Fixing Things

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Yesterday's mass shooting in San Bernardino, which took 14 lives, is the second in less than a week.  The motives of the two shooters, a husband and wife, aren't yet known, but Federal and local authorities haven't ruled out a domestic "jihadi"- inspired attack, or a workplace-related dispute (the husband worked for the organization that was targeted), or a combination. The couple's rampage also wounded 14 more.

The New York Daily News' front page today comments on the canned "thoughts and prayers" statements that we hear routinely from politicians Republicans, who make excuses for not considering even the most benign gun safety reforms (i.e., background check requirements for high volume dealers in private sales). Of course, there are also the calls by the gun manufacturers lobby and their politicians to let things "cool down" before any actions are taken, knowing that no action will be taken as a result. Thoughts and prayers aren't doing the job, and neither are our elected officials.

UPDATE:  Many are issuing statements and tweeting along the same lines as the Daily News.  Here's just one example, from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT):

Your "thoughts" should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your "prayers" should be for forgiveness if you do nothing - again.

— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 2, 2015