Appropriately, it certainly is Time. You will find here, a picture of their cover. Along with the word “Enough” you will note the scrawled record of every memorable mass shooting … in tiny hand-written print. The print must be small, because unlike in New Zealand, we have done nothing about the 253 mass shootings they list … all of them from this year. This is the 220th day of the year 2019. Only in America, and it certainly is about time, and even they readily admit that the time came long ago. In other words, this is not the first time they have cried “Enough” on the cover. It might, however, be their most powerful call. They back it up, with equal conviction: We do have a choice as a society. Not a perfect choice. Or a guaranteed solution. But doing nothing in the face of repeated mass murder in our society is indefensible. More than 250 mass shootings in the first 220 days of 2019 alone, it’s hard to believe that this doesn’t go without saying. Enough. Over 90% of Americans favor background checks, though I sincerely doubt that even background checks will put a dent in the number of mass shootings. Of course, if the background check saves 10 lives, it is worth doing. That goes without saying. I have not seen figures on the percentage of people who favor a ban on assault weapons, and the clips that carry 100 rounds. But I would bet it is well over half. This ban actually would put a large dent in the numbers killed. True, a person with a handgun can commit a mass shooting. But, that person cannot load that handgun with 100 rounds. Additionally (forgive me for being graphic, but this matters), a handgun shot in the upper leg will usually not kill. A shot in the same spot from a high-powered assault rifle almost always will. Mass shootings would go from a possible 21 victims dead, to 4-5. Sick, still, I know. But if you’re one of the 15 that survives, it is, quite literally, a life saver. You and I demand lives saved. In past issues, Time has not minced words about where the vast majority of mass shootings – and violence generally – originate; White nationalism, or white supremacy, two terms, one meaning. White nationalism has reflected a coarsening of mainstream politics, where debates on national security and immigration have become rabbit holes for the exploitation of fear and bigotry. Trump has played a significant – as opposed to sole – role in the rise of white supremacy, or at least white supremacy shooting to action. It is more than time to do something about guns and mass shootings. It is also time to rid ourselves of the other underlying cause, Trump. **** Peace, y’all. Jason Most will never know the honor of having words from the heart read by others. Anyone seeking more, something I put three years into, rather than three hours, might find my novels interesting, refreshing, soul searching, and funny. Sometimes only laughter can cover tears. It is an honor.
