An Ugly World.
Waking up to the news that our country suffered the worst mass shooting in history feels like a kick in the gut when you’re already writhing on the ground from various other devastating blows. The world feels like a very ugly place right now, with disaster and doom lurking around every corner and on every news website- natural disasters, ineffective and rude government officials, terrorism…. It’s hard to feel positive during dark times like these, and blogging about pillows and pretty paint color doesn’t feel right today. It feels like a day to be quiet and contemplative. And also to think about what positive action one can take to perhaps, just maybe, change some the things that make this day in age so anxiety riddled.
Yup, I know, this is a design blog. I get that. But I am also a person, a citizen of this country and a mother and while many have said I should not to get “political” on here (“bad for business” they say, although I’ve never seen much collateral damage aside from a few unfollows) I am going to take a minute to remind everyone about the stalled, ridiculously messed up gun control debate we have in this country. Our government has managed to STILL not take a stand on automatic and semi-automatic weapons, which actually helps shooters like the one last night do what they do with few hurdles to even slow them down.
According to the BBC, Nevada has some of the most lax gun laws of any state in the country. Open carry is allowed, even for assault rifles. There is no limit to the amount of ammunition that a person can buy at a time, which may have helped the shooter harm more people during the attack. Gun owners also don’t have to be licensed with the government, meaning there was no way to potentially track the shooter’s movements before the attack and prevent his actions. I mean, it’s harder to get a license to drive a CAR than it is to get a freaking assault rifle in Nevada. HELLO? HOW DOES THIS MAKE ANY SENSE?
I’m not here to say no one should have a gun. If you want to abide by a set of rules and background checks to have a handgun or hunting rifle- fine. That is your right. But no civilian, and I mean NO ONE, needs to have an automatic assault rifle. These should be banned completely. And it’s proven that in doing so it STOPS mass shootings (look at the statistics from Australia who bravely and rightfully made huge gun law changes after a mass shooting).
I myself have been a member of Everytown for Gun Safety since the Newtown shootings and now have joined Moms Demand Action and am donating today to support their fight against these stupid, outdated laws that keep getting innocent Americans killed. I think about my sweet boy playing on tractors and eating apples this weekend happy as a clam and then think about the possibility of a gunman taking his life because we allowed them to have access to ridiculous weapons and I want to flip a dumpster in rage.
There is so much that happens that we cannot do anything to prevent, but we can with this. I have to believe we can demand action from our elected officials. So my call to action today is if you feel like I do, join a group like the above that are working to make change or write your Senators and Congressmen to tell them what you want from them. Lets fight for them to take at least ONE step towards reasonable gun laws.
It’s time.
ExploreEnjoy More
Browse:
Maggie Smith, if I thought like you I’d never get out of bed. You must live in hell.
I agree 100% …the laws need to be changed. Not saying no one should own guns because I myself own one however they need to change drastically. I feel like everytime i get comfortable and let my guard down …..another mass shooting happens ……….and as a mom I can’t help but wonder will my babies be in the crossfire next time it happens. Then i panic and die inside. It makes me want to hide out in the middle of no where. Then i’m angry for the parents and families whose loved ones were killed or hurt already.
Something needs to change
Erica Valentin
http://www.EricaValentin.com
Thank you Erin. When I vote, at all levels of government, a candidate’s stance on gun control is the number one policy position I look at.
My sister was in an Uber car in LA that was shot into (she and her then 1 year old were fine, thankfully). The wonderful head of college counseling at my kids’ school was shot at when that nut job started shooting folks at the Fort Lauderdale airport last year, and was saved only by the school issued laptop in his backpack, which took the bullet. This senseless gun violence has to stop.
The reality is that most Americans do not share your sentiment. Americans want to keep their guns and they’ve proved it year after year. Any attempt to regulate strikes a fear of a slippery slope for gun owners. You live in a city and you surround yourself with people who live and think like you. Place yourself in rural America. I’m not suggesting that rural Americans are all against gun regulation or that they do not agree that what happened in my hometown on Sunday was horrific but many are rural Americans are used to being around guns. Are you used to being around guns? Probably not. Lots of people in this country use guns responsibly to make themselves or their family feel safe, they use them for recreation , and also to provide food for their families. Someone like you, living in an urban area and likely not a gun owner probably only associates guns with violence, crime and massacre. That does’t discount your opinion but my point is that you welcome regulation. There are a lot of people who do not live like you and therefore do not think like you and they will never respect your opinion if you don’t respect them. Telling them they have blood on their hands for what happened on Sunday is as disgusting as the comment you were responding to. You’re welcome to share your opinion on your platform but if any of us really want to make progress on sensible gun laws we need to start respecting different view points and try to see things from other’s perspectives.
Hi, coming from rural Alabama here. I come from the definition of rural America, following 3 generations of small town farmers. We support coomon sense gun laws here. We know the right to bear arms comes with responsibility. My family members use rifles for hunting and protection. Guns are serious business, not toys to play. I’m my mind there is not another viewpoint.
Amen.
It’s the “you do not need….” rhetoric that is in-American and unconstitutional. When one group of people starts telling another group of people what they do and do not need (within the framework of the Constitution), that is the beginning of the end of freedom.
correction: UN-American
Actually, polls show that most Americans DO support gun reform, even Republican gun owners. http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/02/politics/bipartisan-gun-control-policies-majorities/index.html
And as you say, we all need to respect each others right to opinion. If you actually read what I wrote I said I’d support legal gun ownership of handguns and shotguns for the purpose of self defense and hunting/sport as long as there are background checks and licensing involved , which is common sense. What I do NOT agree with is the need for average Americans to have a semi-automatic assault weapon. You do not NEED that kind of gun for self-defense nor hunting. It’s a weapon designed for military use. So, I do agree to your right to bear arms, but not the kind of arms that have been used in all these mass killings. If we remove those from circulation via a buyback and new laws, we WILL see a reduction is mass murders like Vegas and Newtown and people can still arm themselves. I do not understand how someone could argue against that if it protects human lives but still allows for Second Amendment rights.
Maybe an owner of the weapons you want to ban just enjoys shooting them? Is there anything wrong with that? It is a hobby for some people. Most gun owners don’t own these types of weapons but it is their right. Who are you to decide what a gun owner needs and doesn’t need? A ban on these weapons will not stop what happened in Las Vegas.
