Skip to main content

Reaction to Orlando Shooting - When is Enough, Enough?


It's days like this where I completely find myself stuck in the midst of many emotions in regards to the evil that is the world we live in, and more precisely, the intentions and operations of this country we call the United States of America.

I have to be honest - as that's all I ever am here on this site - I've run into a emotional road block for this country. Almost like, a certain loss for the prestige and honor I once held for it. I guess it's the constant abuse in the news, my dive into history, and my experiences that has done this. 

Just this weekend, Orlando has seen two of these types of attacks and shootings. TWO!

It absolute sucks that we have to deal with more pointless mass violence in this country. Even worse, one of them, the largest of it's kind in our history. The United States of America is a first world, modern, nation, that continuously has more mass killings and public shootings than any other in the world. In the world! 

Yet, we sit on this pillar of belief of "patriotism" and all the other symbols of Americana that we gloat about, as if the underlying subtleties don't exist.

In a country built upon militia, by force, and some can make the claim, through human terrorism (See: Native Americans and Slavery), despite the many progressions we have made, issues such as gun control are still ruled by the rich, the wealthy, the powerful, and yes, the privileged white man. And that is still the very core of this country. Whether we like to admit it or not. 

And I guess what bothers me the most is that every time these events occur - EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. - everyone will send "thoughts and prayers"; tweet hashtags proclaiming love for the city of victims; change profile pictures to artistic photos representing support; listen to the President make a statement and utter focus to revisit gun control; witness the reply of the opposing political party; stand by as gun control becomes a hot topic of debate for news pundits, and then it eventually all fades away. Until it happens again - sadly. Wash. Rinse. Cycle. Repeat. Aren't we tired of losing our loved ones? Does this country truly hold life at the utmost importance? 

Also, regarding the talking pundits, if I may, can we stop giving our forefathers so much credit for the 2nd Amendement? These were the same folks who allowed slavery, and also once proclaimed black people to be three-fifths of a person. But I digress...

Despite the progress that has been made, at the end of the day, money, power, and influence still rules over compassion and love in the United States, and that still belongs to a group who have never lost these advantages since the dawn of this country. 

And sadly, there is a part of me that hates to accept the fact that guns are more representative of America, by America, and engrained in all that is Americana than apple pie, baseball, pickup trucks, and all of the other idealism we place on the forefront of our culture. This applies from the good ol' boys of 'Murica and guns, to these mass shootings, to the pointless killings by and of minorities going on in inner cities across America. 

Seriously, why? 

I really believed Sandy Hook was the straw that broke the Camel's back on this issue. I believed gun violence will no longer be something wrapped in a filter of religion, hate crimes, radicalization ideals, or poverty, but that of focusing on simply what's best for our country, and towards reaching a compromise  that regulates guns, while still providing the liberty of carrying a concealed weapon, ultimately with the end goal of safety for everyone. 

However, somehow, as a nation we were able to stomach the slaughtering of children with no legislative response, or no dent in the mega armor that is the NRA. So yes, forgive me if I've lost faith a bit in our system, in our nation, and how I view Old Glory these days. 

I truly feel for the families of the victims involved, and for the city of Orlando as these events can truly shake people with the intent of it's purpose - fear. I know it has done so to myself. But, it has also furthered my anger and disappointment on how we as Americans are handling this issue. 

At some point, these shootings have to stop. One after the other, it's just too much. When do we truly stand up, as one nation, with justice for all, and say, enough is enough?

Recently Read Posts

Impact No Surrender 2023 Review: "Interested in where the Product is Going"

I've fallen behind on my Impact Wrestling viewing, but honestly, that's okay. For viewership and enjoyment, yes. Not so well for posting a review for readership long after it's noteworthy or relevant. But whatevs, that's just where I am in life. Wrestling is much more fun removed from the restraints and influence of the criticism and impact (no pun intended) of the current time. That's just me. You can probably thank social media. Moving on, No Surrender 2023 continues Impact's progress into the new year. The product is still solid and consistent with a nice blend of characters and wrestlers moving in and out of the main event scene, along with a fresh batch of a resurgence of characters and occurrences. Nothing says that more than Rich Swann vs. Josh Alexander.  No Surrender was a solid event, but it does leave me extremely interested in where the product is going, or should I say planning, for 2023. I don't want to say that Alexander's title reign has

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/19/23

3 Up 1. India's Tap Water Access - This is a rather remarkable story. It's a story that offers humility wrapped in the extraordinary. India's Jal Jeevan Mission provided almost 79 million - 79 MILLION! - households with tap water. Just tap water!  2. Jordan Make-A-Wish Record - MJ is often loved through nostalgia, narrative, and remembrance for being politically neutral - even in giving. MJ these days has made some influential contributions, including this latest $10M donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation.  3. WWE Elimination Chamber - A tremendously entertaining pay-per-view on the road to Wrestlemania. The best storyline in pro wrestling continues to evolve between Sami Zayn and the Bloodline.  3A. City of Montreal - Give it up to the city of Montreal for what made a few nights of pro wrestling an awesome experience. Can we get this city more events?  3 Down 1. Michigan State Shooting - We're broken. Very broken. My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and fam

A Product of Us: Thoughts on Durant Trade

I said back in July when Kevin Durant rocked the NBA world with his trade request, that he "showed us who he was".  It wasn't a negative comment, but one that encompasses his entire career being a product of our current sport climate - success and focus on legacy. We emphasize the value of a career on rings, and thus, Durant has too. Why wouldn't he?!  Upon waking up and realizing that Durant will don the purple and orange for the Phoenix Suns in what is clearly now a team to watch come the NBA Playoffs, I find myself further pondering if Kevin Durant is the prime result of what we - yes, us! - have done to the modern athlete.  Today, Durant is one of the greatest basketball players I've ever seen. EVER. The dude is rare. He's a seven-foot magician which makes defending him even more difficult based on how damn efficient he is on the basketball court. It's downright poetic and beautiful to watch Durant play. And yes, I'm romanticizing his game. I belie

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/8/22

3 Up 1. New Year - Happy New Year to you all! I've written it in a bunch of emails, mainly to be courteous, but I really do wish you the best for you. I hope 2023 is a great one for all of you DP readers.  2. Buffalo Athletic Trainers - Let's give it up for the Athletic Trainers of the Buffalo Bills who performed with courage, steadfastness, and urgency in regard to Damar Hamlin. We should be celebrating those trainers more.  2A. Athletic Trainers - And because I'm always around them, let's give it up for Athletic Trainers in general. They do so much and very much go unnoticed in the space of sports, athletics, and performance.  2B. Damar Hamlin - Praying for Hamlin and his family... 3. Broadway Bounceback - We all like to believe we're back from COVID, but we're not. But it's news like Broadway having its biggest week of sales since the pandemic began is some nice news. Everyone in the theatre industry deserves it.  3 Down 1. Damar Hamlin Situation - Horri