Thoughts on the Uvalde tragedy from the mother of two recent Houston area graduates.
Two weeks ago, I attended my daughter’s graduation from the University of Houston. This week, I watched with thousands of other parents and family members as my son graduated from high school. And at both graduations, I cried. Not only with the bittersweet emotions of a proud parent, but also because of the feeling of community that coursed through the ceremonies. I watched as young people of different races, religions and economic backgrounds crossed the stage, cheered on by their loved ones.
As I wiped away mascara-stained tears of happiness, my phone dinged with a notification of a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. My heart sank as it listed, at that time, 14 children dead along with one teacher. Within a few hours, that report would list 19 children and two adults plus the 18-year-old shooter.
Here we are again as a nation, divided on what should be done. Our house is on fire and we are debating whether to throw water or gasoline on it. We blame the lack of mental health care, yet many health insurance providers in our country do not cover mental health issues. We blame lax gun laws while voting for legislators who seek to make purchasing a gun easier than buying a beer. We blame social media while spreading false information and bigotry online.
Unless this country finally commits itself to ending gun violence, Black, Asian and Hispanic Americans will continue to live with the terrible thought that there are people that want to kill them simply because of their race. Jewish and Muslim people will still endure the hatred of their fellow citizens because of their faiths. LGBTQ Americans will still fear that a night out with friends might be their last.
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