Saying someone is being hypocritical is not “name calling”.
I thought you were above name calling…As far as being a hypocrite…how come you are not “slack jawed horrored” at the post that said if you contribute to the NRA you are responsible for the massacre?!! Or the post that said it took something like this to happen to a bunch of conservatives to change peoples minds? I have also asked where the outrage is when confronted with the horrific gun violence in Chicago….crickets! Will banning semi-automatic weapons fix that problem? Will new laws stop the carnage?!
You’re incredibly hypocritical- you see that right? Saying that we on the “other” side must listen to your side but you won’t listen a lick to our opinion NOR facts. Tell me, I want to know, why does the Average Joe need to own a AR-15 instead of a handgun or hunting rifle? Really- both those types of weapons should suffice for self-defense, protection and hunting. I have never once heard a reasonable argument other than “because I want to”– which sorry, is not an argument when lives are on the line.
Yeah…and polls also said Hillary Clinton would be the next President of the United States…I agree with worktheroom that liberal American lives in an echo chamber.
Clearly I’m in the minority but for the sake of balance, consider the fact that strict regulations on firearms will not impact crazy people like this guy in Vegas. He was determined to commit an evil act and, like most criminals, would have done whatever necessary, regardless of what the law says. My right to protect myself and my family comes from God and is protected by the Constitution. If we start chipping away at our freedom, where do we draw the line? Should we ban U-Haul rentals, knives and pressure cookers? It is not legal to own an automatic weapon, but that doesn’t stop people. I don’t understand the “more gun control” argument. Rather than focus on restricting our freedoms, I believe we should focus on recalibrating our collective moral compass. I am a mother. I own a gun and I take that responsibility seriously. Gun control will impact ME, not the crazy man…maybe not right away, but eventually. I say this with no animosity, but with love for my neighbors, my community, my kids and my country.
This is the most valid point I have read so far in this whole argument. Well said LOVERULES.
Yes, you can protect yourself with a handgun, which I said in my post I would support. Did you not read that part? You do not NEED an AR-15 to prtoect your family from an intruder or criminal. And saying that banning those types of guns should be seen the same as banning knives, U-Hauls and pressure cookers is absurd. Those are items used in daily life for many other uses. There is no other use for a semi-automatic gun than to kill many people in a fast and vicious manner. Period.
keep awake and act in any way you can to keep this issue alive. rise up and demand protection from the gun loving lunatics
Why name calling? I support gun ownership. You don’t know me or my thoughts. Why call me names?
Thank you for using your platform to stand up and speak out about common sense gun regulation. As a mom to a young kid, it makes me sick to my stomach to think of these mass shootings, and a part of my heart will be permanently broken over Sandy Hook and our country’s (lack of ) reaction to it.
The fact is, people kill people with things. We can’t prevent every tragedy, but we can reduce them. The Vegas shooter may have planned a bomb as well, but look at what he did. He picked up the thing that’s easiest. The thing our history and culture glorifies. The thing a large portion of our population is quite literally addicted to.
We have to come at this from all sides, for ourselves, our children, our fellow people. All the mental health care in the world won’t prevent sick minds, but it will help. Common sense gun regulation won’t totally prevent sick minds from finding ways to hurt people, but it will help. There’s no one, neat solution, and the majority of Americans who support common sense gun regulation know that.
But we have to try SOMETHING. Literally anything. Right now.
Thank you, Erin. Never be afraid to use your voice. There are those that will be inspired to raise their own.
Who cares if Kim Jong-Un gets a nuke. Nukes don’t kill people, PEOPLE kill people. See how effing stupid that sounds?!?!?
Thank you Erin. I continue to struggle with why some people here don’t get it though. This shouldn’t be so hard, it’s not like some mysterious philosophical debate. Common sense, gun safety, doing something to protect others, it’s so clear. Why are people bringing up random crap about evil and knives and what not. It’s hard to express how I feel without wanting to scream so I appreciate your ability to articulate so much better than I can.
Thank you for speaking out. The lack of action enrages me. I can’t understand why more people don’t follow these groups on Facebook!!! I received great info from them about who to call and what to say. They need more members and active participants!!!
“Humanity has struggled to neutralize evil men for millennia. For millennia, we have failed. It doesn’t mean that we don’t continue to try. It doesn’t mean that we close ourselves off to innovative solutions and new ideas. It does mean, however, that even the best of intentions and the most genuine of monologues have to be exposed to the cold light of law, reason, and facts. Sincerity only makes misinformation more dangerous.”
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/452233/jimmy-kimmel-gun-control-comments-las-vegas-shooting
Thank you for this link. Hope everyone reading this blog will at least look at this article.
Crazy people should not have guns, or knives, or bombs, or the means to make a bomb . . . angry people should not have guns, or knives, or bombs or whatever . . . The USA is angry, you are angry because the USA allows certain guns.
But lets ask what is going on? Why are people angry, killing , lacking compassion, respect, love – honor – care? This guy was said to be “normal” no one saw any signs. What set him off? Who set him off?
Sure we can take their guns and they use a drone to go over a school yard – or your back yard, and spray chemicals. We take the drone and they use fertilizer and fuel to make a bomb and put in the parking garage at the mall or your office complex, or attack our power grid system. If people want to kill and disrupt, they are going to kill and disrupt.
Is it the GMO food, the preservatives, the 24/7 news channels, the fluoride in the water, polluted air, all those things? The reason behind this act, is what needs to be discovered and shortly, because this is not stopping! Take their gun, sure, but what is the next weapon going to be? You can join all the antigun groups in the USA, but that is not going to stop the anger and hatred we are beginning to see.
Preach!! I believe that is an expression of affirmation. You have used your forum to say something that means so much to all of us and I just wanted to thank you.
Pauline P Davalos
Thank you for having the conversation, Erin. You and your husband make a great team.
Please keep the dialogue going and help educate by sharing your knowledge.
You’re a talented woman, but this is why I really like you :)
Appreciated.
We all would like to pass the perfect set of laws that could protect us and our loved ones from harm. But the problem isn’t the guns. Its the human heart and the nature of the world – which can be an ugly place indeed. If you take away the guns, you’ll get more murders with vehicles, bombs and knives – yes, mass murder. Because the problem wasn’t the guns; the problem was that this person wanted to commit mass murder. I hope we come to understand why (his motivation) – maybe this can help us prevent it in the future.
