Wednesday, Feb. 14, brought news of yet another horrific episode in the ongoing slaughter of innocent people, including innocent children and adolescents. Seventeen people killed this time, at the hands of a dangerously disturbed young man who was able to legally get his hands on a weapon of war designed to kill and maim multiple victims in as short a time as possible.

What will be done about preventing a repeat of this scenario? If the current congress and administration have their way, the answer will undoubtedly be…nothing!

The country is locked in the grips of the National Rifle Association, which has become a lobbyist for gun manufacturers whose only concern is selling as many guns as possible. Washington D.C. is beholden to the NRA and their generous campaign donations.

Common sense with regards to guns has left our country a dangerous place for all, whether attending school, a movie, a concert or any number of spaces that used to be considered safe. 

The shooter in Florida was clearly unstable, with a history of mental health problems, including violent behavior.

As president, Barack Obama initiated an executive order that made it more difficult for unstable people to purchase guns. President Donald Trump cancelled that Obama order.

Politicians offered “thoughts and prayers” and Trump tweeted: “No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.”

These statements ring hollow, given the refusal to actually do anything about countering the epidemic of gun violence in our country.

In November, we need to elect people to Congress who care more about the safety of the American people than they do about the NRA, the profits of the gun manufacturers, and their own access to the campaign contributions from these organizations.

Laura Goos

St. Joseph