Our nation is in turmoil. Once a pillar of opportunity and freedom, our land now faces violence and hate. This turmoil has deepened divisions; parties are more polarized than ever. Over ninety school shootings have occurred in the US just this year. National tensions are rising to a breaking point—something has to change.
In light of recent events, both sides look for someone to blame.
Violence has seeped into our politics. On June 14th, Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman was assassinated in her home; her husband and dog were also killed in the attack. Hortman was Speaker Emeritus of the Minnesota House of Representatives and a Democrat. More recently, conservative activist Charles “Charlie” James Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on September 10th. Kirk’s death was witnessed by his wife and two toddlers. On the same day as Kirk’s death, a Colorado high school was attacked. Two students were injured, and the gunman, a student himself, committed suicide. Unfortunately for America, it’s no longer Republican vs. Democrat; it’s become American vs. American—the atmosphere of civil debate that has been the pride of the American experiment is slipping away. In the aftermath of the tragedy of Sandy Hook, Americans everywhere came together. We said “never again”. Over 20 years later, the country has become desensitized to mass school shootings. Most receive little media coverage and are soon forgotten. News of violence, another mass shooting, or tragedy hits millions of feeds only to be scantily mentioned and then forgotten as people acknowledge it once and then quickly shift away as tragedy has become a commonplace occurrence.
The fabric of our nation tears at the seams, and its very integrity has become compromised as bad actors seek to exploit our divisions for their own benefit. However, as a people, we don’t have to buy into their divisive rhetoric or claim that one group of people should be characterized as enemies of the state—it’s time for clear-headed civil debate based on the principles of discourse and love. Love for our country, our history, while acknowledging its flaws, and for each other.
Our democratic republic is a place where freedom is valued, regardless of one’s belief, gender, race, or creed. It is the freedom that countless have staked their lives on, and one that will perpetually be in peril if we don’t tend to it. Our right as humans to security, freedom, and peace must be protected. We must work together against this problem as a united nation and community. We are united under our shared humanity, empathy, and strength. Respecting those who have lost their lives, whether left or right, is a testament to our humanity and our faith in the bond we all share: not merely as humans, but as people with families and friends, we must share together and bond together in empathy and peace.
Note from the Editor: This is our very own Lya Quintana’s first article where she’s done it all alone bar a few very minor edits from me. I couldn’t be prouder to see the writer she’s turning into. What’s coming next is going to be very exciting!
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