Lilly, if your house is on fire do you spend some time reflecting on how or why your house caught fire? Do you wonder why there is fire in the world?
Yes people use other things to kill people, like cars. But they also need cars to drive. No one needs a semi-automatic weapon or 50 something guns in their home. We can’t solve all evil in the world but we can do something about guns.
There are countless examples of countries that have passed gun control legislation that has effectively reduced the rate of gun deaths. Our country is alone in our refusal to recognize and address the problem.
This argument is often used as an excuse for inaction, and I don’t believe we should allow that. Just because someone might break a law doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have the law. Without an automatic weapon this man would’ve had a much harder time trying to commit mass murder . Shouldn’t we make it harder? Considering we are the only country with a mass shooting epidemic, we need to stop with excuses and get real about the modern NRA and the gun culture they’ve created, and our easy access to guns.
But he could have. He could have used bombs, a truck, a plane. want to be safe – I get that. We all want to be safe. But ‘gun control’ is not a panacea. It will not be THE solution to the evil that lives in the hearts of some people.
The truck drive in Nice killed more people. The Grande concert killer used a bomb.
But he didn’t. He used guns. Lots of guns.
I’m sorry, this is not ‘an excuse for inaction’. I just don’t believe in demanding things that make us feel better but do very little in fact. I don’t believed in acting emotionally, but rather with thought and care. For example, we don’t, at this point, know whether the weapons he used were legal or illegal. What will you say if the guns or the modifications to the guns were already illegal?
Also, as we are all very aware, you don’t need a gun to commit mass murder. You can use a truck or a bomb, or even an airplane. I’ve seen reports that he had bomb-making materials in his care. Also, this guy was a licensed pilot – he could have purchased or rented a plane, loaded it with gas and crashed it into the crowd.
Also, our 24-house news programs, diving into depth about every detail encourages these types – they can go out in infamy – their name living on. Physiologists tell us that the type of news coverage we have, where the shooter, bomber, etc is at the center of the ‘excitement’ spurs others on to act similarly. The Columbine shooters were actually seeking infamy, and they, in turn, continue to inspire others. They actually have a fan base. Yikes!
We need to talk about how to talk about these events without creating the infamy these creeps are looking for!
Erin, the points you make are so valid, but the issue in changing law is not simply one about saving lives but intertwined with lawmakers wanting to win the next election. As long as the gun lobby is as ubiquitous as is is, and their money can make or break a candidate, nothing will likely change. Gun violence in the United States results in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries annually. In 2013, 33,636 deaths due to “injury by firearms” (10.6 deaths per 100,000 U.S. citizens). That is about 3/4 of the population of Charlottesville, VA……..every year another small city is wiped off the map from gun violence, and yet it continues.
By passing common sense laws we could avoid so many senseless deaths (like texting and driving), but the gun issue has become so polarized and political that I doubt it will happen. Soon this incident will fade from our collective conscience until the next time.
Well said. I appreciate your candor regarding this issue. I completely agree and am cautiously optimistic that we might see changes soon or at least in our lifetime.
What about the human condition? Maybe we should talk about that?
That’s sounds pretty broad. Why don’t we start with some common sense gun legislation and then discuss the human condition, when the world is a tiny bit safer .
that is the most important part, that no one seems to get, sadly……no post, no report, no discussion just more anger…..
Yes. That is what this is all about and where everyone really IS on the same page. If we focus on mental health, the evil of social media, the way these events are covered and what motivates evil people to carry out these heinous acts, the power is taken from the object – the gun – and put back into the mind of the perpetrator. It could have been a bomb or a truck or a chemical… evil is evil and it will find a way to carry out its plan. We need to figure out how it ever came to this in the first place.
Brilliant point. We don’t talk about it because then we would have to examine ourselves. Placing blame on inaminate objects is just easier. Also throwing money at something and then patting ourselves on the back for being so caring is another easy way to avoid any kind of reflection or hard work. By the way…I am not placing myself above these things…I do this all the time. Thanks for the reminder that we all fall short…
The fully automatic weapon allegedly used by gunman, Stephen Paddock, was made illegal under federal law back in 1986.
Yes, but there are hundreds of thousands of pre-1986 machine guns still available LEGALLY on the market for a price. Also, there are ways to “upgrade” a semi-automatic to basically a fully automatic (hundreds of rounds per minute)– it takes minutes and you can buy these add ons online. Legally. So banning semi-automatics WILL stop shootings like this because this level of damage cannot be done with a handgun or a hunting rifle.
And just look at the stats from countries that enacted bans. Australia, Scotland/UK responded to national tragedies with action and it worked.
News reports say he also had the makings for a bomb.
And that man in Nice killed over 80 people with a truck.
Evil is evil. Evil isn’t constrained by laws.
My advice to anyone reading this is to get educated about guns. Know the difference between an automatic and semi-automatic handgun, know the different types of guns, know the difference between an ” assault weapon” ( the definition is very murky and may vary by jurisdiction-know your local gun laws!) and an “assault rifle”, etc. The gun advocates, the gun lobby, the gun manufacturers, NRA, etc. are incredibly smart about guns and gun laws! They will exploit your ignorance at every turn so please do not give them the chance! Right now, they are working out a plan to spin this tragedy into something positive for their pro-gun platform. They are counting on each one of us (especially women-they love to exploit the ignorance of women) to be overwrought with emotion and ignorant of the facts. Please don’t give them that advantage. Thank you, Erin, for starting this very important conversations!
No revolution ever started with silence. SPEAK! This is ridiculous. Now, next week our elected officials are deciding on whether silencers should be saleable? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Continue to make the world beautiful, Erin. Part of that is paint and pillows, and part of it is your beautiful voice.
To Erin and Andrew, your viewpoints have impacted and rearranged the paradigm in my head, and I applaud you both. Since automatic weapons were banned in 1986, the law has not progressed to include new technological advances which now , sadly, make deadly adaptations legal. Congress needs to act immediately. And as far as the timing of this crusade…..if not now, when??
