Our children are dying. 18 school shootings so far this year. (But it must be noted that this number is controversial, and depends on one’s definition of a school shooting. Still, I think we can agree that even one is too many.) We are not even through February. What’s the magic number? How many have to die, how many have to cower in closets, terrified, before we do more than think and pray?
How many funerals must be held before we decide that there is absolutely no reason for anyone outside of the military to own a semi-automatic weapon? What’s the tipping point when shame will overtake greed and force politicians to act? When will mental health care (and health care in general, for that matter) become a priority in this country?
We need to put the NRA, President Trump, and the US Congress on notice. Every shooting, every single one, is blood on their hands. They are responsible. They need to be held accountable. Their inaction is criminal and should be prosecuted accordingly. Because of them, people are dying.
Oh, and by the way, fuck you and your right to bear arms.
The View from a Drawbridge 
Ugh I agree 125% Barb! There was a lot going on yesterday in school and i emailed my mom about it and she came to school with flowers and balloons and chocolate because its valentines day (and that just my mom) and then she went home and watched the footage of it on her laptop when she went to check the news yesterday. When I got home she was in tears. My phone has been broken for about 3 months and my mom refused to get me another one until my birthday. My mom came home from the store when she went out later that night with a new iPhone. My mom is so scared. She didn’t want me to go to school this morning.
I’m so sorry. You both have every right to be scared. When I was in high school, there was one incident where a student went after another student with a bread knife from the cafeteria. We were all shocked. That was the extent of school violence in those days. I’m not sure I could cope with this kind of insanity. There is no excuse for the inactivity of politicians. They are putting you in danger. In countries with gun control, this isn’t happening. Please stay safe, dear Mariah! The world needs you! (And give your mom a hug for me.)
Hi Mariah! Haven’t heard from you in ages! What are you up to these days?
Just another reason why I’m right glad I’m not in school any more. I’m sitting here in the library…facing the door, and with exits memorized.
Yeah, I tend to do that these days wherever I go. What a shame that we have to think like that.
Please please do not randomly throw numbers around. 18 school shootings…wrong. Not verified. I am completely anti-gun. If I had my way, there would only be water shooters….if that. BUT….if pacifists want to be credible, they/we must be vigilant about numbers. Don’t be lured in by headlines. Do your due diligence. I mean, come on….”60% of women wear the wrong sized pads” — I shudder to think of the “research” behind that number.
People….PLEASE be careful with numbers and statistics.
You are absolutely right. I was only aware that this number was controversial (It greatly depends on your definition) this morning, so I will make this correction. I hope you aren’t relying on me for in-depth research. I don’t have the funds or the time for that. But yes, when I see an error, or one is pointed out to me, then I am happy to correct it. So thanks.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/no-there-have-not-been-18-school-shootings-so-far-in-2018/article/2649183
This would be the second mass school shooting and that is indeed, two too many for 35 days or 35 years.