Appropriately, it certainly is Time.
You will find here, a picture of their cover. Along with the word “Enough” you will note the scrawled record of every memorable mass shooting … in tiny hand-written print. The print must be small, because unlike in New Zealand, we have done nothing about the 253 mass shootings they list … all of them from this year.
This is the 220th day of the year 2019.
Only in America, and it certainly is about time, and even they readily admit that the time came long ago. In other words, this is not the first time they have cried “Enough” on the cover. It might, however, be their most powerful call. They back it up, with equal conviction:
We do have a choice as a society. Not a perfect choice. Or a guaranteed solution. But doing nothing in the face of repeated mass murder in our society is indefensible.
More than 250 mass shootings in the first 220 days of 2019 alone, it’s hard to believe that this doesn’t go without saying.
Enough.
Over 90% of Americans favor background checks, though I sincerely doubt that even background checks will put a dent in the number of mass shootings. Of course, if the background check saves 10 lives, it is worth doing. That goes without saying.
I have not seen figures on the percentage of people who favor a ban on assault weapons, and the clips that carry 100 rounds. But I would bet it is well over half. This ban actually would put a large dent in the numbers killed.
True, a person with a handgun can commit a mass shooting. But, that person cannot load that handgun with 100 rounds. Additionally (forgive me for being graphic, but this matters), a handgun shot in the upper leg will usually not kill. A shot in the same spot from a high-powered assault rifle almost always will. Mass shootings would go from a possible 21 victims dead, to 4-5. Sick, still, I know. But if you’re one of the 15 that survives, it is, quite literally, a life saver.
You and I demand lives saved.
In past issues, Time has not minced words about where the vast majority of mass shootings – and violence generally – originate; White nationalism, or white supremacy, two terms, one meaning.
White nationalism has reflected a coarsening of mainstream politics, where debates on national security and immigration have become rabbit holes for the exploitation of fear and bigotry.
Trump has played a significant – as opposed to sole – role in the rise of white supremacy, or at least white supremacy shooting to action.
It is more than time to do something about guns and mass shootings. It is also time to rid ourselves of the other underlying cause, Trump.
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Peace, y’all.
Jason
Most will never know the honor of having words from the heart read by others. Anyone seeking more, something I put three years into, rather than three hours, might find my novels interesting, refreshing, soul searching, and funny. Sometimes only laughter can cover tears. It is an honor.
Just became a patron! Thank you for all you do Jason.
No, thank YOU. The readers make this all worthwhile, especially commenters. Otherwise, one is just talking to oneself. :0 Take care.
This is a great site, welcome!
We are committed, all of us, to making this place as reader-responsive as possible, as well as providing breaking/timely content with the best writing we can do. But, it is the growing “community” here that is the real news. Back when I wrote here before, the comments were few and far between. NOW things are the opposite. We have our regular “family” and it is wonderful.
I am so happy for all of you.
I sent you a personal note welcoming you to the site and thanking you for being a patron a short while ago. I’m glad you’re here.
I am very glad to be here too!
Just a small nitpick item. “A handgun shot to the upper leg will usually not kill.” Depends on where in the upper leg, the type of handgun used, the caliber of the bullet, and how close the shooter is to the victim. Then it depends on whether or not someone knows how to apply a tourniquet/compression bandage, how soon the ambulance gets to the victim, etc. The argument that it is only high powered assault rifles which need to be dealt with misses quite a few shooting victims. Furthermore, depending on the type of handgun, you can obtain extra long clips which are easily switched out so as to maximize the amount of ammo you are pumping out of a handgun in a short amount of time.
Personally I’d like to see this issue addressed as well by our politicians. It is these types of weapons what makes those mass shootings of 4-5 possible.
I am from Canada. I would love to see all but hunting weapons, bird and big game, taken off the streets. Plus, I believe there is a significant waiting period to get those firearms.
As you note, of course there is variability to that statement. It was a generalization, and I believe I used “usually.” Yes, high caliber handguns hitting a femoral artery or leg can be lethal. High powered, high caliber rifles can near (near) take a leg off from 100 yards, moreover the assault variety can carry 100 rounds if modified and thus increase the likelihood of being shot twice. Or, the shot going through you and hitting 3 other people behind you.
I would love to ban all but what I said, but one has to begin somewhere and it seems to me to be obvious, bc the assault variety were once banned, and now I can go to Walmart and there are 6 waiting to be sold.
I didn’t want to bog the article down and uwed a generalization. BUT, now that you clairified things, I need not have. I deeply appreciate “adding” to the article, bc I don’t find it nitpicky at all. I find it an honor that someone cares enough to add important information. Thank you very much.
It would be great to have nothing but hunting weapons, but even those will be used in our society. I’d settle for taking out the high velocity, large magazine weapons for a start, including handguns which fit that category. However, we have become a gun culture unlike anything I saw when I was growing up. We banned machine guns in the 30s after the various massacres but we brought the modified machine guns back a few decades ago. Stupid.
Good writing by the way!