BTW… the photo you posted of Henry at the station is a Norman Rockwell painting. I want a Norman Rockwell world again!
Unfortunately the “Norman Rockwell world” existed mostly in his paintings. His career spanned revolutions with global impact, the rise of fascism, both World Wars plus Korea and Vietnam, Jim Crow, etc. etc. There is no idyllic past–only a future we cal all make better together.
Thank you, Erin.
Yes, this is a design blog but it’s your blog and you’re an American citizen. You have every right to use your platform to speak about the issues you care about.
I don’t think you have politicized this tragic event. When is the right time to speak up? When everyone has moved on to the next shooting? We need some serious changes regarding our gun culture. That nothing happened post Sandy Hook speaks volumes.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your honest and eloquent words. You articulated my own feelings so accurately. Living on the west coast I watched the Las Vegas horror unfold in real time, and I am shaken to my very core. My college-age daughter was inconsolable, and I have rarely in my lifetime felt such sheer helplessness, despair and, yes, dumpster-flipping anger. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough, and your blog post was the one that made sense for me today.
Thank you for speaking up on this very important topic, Erin!! I agree. We must act to protect one another from senseless tragedy. No more! These are dark times. I am sad for our country.
Thank you for speaking up. We all need to act. God bless
Totally agree with your comments. We need to ask our leaders to take action to curve events like this due to automatic weapons. Right on for speaking out! I was heartbroken today.
Thank you for your post. I agree completely. I wonder what will be the breaking point that will wake us all up? Today I was devastated and couldn’t really get anything done. I was getting abit anxious and then I remembered., i thought “Thank god I’m not running on autopilot today”. I’ll continue to mourn for the victims and pray for their families. I don’t know them, but you know what?
The thing is that sometimes we think those things just happen to other people… not us or our families… we’ll die old and of natural causes… it’s easier to turn the blind eye Because the reality is too hard. Those awful things
don’t happen to us, until they do. We need real connection! This world needs to stop and make space for real connection!
Perhapa I’m being naive, but I think we all have goodness inside. I think the world can become a better place and we can all stop hating each other and really start caring for each other without being afraid. But it takes work and courage. it means we need to stop thinking about business and money before people. I admire you Erin.
I think you’re on point when you raise your voice and don’t pretend this is a normal day. The day we start pretending nothing happened, we will be buried alive. We can’t lose our humanity.
Your authenticity, rawness and honesty is what I most admire about you and your blog. Again thank you!
Thank You!! As I scrolled through Instagram tonight I was so sick of the “thoughts and prayers” posts immediately followed by a sweater post or lipstick round up from the influencers and brands I follow. I think it’s refreshing to see someone use their platform to actually speak about things that matter. I’m outraged by what happened today and I applaud you for taking a stand and more importantly taking action.
I don’t know, I’m rather tired of people putting down ‘thoughts and prayers’. People in grief and pain are comforted by the idea that the nation is grieving with them – that they are not alone in their suffering. Further – ‘thoughts’ DO spur people to action -from supporting legislation to donating blood, money, time to actually help. And, as a religious person, I’ve found that prayers are quite productive.
Please don’t be so down on ‘thoughts and prayers’.
I don’t think people are down on them, it just feels like our leaders mouth these platitudes then move in. It rings very hollow after the umpteenth time.
Thank you for providing organizations to get involved with. I wrote my congressman this morning after I dropped my small boys off at school. I have been complicit, never voting or getting involved in politics, a bystander. I can no longer be a bystander , to demand better of my country I must demand better of myself and get involved. America needs to have this discussion, everyone is a child to someone. No more of Americas Children should die .
Couldn’t agree more, Erin. Thanks for speaking up and not pretending like it was just another day.
In 2016 Illinois ranked 8th in the country for having the strictest gun laws. Here are the statistics for 2017 (so far) for gun violence in Chicago:
Shot & Killed: 496
Shot & Wounded: 2386
Total Shot: 2882
Total Homicides: 533
Where’s the outrage…where are the calls for action….where?
Might want to read this Diane. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/glanton/ct-met-gun-control-chicago-dahleen-glanton-20171003-story.html
Again…I think you are missing the point of my comment. I guess I shouldn’t have confused you with the fact that Illinois has the 8th strictest gun laws in the country. My point is…there is incredible outrage and calls for action when there is a mass shooting like the one in Las Vegas (and there should be!). But in Chicago 500 people have been killed and 2,882 have been shot this year alone and I hear not a peep…no righteous indignation….nothing. Kids are being shot in their beds…on their front porches. The people in these neighborhoods have to live with the kind of horror that was on display in Las Vegas on a daily basis. Can you imagine!?!?!? They NEVER feel safe. No gun laws are going to stop the violence in chicago…there are plenty of laws already on the books and they are not being enforced.
God bless you Diane.
Seriously?
Chicago is actually an example of why we need NATIONAL STANDARDS of gun control. It is NOT an example of why gun control does not work.
It’s an Island (of Gun Control) surrounded by a really big Ocean (of gun nuts).
Yes…I am serious. Thanks for asking.
Cause and effect can be confusing. Chicago has very strict gun laws because it has a tremendous problem with gun violence. It’s strict gun laws did not cause this violence.
My point wasn’t that the strict gun laws cause the violence. I was trying to point out that we have a massive gun violence problem in a world class city and I don’t see people being outraged about it or calling for action. I find it horrifying. The people living in those neighborhoods are living a version of the Las Vegas Massacre on a daily basis and no one seems to care.
Thank you for your brave comments Erin. As a Canadian my heart breaks for the many tragedies that are occurring in the states. When I read comments of those who oppose gun control, I remember when my friend and former teaching colleague, an avid hunter and gun owner in a rural community, sat beside me dismayed following the Newtown shooting. As I waited for him to disagree with me, he said “I’ve been a gun owner virtually all my life…no one, absolutely no one needs to own that kind of weapon.”
I will share the poem you ended with in my high school classroom tomorrow. Stay strong in regards to any nasty comments, we have opinions that we are all entitled to, and this is your platform to say whatever you like. Thank you for using it to say something you believe in.
Thank you for posting about this! Your comments are in no way insensitive to the families and friends of the victims. We need to change our gun laws to prevent these tragedies. How many deaths are enough for us to put lives first rather than the NRA? Is 50 enough? We have to take action and make our voices heard or nothing will change!
