Vance Calls School Shootings ‘A Fact of Life’—Cowardice, Not Leadership.

Following a tragic school shooting in Georgia, JD Vance, the Republican senator who has aspirations for higher office, made some concerning remarks at a rally. He stated, “We don’t have to like the reality that we live in, but it is the reality we live in.” This statement comes just a day after a 14-year-old boy allegedly used an assault-style rifle, reportedly a gift from his father, to kill two classmates and two teachers at Apalachee High School, and injuring nine others.

It’s bewildering to hear such a resigned sentiment in the aftermath of such a horrific event. The trauma inflicted extends beyond the direct victims and their families, affecting every child and adult connected to the school community. Vance’s response seems insufficient in light of the true horror that has unfolded. His dismissal of the issue—saying, “that’s the reality we live in”—is unacceptable. If this is how he views the frequent occurrence of armed violence in schools, then it signals a grave lack of concern for the safety of American children.

At the same rally in Arizona, Vance elaborated further. While he expressed discomfort with the prevalence of school shootings, he referred to them as unavoidable realities. He articulated a need to enhance school security measures, suggesting that schools are “soft targets” for those with malicious intent. However, the focus on security measures like armed guards and metal detectors reflects a defensive rather than proactive approach.

The real issue lies not in reinforcing our schools with security devices, but in addressing the root causes of gun violence. Simply accepting the presence of school shootings as a norm is a clear failure of leadership. While Vance’s comments may highlight a need to protect students, the implication is that the status quo, filled with tragedies, is something we must learn to live with. It’s disheartening to think that this is what some politicians consider a realistic perspective.

There are numerous actions that could – and should – be taken to mitigate this crisis. One significant measure would be to implement a ban on AR-15-style rifles, the type of weapon commonly associated with mass shootings in various locations across the country. These firearms have gained a notorious reputation for their use in multiple high-casualty events, including those in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo and Dayton, Ohio, among others.

In addition to that, advocating for safe firearm storage laws is imperative. Georgia, like many states, currently lacks these essential regulations. Furthermore, the state does not mandate background checks for gun purchases, nor does it require permits to buy firearms. Without these measures, there remains an alarming ease of access to dangerous weapons.

Alongside legislative measures, it is crucial to make mental health care more accessible, allowing individuals in crisis to receive the help they need before reaching a breaking point. While enhancing security at schools is necessary, it should not be the sole focus of our response to school shootings.

Contrasting Vance’s narrative is that of Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, who also spoke about the Georgia shooting. She characterized the incident as a “senseless tragedy,” underscoring the daily fear that parents face when sending their children to school, worrying whether they will return alive. Her assertion that “it doesn’t have to be this way” offers a welcome perspective, asserting that change is possible and necessary.

It is essential for politicians to embrace a proactive stance, emphasizing that preventive measures can and should be enacted. Failure to do so represents a neglect of their duty to ensure the safety of citizens, especially children.

Moreover, there is a clear hypocrisy from those who typically criticize liberal discussions about gun laws following tragedies. While they cry “too soon,” stating the need to pause discussions, they seem comfortable when one of their own, like Vance, reduces such tragedies to resigned acceptance. To see a candidate casually proclaim such violence as an unavoidable reality reveals a troubling disconnect from the experiences of ordinary citizens.

In summary, the horrors associated with school shootings should never be considered an acceptable part of American life. Leadership means striving for a solution rather than capitulating to despair. The call for proactive change is not just necessary; it is vital for the safety of future generations.

Source: USA Today