The United States Of Guns

In general, I don't post a lot of political items. I may favorite some twitter posts that articulate my thoughts better than I could myself or post some quick links to articles worth reading but, in general, I don't contribute much to the cacophony. I often lament that lack of participation because it could be construed as lacking confirmation in those beliefs but I simple abhor political "discussion" online as it largely exists entirely as people shouting into the void, no one willing to see another angle or, more specifically, able to express a nuanced conversation.

But this isn't about my social media Do's or Don'ts, this is about a great post about Jason Kottke on The United States of Guns containing a series of worthwhile quotes reflecting on our entropic system of inaction in regards to gun control and gun violence.

America is a stuck in a Groundhog Day loop of gun violence. We'll keep waking up, stuck in the same reality of oppression, carnage, and ruined lives until we can figure out how to effect meaningful change. I've collected some articles here about America's dysfunctional relationship with guns, most of which I've shared before. Change is possible - there are good reasons to control the ownership of guns and control has a high likelihood of success - but how will our country find the political will to make it happen?

Aside from reading the above series of quotes from Kottke's site, please read the Teen Vogue piece We Have to Stop Pretending We Can't Do Anything About Gun Violence, as it's as on point as any piece could be.

I am angry about the Las Vegas shooter (killing 59, injuring 515) for so many reasons but, mostly, because we do nothing about it. I feel fearful. I feel despondent that there are people that would lash out at me for feeling that way, saying that guns aren't a danger, despite the evidence. Mostly I feel powerless because, as Kottke says, we are stuck in a loop. Thoughts and prayers go out, divisions continue to widen and nothing changes. Even a blog post feels embarrassingly, miserably, inadequate but I'm hopeful a movement somehow arises to finally break the chain.