National gun violence and the media's role

Remember during the Vietnam War, the television networks at the time on Fridays would show a graphic with the number of the soldiers killed or wounded during that week. It was very grim reminder of the human cost of the war and kept the nation up to speed with the tragedy, as it unfolded.

Let's then move forward to 2019. I'd wish to see the networks do something similar as to the war that is raging on the streets, shopping centers, gathering places and who knows where of the gun violence in America that has grown and spread like a cancer, with no end in sight.

By keeping the numbers in the forefront of viewers on a weekly basis, the sting of this scourge will not be lost over the days, as currently the case, but will remain in our souls and top of mind to force a nation to change itself, as it did with the eventual end of the Vietnam War.

Yes, we are at war with ourselves with no end in sight. With this action, the media can be an outlet and a catalyst for positive change.

Mark Stastny

Rolling Meadows