Protect Congress as we protect schools
Again. And again. And again, ad infinitum. My husband and I were discussing the latest mass shooting in Florida and he mentioned that he had read this was the 18th school shooting so far this year. He was surprised by the number. How sad that we have become so inured to these tragedies that they fade into the background like last night's dinner.
Since Congress apparently thinks all is fine with our gun laws, I would suggest that they save the money spent on metal detectors and guards at the entrances to the Capitol and White House and that they live with the same level of danger with which kids in our schools, people attending a concert and people in their workplaces live. Congress can replace these precautions with the "thoughts and prayers" they favor so much.
Ah, but these shootings are caused by people with mental health issues! Great! I'm glad to hear Congress will be restoring funding to mental health services. They're not? Typical. Bring on more thoughts and prayers.
In fact, I would suggest that Congress amend the opening of each day's session to the following: gavel the proceedings open, moment of silence for the latest victims, the representative for the district in which the latest massacre occurred offers that day's thoughts and prayers, then move on to the daily business of ignoring the will of the majority of their constituents.
They might as well standardize what has become the de facto schedule already.
Mary Hunter
Carpentersville