The Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, claimed the lives 17 people, most of them teenage students at the South Florida school. It was the 18th school shooting in the 45 days of 2018 so far, and as usual, the politicians who apparently have it in their power and jurisdiction to do something to stop these horrific massacres from happening are still offering their ephemeral “thoughts and prayers” to the victims, their families and everyone else touched by this terrible tragedy.
More:How to Talk to Your Kids About Scary Things
There is decades-worth of data from other countries that prove gun control works because school shootings do not happen with this frequency seemingly anywhere but the United States these days. There are actions that could be taken. But our politicians never do, and until they do, this isn’t the last time this will happen. More children will die.
In the wake of this horrific event, many celebrities have taken to social media to demand an end to the seemingly pithy condolence “thoughts and prayers” and instead enact some real legal changes. Gun control: that’s what they want — and what Americans everywhere want. Among those calling for real action to put sensible gun laws in place on Wednesday were Reese Witherspoon, Elizabeth Banks, Chelsea Handler and Mark Ruffalo. You can read their full comments below.
More:CMAs Host Brad Paisley Calls Out Award Show Restrictions About Gun Control
Three of the 10 worst mass shootings in American history have happened in your 1st year, Mr President @realDonaldTrump.
What are you going to do about it?— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2018
Sending my love to #parkland. #guncontrol#policyandchangepic.twitter.com/lGnYTytBfm
— Elizabeth Banks ❄️ (@ElizabethBanks) February 15, 2018
Like thousands in South Florida, we sent the boys to school in Broward County this morning… there are no words to describe the despair, horror & anger. This does not have to be our collective reality. How many more? How many children must not make it home?
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) February 14, 2018
Sir, we need more than prayers and condolences. We need rational gun legislation https://t.co/LQjTRh3VgZ
— Mia Farrow 🏳️🌈 🌻🇺🇸💙 (@MiaFarrow) February 14, 2018
We have to elect candidates that are not funded by the NRA in November. We have an opportunity to elect candidates who won’t allow kids to go to school and get shot. It is disgusting how many times this has happened and Republicans do nothing. You all have blood on your hands.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) February 14, 2018
Prayers without accordant action are silent lies told to oneself, heard by no God, amounting to nothing. Action is the language of truth, the prayers of the Saints.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) February 14, 2018
Heartbroken over the news of another school shooting. This is the 18th in 45 days of 2018. Students & teachers shouldn't have to fear for their safety. We must do more to prevent these senseless acts of gun violence. My heart is w/ the people in Parkland, FL. Enough is enough.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) February 15, 2018
We owe it to our children and our teachers to keep them safe while at school. Prayers won't do this: action will. Congress, please do your job and protect Americans from senseless gun violence
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) February 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/michaelianblack/status/963892338270593025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/michaelianblack/status/963881272396451840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
As we send our thoughts & prayers to the people of Parkland, Florida how about we, the people & govt of America, actually DO something abt gun violence.
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) February 15, 2018
I hate guns. I hate people’s defense of guns. I hate the NRA. I hate watching kids filing out of another school, terrified. I hate that their friends are dead. I hate that it will happen again soon. And I hate that nothing will be done. What a fucking mess #Broward#guncontrol
— Eric McCormack (@EricMcCormack) February 14, 2018
When
Will
The @GOP
Stop
Being
OWNED
By
The @NRA
And
FINALLY
Do
ANYTHING
About #GunControl?Never.
Their thoughts and prayers mean nothing.
We must replace them all.
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) February 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/PattyArquette/status/963899292082728960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Broward school shooting–There will be prayers from Blabbermouth Don, Pence the Grinch, and their rightwing cohorts. There will be no call for any sort of sane gun regs.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 14, 2018
Is ANYFUCKINGBODY IN OUR WHITE HOUSE OR CONGRESS PLANNING ON TAKING ACTION TO TIGHTEN GUN LAWS!!!! How many mass shootings must we endure before something is done to minimize this?!?!??
— marlon wayans (@MarlonWayans) February 14, 2018
More:Kids & Guns: What Parents Need to Know
In the wake of more than a dozen more dead, it’s become abundantly clear across social media that many people have had enough of “thoughts and prayers.” There is a fatigue that this requisite sentiment, which seems to get spat out with increased regularity, is no longer sufficient in easing the pain we feel or the fears around when the next mass shooting will happen. Simply put, Americans have had it. We are tired.
Will this be the time politicians step up? We can only hope this is the last time we have to watch American children die completely preventable deaths.
Leave a Comment