If you did not see the President's statement tonight about the shootings at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, you missed a powerful, moving statement from a man who has had to preside over too many mass shootings on his watch. In a speech lasting about 16 minutes, the President spoke slowly, at times struggling to get the words out against the obvious pain and anger he is feeling.
He called out the fact that the news coverage of these events has become routine. He called the fact that the response he has had to make too many times has become routine. He called out those who claim nothing can be done, those who say laws are not the answer. He called out those who claim to represent gun owners, but ignore the polls that show a majority of them would support changes to the laws. He called out all the myths and talking points recited by the usual actors who seek to block any action to end the bloodshed. He called out those who ignore that other countries, some our closest allies, have been able to act to control gun violence in response to their own tragedies. They acted; we can too the President says - if we choose.
He admitted he can not do it alone. It will take a congress, legislatures, and governors willing to act, and voters who will put them in office. He stated that this is political choice we make, allowing this continue. He called on the press to tell the full story. He had a lot to say - is America ready to hear?
This is one of the most powerful messages the President has given. I've found this link to the speech here: https://twitter.com/...
If you have not seen or heard anything from the speech yet, take some time and watch.
UPDATE: Here's the video, thanks to Joffan for finding it. https://youtu.be/...