Say It Again

It is fatiguing to say the same thing over and over again. Many relationships suffer from this type of redundancy, often referred to as nagging. Parents exhort children, repeatedly, hoping they will learn the difference between right and wrong. Our senses become affected by this when we begin to be numb to certain things like sounds or odors. The legal field even has a term called jury nullification that impacts a group of jurors who have been over exposed to information and it affects their ability to make a sound decision. Yet, we are still talking about the same thing every day: gun violence in our country.

Is it even possible to begin to list all the names of victims and the number of mass shootings this year? It is certainly worth it when people are supposed to be home at the end of the day but do not make it there. They surely should be listed so that we can learn. The National Museum for Peace and Justice located in Montgomery, Alabama helps us all learn from the behaviors of our own citizens toward one another as we have struggled to balance times of change.

What is the greatness of a nation or a people measured by? By the courage and the character of its citizens and its leaders? By the money and influence of the wealthy? By the perception of power or the effective use of power? Whatever we chose, history will detail how we have done in this generation.

Do we continuously reward politicians on either side of the aisle who fail to champion the people?

Do we reward companies that fail to supply the products or service they promise?

Do we become content with the news of another mass shooting and find the nearest place to say the same things but do nothing to address this plague?

These don’t sound like the American Dream we have heard about. We should not condone this American carnage that is being thrust upon us. We still have ways to be able to affect change. We still have a voice that needs to be heard. Reach out to elected officials. Show up at meetings. Hold businesses and people accountable.

If we want to live the dream, we must be the dreamers who are willing to do the work that brings dreams to life.

HHJ News