It’s difficult these days to avoid “bad news.”

For the last several days, front pages, news feeds and airwaves have been filled with reports of the aftermath of the horrific shooting in Orlando.

Like most of our country, I was heartbroken by the news and continue to shutter at every status update, video tribute and new development shared as our country tries to make sense of the tragedy.

I’ve seen countless photos of victims crying in the street outside Pulse night club, read transcripts of text message conversations between the now deceased and their families and even listened to audio clips of the sound of gunshots being fired.

One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that our country has a tendency to fight tragedy. We’ve seen over and over again with Sept. 11, Sandy Hook, the Boston bombing and now the Orlando shooting that Americans don’t back down from a fight; they rally to support each other and show that we refuse to succumb to violence.

In addition to those tragic photos of victims crying, I’ve been inspired by pictures of vigils all over our country, honoring those impacted by the shooting.

On top of text message transcripts and angry Facebook posts, I’ve read letters demanding change and responses from movers and shakers determined to find a solution.

Through heartfelt speeches delivered by those not afraid to share their views, I’ve heard anger, dismay, sadness and fear, but more than anything, I’ve heard determination — sheer refusal to accept the violence that keeps plaguing our country. It has been encouraging to hear so many say that they will not stand for the violence, that and that their voices won’t be quieted until the problem is solved.

I appreciate the stamina and determination of those brave enough to share their views and demand change, because otherwise, how can we ever expect to move forward?

When you think about it, what is the alternative to figuratively fighting back? In my opinion, you only have two other options: living in fear, or ignoring the incidents all together.

I don’t know about you, but I refuse to let the possibility of terror impact the way I live my life.

Based on horrific mass murders in the last decade, if I never frequented a venue in which a mass shooting had taken place, I would not have graduated high school or ever gone to college. I wouldn’t see movies or go out dancing. I wouldn’t even be able to go to work.

And it goes without saying that the other alternative — pretending these tragedies don’t exist — does a huge disservice to the victims and does nothing to prevent the terror from repeating itself over and over again.

As polarizing as these incidents may be, political leaders on both sides need to stop working against each other and start working together to find a solution.

Instead of spewing out soundbites to earn votes, I want to see action — real solutions to the problem.

These shootings can no longer serve as fuel used to ignite political agendas.

Until changes are made, no one wins.

 

Ambrosia Neldon is the managing editor at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.