I just cannot understand how they can love guns more than they love a human being...especially when that human being is a child. Of course, when I look at the amount of money many of the elected representatives have received from the NRA, it becomes more clear but still not understandable. Are they so caught up in their "importance" at being in Congress that they have lost compassion?
Rep. Tim Burchett homeschools his kid...so he knows it is a problem but refuses to do anything about it.
It is despicable and I hope something will be done at the ballot but I know it probably won't.
I couldn't agree more, Sheeby. Their logic really seems to only center their immediate wants instead of the needs of the community. Imagine believing that a request for background checks on private sales is somehow an infringement on the Second Amendment. It's absurd.
I was hoping to see you weigh in on this topic; I thank you for a well-written, informative read. I am appalled and disgusted that the right has seized on the shooter's gender identification as a supposed "reason" for the violence. I've seen any number of ill-advised, facetious takes on possible explanations for his cowardly act, and all I can think is "How dare you?"
For good or ill, this tragedy has given the hateful, bigoted right-wing an excuse they didn't need to further beat the drums of trans hatred. I despair what the future must hold for our country if people of their ilk continue to be elected in numbers large enough to control the national narrative and legislative agenda.
It's a scary time, nkrempa. I am trying my best to look at all of this with nuance and empathy, but I'll admit to you that it's hard to do so when conservatives shamelessly exploit all of society's ills as opportunities to harm trans people and our families.
Sending you and yours.... and my trans friends everywhere... as much love & support as I can push through the ether, as well as ongoing support in the form of missives to my legislators and what I can spare for orgs that support you. <3
Way back in the ‘80s a Time Magazine cover said simply, It’s Men with Guns. Granted, we’re dealing with a woman in this instance, but she is the exception rather than the rule. So why not just ban men from owning guns, period? We can clearly see why Congress has denied funding for gun research - they know exactly where it will lead. I dearly hope that karma catches up with these monsters who care more about their power than the lives of children, for it seems that’s the only way we’ll ever see some accountability.
Barbara, respectfully, we're not dealing with a woman. The shooter clearly identified themselves as a trans man. I understand you're approaching this with a larger thesis about men and violence--and I completely agree with it--but we need to be mindful that gender identity is not a treat or reward we offer to people only when they're good. It's a human right, one we should extend to all people, regardless of how awful they are
Oh, Charlotte, it was an honest mistake! Clearly I hadn’t followed the story closely enough to know the shooter’s identity - I was more focused on the victims. I actually was trying to be respectful of how I thought the shooter identified themself! A sloppy read on my part, and I can see how my response would indicate ignorance and insensitivity. I’m so sorry; mea culpa!
I just cannot understand how they can love guns more than they love a human being...especially when that human being is a child. Of course, when I look at the amount of money many of the elected representatives have received from the NRA, it becomes more clear but still not understandable. Are they so caught up in their "importance" at being in Congress that they have lost compassion?
Rep. Tim Burchett homeschools his kid...so he knows it is a problem but refuses to do anything about it.
It is despicable and I hope something will be done at the ballot but I know it probably won't.
I couldn't agree more, Sheeby. Their logic really seems to only center their immediate wants instead of the needs of the community. Imagine believing that a request for background checks on private sales is somehow an infringement on the Second Amendment. It's absurd.
I was hoping to see you weigh in on this topic; I thank you for a well-written, informative read. I am appalled and disgusted that the right has seized on the shooter's gender identification as a supposed "reason" for the violence. I've seen any number of ill-advised, facetious takes on possible explanations for his cowardly act, and all I can think is "How dare you?"
For good or ill, this tragedy has given the hateful, bigoted right-wing an excuse they didn't need to further beat the drums of trans hatred. I despair what the future must hold for our country if people of their ilk continue to be elected in numbers large enough to control the national narrative and legislative agenda.
It's a scary time, nkrempa. I am trying my best to look at all of this with nuance and empathy, but I'll admit to you that it's hard to do so when conservatives shamelessly exploit all of society's ills as opportunities to harm trans people and our families.
Sending you and yours.... and my trans friends everywhere... as much love & support as I can push through the ether, as well as ongoing support in the form of missives to my legislators and what I can spare for orgs that support you. <3
Very well said, Charlotte. Thank you!
Thanks, Ronda! I appreciate you, friend.
I share your horror & anger @ the murderer & your compassion & pain for his victims, & their loved ones. Weeping with you.
Hugs to you, Donna. It's been a long week for all of this but especially for these families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Way back in the ‘80s a Time Magazine cover said simply, It’s Men with Guns. Granted, we’re dealing with a woman in this instance, but she is the exception rather than the rule. So why not just ban men from owning guns, period? We can clearly see why Congress has denied funding for gun research - they know exactly where it will lead. I dearly hope that karma catches up with these monsters who care more about their power than the lives of children, for it seems that’s the only way we’ll ever see some accountability.
Barbara, respectfully, we're not dealing with a woman. The shooter clearly identified themselves as a trans man. I understand you're approaching this with a larger thesis about men and violence--and I completely agree with it--but we need to be mindful that gender identity is not a treat or reward we offer to people only when they're good. It's a human right, one we should extend to all people, regardless of how awful they are
Oh, Charlotte, it was an honest mistake! Clearly I hadn’t followed the story closely enough to know the shooter’s identity - I was more focused on the victims. I actually was trying to be respectful of how I thought the shooter identified themself! A sloppy read on my part, and I can see how my response would indicate ignorance and insensitivity. I’m so sorry; mea culpa!
👏👏👏