Another day, another tragedy in America, it seems. When will this cycle of violence ever come to a stop? As the nation grapples once more with the horror of a school shooting, this time at Brown University, the recurring question rings louder: Is this the new normal in the United States? Once again, students find themselves barricaded in basements instead of celebrating the yuletide with family. Futures once so bright are now overshadowed by the darkness of fear. It’s a cruel twist that the young minds diligently preparing for finals are caught in the line of fire, quite literally. Such is life in America today, where even brilliant young scholars can’t seem to dodge bullets amidst academic pressures.
In the wake of this tragic event, conservatives across the nation are asking the hard-hitting questions. Why has violence become so ingrained in our society? It’s an embarrassment that these young people, who managed to conquer their academic hurdles, now face the nightmare of surviving a hostile environment. The living pay a harsh price by bearing witness to such violence, a heavy burden that doesn’t easily fade. And while the usual rhetoric goes on about gun control and rights, perhaps it’s time for a genuine conversation about the incompetent ways in which these issues have been handled.
Much attention is focused on the proliferation of guns, but let’s put that aside for a moment. The underlying problem before us also involves mental health and the processes—or lack thereof—designed to address it. Our current justice system reacts after a crime, yet the real work lies in preventing such crimes from happening. If America is to move forward, investing in mental health support seems as obvious as turning on a light when the room is dark. But still, here we are, fumbling in policy shadows while ignoring the glaring signs.
What’s apparent is the need for a proactive stance within communities. If someone knows that Johnny next door is stockpiling weapons or expressing violent ideologies, they need a safe and efficient way to report it. These events don’t just occur in a vacuum. Warning signs often abound, and the community must be emboldened to take part in a preventative mission. We owe it to ourselves to unlink the chain that leads from disillusionment to disaster. It’s high time schools at all levels, not just elementary and high schools, implement and maintain routines that include training for such unfortunate events. Such an investment would be time well spent, in stark contrast to the time now wasted in reactive measures.
Wouldn’t it be delightful to have a day when news headlines aren’t splattered with stories of tragedy and loss? As Congressman Phillips extends sympathies to the affected families, one can’t help but yearn for a future where sympathy is less frequently needed. Until then, Americans must work together—across party lines, across communities—to tackle this epidemic of violence with sincerity and commitment. To do nothing is simply to prepare for the next unfortunate headline, and surely, no one truly wants that.
