I spent a lot of time researching numbers. Donations totals from the NRA to the elected officials we’re supposed to trust to take care of us. How many mass shootings there have been this year alone. The average age of the victims. How many have died vs. how many were injured.
But none of that seems to matter right now. What matters is that we can’t go to school, our places of worship, a bar, the movies, a festival, a mall, Walmart or countless other places without worrying about being shot. This is one of the hardest things I’ve had to write and I’ve discussed some extremely personal trauma.
Our house majority leader purposely blocks bills about gun reform because his pockets are lined with blood money from the NRA. Our President turns his cheek when it’s announced that the suspect is a white conservative male. He golfs instead.
In Ohio, 29 people were shot in the minute it took police to shoot the suspect. In ONE MINUTE 29 people were shot.
We have white nationalist fueled with hate writing manifestos about Hispanics and how they must die. Wielding assault rifles meant for military personnel in an open carry state.
But what do we say when we find out the shooter is white?
“Thoughts and prayers. I wish this madness would end.”
“He was a quiet child, kept to himself.”
“He has a background of mental illness.”
Listen, I have suffered from depression since I was 4. As a teen I was diagnosed with anxiety and borderline personality disorder. I have PTSD from sexual assault and violent relationships. I have never thought about buying an assault rifle and taking a single life.
Living with mental illness all my life has allowed me to see the stigma. But these guys aren’t dealing with mental illness. These guys are full of hate and racism, privilege and still have access to dangerous weapons. It’s time to call them what they are. White Nationalist. Nazis. Racists. They are being called “very fine people” and watching crowds chant “lock her up” and “send her back” or whatever else. I honestly can’t even stomach listening to him speak so I can’t watch rally footage. They are liking photos of guns spelled out to say Trump. And they just keep getting away with it because people like Ted Cruz just tweet out “thoughts and prayers” while accepting more money from the NRA.
So when it happens again, because it will, instead of your useless thoughts and prayers you should vote these people out. Any member of the house, senate, anyone that accepts money from the NRA needs to go. Do it so you can at least say you tried to prevent first graders from being murdered in their classroom. Church-goers from being slaughtered. Shoppers from being massacred. Do the right thing and vote in your state and national elections. Condemn White Nationalist and racism. Do something other than sitting on your thumbs as you read that a six year old got shot at a garlic festival.
The blood is on your hands if you vote for anyone that is endorsed by the KKK or accepts NRA money.
How many more lives need to be lost for America to care?