As we all know, another senseless massacre has occurred in Texas. Less than two weeks since the Buffalo supermarket killings. And as usual, everyone reacts with shock and horror. And then comes the reaction: Thoughts and prayers. As for gun regulations? Nope. Congress is deadlocked. Nothing will pass because the gun lobby is too powerful. So, nothing is done.
There are organizations that are pushing for gun regulation. That’s the democratic way. Yet there are also powerful organizations pushing against any laws. And they spend lots of money to keep things the way they are.
So, what can be done? How about taking our leaders at their word? Thoughts and prayers. Set aside a national day after a mass killing for thoughts and prayers. Make it a day for reflection. A sort of low-level strike. Don’t go to the store. Don’t go out to eat. Don’t watch TV. Spend time with your family. Attend a memorial gathering. Take the day off from work out of respect if you can. If not, make it a quiet day. No going out to lunch. Fast if you can. Just do your duties while reflecting on the need for nonviolence in this world. Put an orange ribbon on your office door.
This may seem like an ineffective way to deal with a horrible problem. People want to march and demonstrate. Yes, that has happened. That is business as usual. And it also causes a counter reaction. The pro-gun groups get very active and rally their supporters with messages that gun rights are under attack. And so, gun sales spike. It also intimidates Congress, and the status quo remains the same.
But what if a thoughts and prayer caught on? Store sales down. TV ratings down. Restaurant business down. Productivity down? Do you think anyone would notice? I would say yes. Would the gun lobby have a hook to spike gun sales? No. It would be a dignified way to honor the victims. And if business in the U.S. is affected by this nonviolent observance, there will be pressure on Congress to do something.
