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Something Uniquely American
It’s no wonder the most capitalistic nation endures extreme violence, but we don’t associate economics as an indicator.
There was a time when a mass shooting shocked the nation, but now, they’re a daily ritual. Impersonal public executions harm innocent bystanders to gain infamy, yet the motives are vague. In Columbine, revenge instigated the 1999 murders, and in Buffalo, racism prompted the killing of ten people. However, in the US’ deadliest attack, the FBI never uncovered why the Las Vegas shooter had 24 guns to fire more than 1,000 bullets at 22,000 people, murdering sixty and injuring over 850.
If the government chose to provide for the public, it would implement universal health care, proper gun regulation, and address fundamental issues, but we know that won’t happen. The US is the world’s biggest arms dealer, weapons are the backbone of our economy, and violence is how we solve problems. So, instead of evaluating why mass shootings occur, our government ups the ante by increasing funds for the police and changes nothing.
Although a more significant police presence may comfort some, the ‘business as usual’ method hasn’t and won’t protect the public. Law enforcement doesn’t reduce violence — it reacts to it, and if we want to stop the bullets from flying…