Aside from your all the beautiful things you write about and share, part of the reason I love your blog is your wonderful writing . You have an important platform and you have the courage to use it to make the world a better place not only in our homes but in our communities too. Thank you, Erin.
#notonemore
Thank you for speaking out and for presenting a call to action! These organizations are new to me and I will definitely be supporting.
And, uh, Tom Petty died. So, gonna pull the plug on today.
Why are people already politicising this horrible tragedy?!?! What gives?! I mean REALLY PEOPLE! I know all of your hearts are in the right place, but it would have been so much more kind and sensitive to the families of the victims If you had just posted a in memoriam on the blog instead of some thing political. Again, I understand the heart behind all this, but all I could think about when I saw this post was what if a victims family sees this?!? How is it going to make them feel on top of ever thing they are already going through? Thanks for bringing up this much needed viewpoint , but it would have been sensitive to wait a few days.
We needed laws changed yesterday. We need laws changed today and tomorrow. These people lost their lives because we keep letting it go. Every time another shooting happens we all give our thoughts and prayers. We need more! Now! The best thing we can do for these families is apologize for not doing something sooner. Nobody is being insensitive. People are outraged. What else is there to talk about but major sweeping change. We ALL look like idiots. I pledge to do more. To speak out more, to write letters, etc. Mania? I hope you do more now, for the families.
Isn’t it actually too late, for those people in Las Vegas, not too soon??? We have to talk about this issue every day until changes are made.
It’s not “political” to want a sane world.
Don;t you think the victims families wish we had discussed this SOONER? Then maybe their loved ones would not be dead. Of course my thoughts are with them, but this isn’t a time for politeness, its a time for ACTION.
I had that same thought Kathleen. Where are the “mothers against murdering children in the womb”! I think we should ban abortion…that would save a lot more lives than banning semi automatic handguns! I think we can all get behind that!
Wonder what your stand is on abortion? Do you think it is a time for action? There are over one million abortions in this country per year. Do you think the victims wish we had discussed this issue? Do you think it is time for action?
Exactly. It’s not too soon, it’s too late.
I think it’s a shame that we view common-sense gun legislation as “political.” And frankly, almost any disagreement can be framed as a political discussion these days. But in my opinion, this is not an issue of politics; it is a health and safety issue. When too many children were being killed in car accidents, we legislated to have them in the back seat, with seat belts. Now, car seats are required and we have airbags to protect all passengers, including from side impact crashes. Our government is tasked with acting to save lives without significantly impacting our rights as citizens. These actions may be implemented by politicians, but they are not inherently political. Personally, I’ve never heard the families of victims say that the discussion about gun control started too soon; I’ve only ever heard them say that it started too late.
Very well said Lucy! And keep speaking your mind Erin. I respect you for using your platform to raise awareness. It is the most meaningful way to honor the victims of this tragedy.
https://www.facebook.com/thedailyshow/videos/10155861862141800/
If I had a loved one killed by senseless gun violence I think that knowing that my loved one’s death led to action to prevent future tragedies would be one teeny, tiny glimmer of hope and a feeling that my loved one didn’t die in vain. I think of the parents of the Sandy Hook kids who tried so hard to help pass gun control legislation so that other parents wouldn’t have to go through that, and I just think it’s so gut-wrenching and that we as a nation couldn’t even give them that small silver lining. Personally I think not doing something collectively as a nation in response to these tragedies is a huge moral failure and is just…disgusting.
Totally disagree. How is this insensitive? Because it would remind a victim’s family member of the senseless of the tragedy, i.e., that if only Congress had acted to solve the problem of mass shootings before now this shooting may have never happened? Inaction can be just as “political,” and just as powerful, as speaking up.
Could not agree more! If not now, when IS the time to discuss it? It’s just another excuse for avoiding a much-needed discussion!
CC….perfectly stated!!
Valid point. Although the other side of this is that it is the anger and pain we need to tap into in order to get something done. In a few days, sadly, something else will take our attention away. Like a hurricane. Or the threat of war with NK. Or any number of things.
And part of what I love about my wife’s point of view here is the raw emotion of it. Waiting has a way of tamping that down.
Not to disagree with your statement…just the other side of it. :)
Thank you Andrew for weighing in. I hate to say this, but we women still need men to have our backs…Why is it that we may shout out loud , recognize pain and injustice and yet not be heard? We can look to Eleanor Roosevelt. f I am a Canadian who owns a home in Naples. I have never been comofortable with American gun laws…or lack there of. When will the American people rise up against the NRA? Too much power in too few hands… We are neighbours and friends, and what we see going on in the US is sad and problematic. Sending love and peace. Brenda. Murphy.
Thanks so much for being so nice about my disagreement.. and please don’t feel that I was trying to put anyone down.. after I posted that I thought “was I a little harsh?” I am thankful for Erin’s passion to make her country a safer place, and if we pull together, I think we can do that. Maybe that is the glimmer of light we are all clinging to right now..
Thank you for this post. Agree in every way with your statements.
I live in Canada so I really shouldn’t comment except to say, ” I agree! ” No individual needs to own a semi automatic. Leave those in the hands of the military and police.
My condolences to the families of those killed or injured in this latest attack.
Get Educated, Donate, Speak Out, Vote–just ACT. We can’t do this unless we band together. As Erin said, join and donate to The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and/or Moms Demand Action. Sign up for their notifications of rallies, or bills pending in Congress. Right now, Congress is getting ready to vote on legislation to allow people from Conceled Carry states to carry in states where concealed carry is not allowed – it’s called Concelaed Carry Reciprocity. And there will be more NRA-sponsored bills coming down the pike. Call your representative and say NO MORE. Stop voting for representatives with poor records on gun control legislation. Prayer is not enough–we must make our voices heard to stop this insanity.
When do we move the needle? When?! How can we be so inundated with fear and bad news and feel so powerless and keep continuing? Because people, I am totally fucking depleted.
Two weeks ago I watched militarized police march down my street- right in front of my house- to push out protesters after the Stockley verdict. It was my Twilight Zone moment. The chanting as they walked backwards out of the way, followed by 200 men in SWAT gear, a circling helicopter with a spotlight and automatic rifles.
