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| Illustration by Golden Cosmos |
The least heard words regarding the unspeakable tragedy in Uvalde, Texas were "this is not the time for politics". It took about 32 seconds before the mass shooting turned political. First by the President, then again today by political wannabe, Beto O'Rourke.
The next words were finally mentioned but will be ignored. "There is a mental health crisis in our country."
To be sure. I have another question though. What turns an 18-year-old youngster into a mass murderer. Yes, of course, they have mental problems, but why?
You see, I don't consider an 18-year-old an adult. I know all the arguments as to why they are. I just don't happen to agree with most of them. Obviously, some of them are far too impressionable to be able to make wise decisions. So who is failing them?
First and foremost, I have to look at the parents. How can they be so self-absorbed they cannot see the problems their children are having? Or are they just so ill-prepared they shouldn't have had kids in the first place? I mean, what kind of a horrific argument could anyone have with their grandmother that would lead to shooting her in the face?
Then on to school officials? Interviews at crime scenes with kids to find out what a schoolmate was like should be coming from faculty who should be on the lookout for odd behaviors. Our teachers did that way back in the dark ages when I was in school! We didn't have mass shootings back then either.
There are so many places to point fingers I can't even count them. The least of which is more gun laws. Let's look at actually enforcing the ones we have.
I'm not a big gun person. I have friends who have concealed carry permits and I must admit they make me uncomfortable. I see the other side of it too and instances where those carrying have saved lives. We have open carry here. That really makes me feel uncomfortable because I see it as more of an in-your-face action than one of safety. Funny, those laws are strictly enforced.
Back to the state of mind though. It saddens and scares me that ballpark eighteen-year-olds are capable of such actions. That they are so deranged at such a young age. And that they, in cold blood, can take the lives of those so young they've barely gotten their foot in the door of life.
Let's stop the blame game for political ends. Please. Please. The political season is upon us for the next several months. Let's not waste it with the vitriolic pettiness than is engulfing us. There must be some adults that are willing to come into the room. Some younger than me, and smarter, but just as concerned and caring. Please. Please.
