If Not Now, Then When?

If not today, what happens tomorrow? Another mass shooting? Another family destroyed? Another child's funeral?

We, collectively as a society, have skidded off the rails. We, as a people, are hellbent on our own destruction. We, as parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, sit helplessly and hopelessly by as we ... wait.

What are we waiting for? A reason, or just reason. We, collectively, think ... it won't happen to us. We are safe. Safe? Where? Are our children safe?

Some ancient commercial once asked: "Parents - do you know where your children are?" Today, far too many parents have a permanent answer: "Dead. Buried in a cemetery." Forever young and never to have another opportunity at a golden sunshiny day ... another playdate with a friend ... another walk in the park ... another birthday.

Our society has thrown in the towel. Don't ask any questions, don't even dare think that this is not a necessary sacrifice. Just keep giving your children up ... sending them to school. Not to be safe and not to learn. At those schools, they are taught how to respond to "active shooter" drills. But, those drills do not prepare them to die, or you, as parents, how to deal with their deaths.

Our politicians stand shoulder to shoulder with one answer: "Thoughts and prayers." That should comfort you. Hold that instead of your child's hand. That should fill you up and provide you with all the comfort you need. Surely, you can't possibly want something better than that.

That is so much more fulfilling than any other action. There is no need for a national discussion about semi-automatic weapons of war. After all, they are already on our streets, in our houses, in the hands of many  "capable" and "responsible" people.

Any question about what is reasonable is filed under the "Attack on the 2nd Amendment." And, for those of you wanting action, you will get your shut-upping.

Don't dare question who should be possessing and using these weapons of war. Forget about that pesky part that says "well regulated militia." Besides, the NRA is ... ummmm ... well, forget about that ... they have money. Lots and lots of money to buy those politicians who swore to uphold that Constitution - even if they didn't read that pesky part. So, you just shut up about it.

And, shut up, we do. We let it go with those thoughts and prayers. We wait, like good little children, for the time when we can ask our questions. The time that never comes until there's another mass shooting and we can be told ... "now is not the time..."