I have 2 little boys that aren’t even 10. ““If you want to change the world, go home and love your family” – Mother Teresa. Pardon me if I pull the plug on anything outside of a 5 block radius for the rest of the year. I just have nothing left.
You are right on point, Erin. Bravo.
Making comments here is like preaching to the choir. Consider making donations to anti gun lobby candidates. The NR A uses money, mass mailings, and targeted action to keep all these weapons legal and far too easy to purchase.
Words alone won’t change the situation.
Thank you, Erin. What you say is common sense and needs to be heard. Also, if you have a moment, please read this piece on the silencer legislation making it’s way through Congress. It is CRAZYTOWN.
http://www.thirdway.org/memo/what-would-happen-if-congress-deregulates-silencers
(Third Way is a moderate think tank in Washington, if you are wondering.)
Also, call your members of Congress. They need to hear from us!
Bravo Erin!
Keep speaking up Erin! It’s so sad that other bloggers and people with a platform choose to sit silent, in fear of hurting their “brand”. Please keep the dialogue open and don’t be deterred by the negative comments or unfollows. Thank you for posting this today!
All the best – Kelie
I can’t remember where I heard this, but someone was talking about how to talk to your children about tragedy, and they said they tried to direct focus on “the helpers.” In times of great tragedy, you will also find people performing extraordinary acts of courage and kindness. Yes, there seems to be so much horrible pain and anger in the world, but I believe if we keep our collective attention on the heroes that arise, we have a much better chance at improving things for our kids.
Thank you, thank you Erin! For this post, the poem and taking on the hateful comments here. I’m sharing the poem on my Facebook.
I found this blog post from Pam Grout today to be particularly insightful and provide an interesting perspective. As a creative person, I thought you might appreciate it: https://pamgrout.com/2017/10/02/its-time-to-spin-love-out-of-the-threads-of-chaos/
Great, “Miss I make pillows for a living” has to weigh in on something she knows NOTHING about.
Dear AR Owner,
She may make pillows, or to be precise, she designs pillows, but she sure as hell can weigh in on this issue. She is a citizen of a country where these horrific mass shootings are about as commonplace and predictable as pumpkin spice lattes.
I must ask, when you reference that she knows ‘NOTHING’ about what she weighed in on, what exactly do you mean? Do you nean she knows nothing because she does not own an AR? If so, I feel so genuinely sorry for you and your most unfortunate ignorance. I really fear for this country when so many of its citizens feel like they are so aggrieved by this, that and the other. Get over yourselves, get involved with your communities, get out of your selfish, selfish heads and start thinking intentionally!
As a citizen of this country, Erin Gates had a right to make this post. Full stop.
Thank you for not being afraid to say how you feel. Never be silenced by your critics!
Congress is now poised to pass a bill that will make it much easier, faster, and cheaper to purchase silencers – which will mean an even greater potential loss of life in future inevitable attacks. The bill will almost certainly pass, in spite of this mass killing and in spite of the recent attack on GOP representatives themselves at their baseball practice. We need to stop electing people who pass these idiotic, heartless laws . “Thoughts and prayers” are hollow coming from those who continue to vote for them. In addition to joining organizations like the ones you mentioned, another thing we can all do is call our elected officials today and tell them where we stand on the silencer bill. I’m certain NRA supporters are calling.
Thank you for your post. I’ve been writing to my congressmen every since Sandy Hook and on its anniversary each year. We need to keep fighting for tighter gun control and easier access to mental health care for those at risk. To me, these issues are intertwined.
Love you….love the post….thanks for speaking up!!
Thank you for your posts and for your sensible, articulate replies on this terrible, terrible and tragic topic. I really appreciate you writing about this. Xx
YES GIRL. THANK YOU.
Was waiting for a troll like Lori to spew some garbage stats that she pieced together from Fox and Breitbart. Lori, you are racist trash and are grossly under-educated on geography and the constitution. You, are what’s wrong with this country.
Dear Jess,
Your comment is just as hateful as Lorrie’s. I don’t agree with what Lorrie said, and I think her sarcasm at the end was inappropriate. But I don’t get “racist” from her comment. Nor do I see statistics from Breitbart or Fox in her post–unless there was another one she posted that I missed. Nor would I consider her “trash” as she has a right to an opinion in this country just like you do.
Your anger and exaggeration regarding her post does not help. You are just adding another level of anger and hate. I’m sure you have more important things to do than wait for “trolls” .
Ugh this event is absolutely tragic: whether it is automatic weapons, knives, hijacked trucks, or pressure cookers. Can everyone–leftwing, rightwing, NFL players, twitter users– just take a collective pause? Maybe a long pause?
Grieving for everyone hurt by this tragedy.
Thank you so much for this. The quickness with which we attempt to discredit a different opinion with how someone is stupid or racist or trash is truly demoralizing. It is more than possible for one to believe in their right to own an assault rifle and also to be a good person, parent, friend. I will admit I am not one of them, but I have friends that do (two that I know of, but whatever) that are the kindest souls I know, and insulting their intelligence doesn’t suddenly make them hate their guns…let’s attempt to not take our own anger out on people who feel differently than us. They didn’t kill those people.
Jess,
I am as mad as you are. And, I am guessing that you and I would get along great over coffee if we were discussing the day’s newspaper. But I want to implore you from calling folks names, if for no other reason than it hurts our cause. Because now, instead of debating the issue, those whose oppose you will now draw attention toward your anger, instead of the things that matter.
I am sympathetic. It is your right to say what you do. But I am begging you to please use your voice to keep on with the message that we need to bring about positive change. We need all the help we can get.
With you on this 100%. Thanks for sharing the group information, I’ve just joined Moms Demand Action.
Thanks for your post. Just horrible news this morning that another mass shooting has occurred. We have lived through the Pulse shooting here in Orlando and I felt so helpless afterwards. How much death has to occur before our leaders in the House and Senate will have the guts to take a stand. I would vote hands down for any candidate, regardless of party, who will come forward and do something to put a stop to this. Of course there are always going to be bad people who do awful things, but without access to these types of weapons the damage would be much less. Will someone out there please make some stronger gun legislation! PLEASE! I thought after Sandy Hook there would be no question….unbelievable that nothing has happened to improve the situation.
