Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a pro-gun Congressman, was severely injured by a gunman today. Photograph by Gage Skidmore.
For years, we have endured shooting after shooting in America. And Congress has done little to reform gun laws, caving to the National Rifle Association.
Yesterday that indifference came full circle as an anti-Trump gunman opened fire on practice for a Congressional charity baseball game to be played tonight, striking pro-gun Congressman Steve Scalise, the Majority Whip, and injuring three others as well.
Only the gunman, James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Ill., was killed.
“For all the noise and all the fury, we are one family,” Speaker Paul D. Ryan said Wednesday afternoon.
No, we’re not. For years, the Republicans have demonized the Democrats and, especially, President Barack Obama. President Donald J. Trump has preached the gospel of hatred, from “lock her up” to the Muslim ban. Now it’s all about unity, because they’re afraid, because – unfortunately for all of us innocent people – this is just the beginning.
Where was their unity after Newtown, to take one of the many examples? Where is gun reform?
No doubt, this will just send up a cry for more guns, on a baseball field no less.
Guns are not the answer. Violence is not the answer. But let’s not be hypocrites either. Hate is what the Trump has preached, and Congress has done nothing about that.
Today, hate was returned.