy Richman speak. He talked about his work in founding The Avielle Foundation and his research into brain health and mental wellness. I thought he was inspirational and courageous, especially considering what he and his family had to endure. I spoke to him after his speech. He was warm and friendly and happily answered every question he was asked. It was heartbreaking to hear that he committed suicide. Though I had only met him briefly, his death was heart wrenching for me.
Dr. Richman’s suicide reminds me that the trauma of these mass shootings does not go away once the public has forgotten about them; the pain and suffering will endure long after life has moved on. As these mass murders continue–and they will continue as long as congress and the moron-in-chief take their marching orders from the NRA–the injury to this country will continue. Communities suffer as badly as any victims in these incidents. Now we are left to wonder how long it will take the poltroons in charge to even attempt to fix this.
The Conflict Authority 