All of us, who believe that stricter gun control laws in this country can make a difference, need to speak up. We need to tell our congress people how strongly we feel on this subject. We need to donate money, as Erin suggests, to organizations that work to make this happen. The time for silence and passive behavior is over. If this is a concern to you (and it should be to all of us – yesterday Las Vegas, tomorrow possible your home town), we need to be part of the solution.
Totally agree with you. Our legislators need to be told to TAKE ACTION. These mass shootings are preventable with restrictions on assault-style guns, databases, background checks, and more. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for this post.
I generally think disagreement and discussion is good, but Lorrie’s comment is so out of line (and horrifying with the underlying threat) that you should consider deleting it.
I’m in the South, and a gun owner, and whole-heartedly support gun control, waiting periods, required training, etc. But no politicians seem to want to listen to me.
Do you have a lot of friends and family that feel the same as you? I feel like people like you are the key to changing this- smart, lawful gun owners who also feel that stricter laws need to be in place. Sucks that your elected officials don’t care. Thanks for speaking up!
Yes, but the NRA has such a stranglehold on politicians. Its voice well outweighs the more moderate vote of constituents. It’s very discouraging.
Erin, this is such an important point !! For all the law-abiding, sane gun owners ( and there are many, many out there) – YOU need to speak up!! Non-gun owners voices are not heard amidst the chatter. But if you are an NRA member then you are part of the most powerful lobbying group in congress, please let them know that you as a member want stricter gun control. Call, text, tweet, however you can let your representative or senator know! The 2nd amendment needs to protect every American, both gun and non-gun owners.
Bravo…..well said ! Thanks for this post . I have been so heartbroken lately …this only adds to that in a very deep way . It’s hard to process everything going on right now .
Thank you so much for this post. It’s incredibly honorable of you to use your platform for good and I wish more bloggers would do the same.
I, too, follow Everytown for Gun Safety. Each time the face of one of those precious Sandy Hook victims appears I question — “how could that not have been enough?”
The argument that carrying guns could prevent shooters like the Las Vegas shooter is ridiculous. It would have taken a sniper.
Last week a neighbor was having a late night cigarette on his deck when 2 young men approached and put a pistol to his head. In his attempt to push them away he was thrown to the ground and shot twice. Thankfully he survived but faces more surgery and a lifetime of traumatic memories.
So much anger accompanied by so much crazy and easy to get guns will never end well.
As a gun owner and 2nd amendment supporter, I fully support banning assault rifles and stricter gun laws. Thank you for speaking out.
I don’t particularly consider myself an optimist, maybe more of a realist but the poem struck a nerve. I have to call BS on the whole “the world is 50% bad”. I believe in God and the good of mankind. Consuming too much media easily skews perspective.
Prayers for Vegas
As a non gun owner, I am not against the 2nd amendment but I have never understood the resistance to stricter gun laws and the banning of assault weapons. Like you, Melissa, I seriously disagreed with the sentiments of the poem by Maggie Smith. Though the recent world events have been both disturbing and disheartening, saying that 50% of the world is bad has me bewildered. Anyone who believes that should really think about what the world would be like if half of the population were truly bad. And to say that there isn’t any beauty in the world? I agree that action is needed and we can’t remain silent. Look around and see people coming together to support and assist and grieve for the victims of all these tragedies. That is humanity and that is beauty.
Love you, love your blog, love this post. It seems there are enough of us who support reasonable gun controls; I hope we can soon make a difference.
Thank you!
He used a fully automatic weapon which is illegal, unless he purchased it prior to 1986, and had it registered. It’s also illegal to shoot people. I guess the Ak47 that killed 100 people in Bataclan, a country with the strictest gun control, doesn’t fit the leftist narrative. Look how well gun control is working out in Chicago, Obama’s town. Mentally ill, Islamist terrorists etc , kill people. Let’s ban trucks that drive into hundreds of people in crowds as well. And ban pressure cookers that blow up children /people at marathons. And “gun silencers”, only called that in the movies, do not silence guns. Good job politicizing this tragedy before the bodies are even cold. Donating again to the NRA over the stupidity from liberals today. I’ll try not to shoot someone today with my legally purchased gun.
“I’ll try not to shoot someone today with my legally purchased gun.” And this is exactly why U.S. gun laws need to be tightened. 450 people are dead or injured today, tens of thousands more are killed or injured every year, and still so many people don’t think before resorting to the use of these deadly weapons. Sure, guns will always be available, but if it’s not so easy to purchase one, they will be out of the hands of many people who clearly can’t act responsibly with them. Shame on you for desecrating the lives and memories of these victims with your callous words.
Go ahead and donate to the NRA. The blood is on your hands today.
What a ridiculous comment. How in the world does being a NRA member make you responsible for this tragedy. This is a divisive, offensive and unbelievably trite comment. Do you have any depth of knowledge regarding this issue? Hope posting this offensive comment made you feel good about yourself.
Despite quite a few mass shootings in Europe, statistically speaking Europeans are still FAR less likely to become victims of gun violence than Americans. It’s simple. Fewer guns and harder to get guns = fewer deaths by guns.
{https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/06/16/gun-violence-united-kingdom-united-states/85994716/}
{https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/14/upshot/compare-these-gun-death-rates-the-us-is-in-a-different-world.html?mcubz=1}
Lorrie, do you realize that Bataclan is not a country? It is a theater in Paris, France, located in a country that does not have the “strictest” gun control.
TOUCHE!
Oh Lorrie you are missing the point. Erin clearly said, go ahead and have your gun, just that these sorts of guns should not be so easy to obtain! When will conservatives get that. No one is trying to take away your second amendment rights, but the outdated laws surrounding it could be better!
How does it feel to be part of the problem? Your self-righteousness doesn’t belong here.
ERIN – thank you for posting. We can all do more – donate, lobby our elected officials… We *NEED* more strict gun control.
I am slack-jawed in horror at your comment. That kind of heartless, obscene talk is absolutely not welcome here. Go find a new blog to read, and I’ll pray no one you love gets caught up in a mass shooting.
Thank you for this thoughtful post and for realizing that today is not a throw pillow kind of day.
The sad truth is that no matter how strict the gun laws were to become, it won’t do much to change these situations. Unlawful crazies will always be able to access these weapons on the black market. It is what it is. I hurt for these families.
