Nothing is more predictable following a disaster or tragedy than political “leaders” saying it would be inappropriate to have a discussion on a possible cause of the event.
The mass murder in Las Vegas, therefore, meant we could not have a discussion on the effectiveness of the nation’s gun laws. Hurricanes wreaking devastation in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands precluded a discussion on climate change. And let’s not forget the effectiveness of environmental regulations on the impacts possibly caused by lax regulation and enforcement in the Houston area.
So here is a proposal that allows us to avoid discussing matters that may offend sensibilities. When there is the next mass murder accomplished by guns, let’s have a robust discussion on climate change. When extreme weather happens – the annual “100-year storm” – let’s talk about gun violence.
Of course it’s not going to happen when we have a Congress controlled by the National Rifle Association and the oil and gas industries. After all, if the murder of 20 children in an elementary school doesn’t compel a discussion on the availability of guns, nothing will.
And when and if it does get discussed, the R’s will pivot to the “we need mental health reform mantra ” notwithstanding Potus’ rescinding executive orders on the subject….