Rhetoric after Parkland

When in his early 20s, my work colleague and his older brother were shot dead in a movie theater parking lot after they exited, unarmed, from a show. Everyone at the small business where we worked was shocked, mournfully grieved and angry. None in my presence expressed anger at the right of the killer to carry a gun, but rather what he did with it. Many of us wrote letters calling for justice upon the murderer, not infringement of the people’s right to bear arms.

In the past weeks, the news media brought us appalling sound bites and video clips of youths’ insolent demands, accusations and political threats toward government representatives. I heard neither thoughtful, rational ideas from the youth for safer schools, nor their true understanding of the Second Amendment expressed through the media. Yet, these students were lavished with attention, and praised nationally and locally.

I understand the shock, sorrow and anger of youth whose close associates died at the hand of a killer’s use of a gun. However, it grieves me for my country, and community, that adults – even some in authority – have supported, magnified and even modeled such degenerative behavior and unconstructive rhetoric. It’s shameful.

Duncan Bean

Spokane Valley