This argument always infuriates me. Bad things will still happen so we shouldn’t do anything to try to lessen the occurrence?? Makes no sense.
It infuriates me as well! By that same argument, why have ANY laws since criminals will always find a way to break them? So stupid.
That is proven to not be true though- again look at Australia. They banned them and no mass shootings since then. Lets at least TRY to make it hard for them!
Good for you CC!!! (thumbs up)
L, my faith in US-Mexico border security is much stronger than my faith in allowing people to own weapons of war.
Well… Australia is on an island which makes it very hard to get guns across the border. These people just have to go to Mexico and sneak across the border to get them in our country.
Well said, although I wish it didn’t HAVE to be said. Thank you for speaking up.
Thank you for speaking up on this issue and many others! I, for one, love it when you take the time to get “political.” (Even though, frankly, I think this issue is way past politics. It’s about humanity.)
AMEN, Erin!
I’ve often thought it is going to take an event where a bunch of conservatives are affected by our ridiculous gun laws to finally wake up and smell the coffee. Perhaps a mass shooting at a country music event was it. I can’t imagine what the families of these innocent victims are going through, but if just even one of them who is possibly hard core NRA can make a change, then that is a step in the right direction. These types of guns are insane to be available!!
This is the most ignorant comment I have ever read…
Here’s a great article (and is from FOX News) that says it better than I could.
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/10/04/las-vegas-shooting-brings-up-uncomfortable-gun-control-debate-in-country-music-community.html
No, no ignorant at all in my opinion. NRA county stars and other NRA country fans have been publicly stating since this tradegy we need to reconsider our gun laws. It’s this group of people whose voices can really help to make a difference and that was my only point. Did my comment sound like I was generalizing a group of people, perhaps, but again I just clarified what I meant. Sometimes your community of people has to be affected in order for you to make a change!
agreed and im a liberal
Thank you for inspiring me to donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown. I’m sick of this.
Thank you for this.
Thanks for speaking up!
YES, thank you for this.
Agreed on all points. Tougher laws are desperately needed. Bravo for standing up and speaking out.
– Signed – a gun owner from Texas
Yes, yes, yes. I agree. Thanks for posting.
So, so much respect for you for using your platform in this manner.
No civilian need an assault rifle, ever! I do not own a gun, but know many who do. My nephew is a competitive skeet and clay shooter. He is an incredibly responsible gun owner. he took multiple gun safety courses, preaches the same to his peers and belongs to a shooting team that teaches their members to treat their weapons (because that is ultimately what they are) with respect.
I am originally from Canada where it takes years to get a handgun…of which I’m in complete agreement with. Please, we need to do something to stop the sale of assault rifles and automatic weapons!
Thank you Erin for always making your voice heard!
Thank you SO much for the thoughtful post. It’s a tragic accident and the victims + families deserve our thoughts and prayers, but they also deserve something to actually be done about it. Our current administration is working to ease restrictions on gun silencers, which could make it a lot harder for people to hear, identify and escape gunfire in future shootings. Our voices are more important now than ever.
“[W]e have no power to extend Second Amendment protection to the weapons of war.” – Judge Robert King of the Fourth Circuit (the court under the US Supreme Court), referring to the “military-style rifles” that were also used during mass shootings in Aurora, Colorado, San Bernardino, California, Orlando, Florida, (and now Las Vegas), in Kolbe v. Hogan, February 2017. Each of us should be asking our state senators and representatives to introduce a bill modeled after Maryland’s, which has now been upheld as constitutional. And keep an eye on this case. A petition for certiorari (which is basically an appeal) has been made to the US Supreme Court. If the SCOTUS denies cert, it means they won’t take up the appeal, and we should take that as a call to action to demand similar legislation in our own states.
Erin, THANK YOU for pausing to address this. It is only by our voices being louder and more forceful than the NRA and others that we will overcome this insanity. #flipthedumpster
Thank you for using your platform in this way. Enough is enough.
Thank you for taking the time and having a voice! I completely agree.
Thanks for this post and for saying what needs to be said about gun control.
Thank you for taking the time to write and post this. This goes beyond politics.
#ENOUGH
100% agree. No one needs an automatic weapon- hopefully those opposed can see that the number of fatalities are only growing in recent years because of these killing machines. Please do your part in ending these lax laws!
Thank your for posting this. I can only hope that your eloquent words and specific suggestions can help rally others to take action.
I just want to applaud you for taking time to acknowledge that there is a world outside the blogging bubble and that you’re a human. I also completely agree that this country desperately needs gun control. Thank you for for writing about it.
Mandate more stringent gun control laws. It’s not a cure all but a start in the right direction. I am Canadian and proud to be Canadian. We have gun control laws in our country. Does that mean that there are never senseless shootings here? No, there are still acts of violence around guns but to a lesser degree. My heart goes out to all those in Vegas who gathered for a peaceful night of entertainment.
Amen.
I agree completely. It’s long past time. Honestly, I can’t even believe this is still up for debate.
Thanks for this. Australia’s experience with gun laws is a perfect example of how a modern liberal democracy can protect individual rights from both the possibility of government overreach AND the threat of gun-wielding (domestic and international) terrorists.
In a world increasingly consumed by unthinking vitriol, people like you give me hope that we can reason our way out of this horrific mess we have all created.
As a mom, I am terrified of this world we are living in today. All I can do is pray – for peace, for wise leadership, for safety, for more love and kindness. I do agree – NO ONE needs to have an automatic assault rifle. These should be banned completely! My heart is so heavy today with this news….
NKM-I couldn’t agree more with your post.
And now I can’t sit here wishing for change anymore. I will get involved with one of these groups to help make positive changes and make the world a safer place for our children. I hope that more people will come together in love and peace and forget hate.
Thank you for this post.
I agree with your sentiment, but I think what Erin is trying to say is that we have to do more than just pray. We have to take action, and use our words and our votes to get through to local politicians who can at least try to make a difference.
I agree. I am not sitting still and just praying though. Once we signed the petitions, voted, marched, and expressed our voices – then what? Feeling hopeless and helpless – because it seems no matter the action, not much positive is happening… How long do we wait? What else do we do?
Thank you for this post. I’m with you. This country doesn’t seem to give a shit about its citizens.