NWA Letters: Mass killings cannot become ‘new normal’

Mass killings cannot become ‘new normal’

So what does it mean, this “new normal” we hear so much about in our country these days?

Many are offering this up as a reason/an excuse/a cause/ a rationale every single time we experience another mass shooting as we have done so often lately. When did we start thinking that killing and wounding men, women, children and babies is some kind of “new normal” in the United States of America? Was it in 2012 when we said “no more?” Or was it in 1999 when we asked through tears “how could this have happened?”

Perhaps it was in 2017 when we cried (more than once) “enough is enough?” In 2018 it looked like our elected officials were finally serious about legislation to ban assault weapons and strengthen background checks. Yet, here we are again … and again.

It’s happening so often now, there seems to be a pattern to our country’s response. We are so thankful for our law enforcement officers and first responders who do a tremendous job and act ever so quickly every time. We cry with and hug the victims’ families. A few politicians debate, discuss and deliberate the political correctness of gun legislation. Concerned citizens hold reverent vigils and chant “never again” and “we demand change.” Public officials make visits to the sites to console those injured and those left waiting.

And then … what? I’m afraid we resume our “new normal,” hoping those same public officials will get back to work and create means for real change. Do something. Do something now. We can’t wait any longer. The time for decisive, purposeful and meaningful change to our gun laws is now.

Barbara Batson

Fayetteville

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