Today was a day.
With heavy reflection before September 11, we got this day. A cruel September 10 that was so much for the soul. So much so that I can’t articulate my thoughts in a seamless way today.
Because of that, here are my ponderings, in a segmented way:
- No one should be killed for their opinions or political beliefs. It is outright scary that our political dialogue and the overall climate has devolved into this. From January 6th, to the Hortmans in Minnesota a few months ago, and now this. What are we doing?!!
- I’ll take it a step further - no one should die because of gun violence! I understand that might be unrealistic, but I still struggle with why it is. Why are we willing to tolerate anything else?
- But, I'm also reminded of the many throughout our history to were gunned down for their political stances. It is in the DNA of our nation. Whether that's banned in schools to discuss or not.
- We also had a school shooting - yes, another one. This time in Colorado. Three children are left in critical condition. Which means three more families don’t want to hear about politics or a tired debate over "2A" with either side regurgitating their party's talking points on the matter.
- I find myself angry for (and with) those families who are feeling all sorts of emotions today. Their tragedy isn’t a point of discussion at all tonight throughout our nation's mainstream culture. Because, well, we've now accepted school shootings.
- Are we this obsessed with gun culture? Or do we simply accept that gun control is impossible?
- Isn't there a way to protect 2A and keep them out of the hands of people who should not have them. It's such a simple concept - why can't this be done?
- The videos of Charlie Kirk being killed are insanely graphic. The human brain shouldn’t have to absorb that trauma, yet we all did, involuntarily.
- Social media companies ought be held responsible for that exposure. Videos should have an option to choose to watch them. I'm advocating for ALL videos. Are you scrolling through your feed? Yes, you should TAP to watch that video!
- Again, I can’t imagine the damage done to so many children and young people who viewed that video simply trying to find out what was “trending” and why. Mental health is connected to the discussion around gun control - I find these subtly nuances to be up for discussion as part of unpacking it all.
- It’s moments like this where leadership is needed. I’m not sure we got what was needed. That's not a negative indictment on the President or some "political stance". The aftermath of the culture feels less about solving how we got here, and more about igniting it further.
- This has always been the case, but grifting in politics and stoking the fears and hate is a salient issue for the divide in our country. But it makes money, so...
- On the heels of the anniversary of September 11, it’s incredibly difficult to imagine an atmosphere today as unified as the years following that tragic day.
- I’m not sure I can fathom what a united country looks like anymore. I'm not sure I can envision a path that gets us back there. That’s scary. So scary.
- The wife and kids of Charlie Kirk deserve lots of love and prayers. Again, that should not happen.
- I think about the kids at Evergreen High School whose lives are forever changed as well.
- The same for those students at Utah Valley University, who have to walk through that courtyard in the future.
- I often joke with friends that someone - anyone - needs to shut the internet off for a few days a week. But seriously, on days like this, I’m for it.
- Cable news channels are pointless. Likely, part of the problem moreso than the solution.
- The art of curiosity and critical thinking is rare among us.
- We talk too much as a society. Like, a lot. Often with little feel for anything or anyone.
- I don't think many Americans stop to think about, understand, or maybe even care about how vast cultures and lived experiences are JUST in the United States as is. Think about the regions, dialects, accents, ways of living, cultures, foods - just in pockets of the country. Yet, we try to make arguments and take political stances based on our lived experience for the entire nation.
- I struggle to understand those who wrap their entire identity into a political affiliation.
- I ask those who do - what is the end result of your “side” or party winning?
- If you were to "win", then what?