Modern society is adept at using tragedies to further agendas and buttress talking points. Neither political side is immune from this impulse. Often, individuals require real-life examples in order to fully embrace a given position.
Unfortunately, many crises are hijacked by the thirst for political weaponry and the human toll is forgotten.
On Sunday afternoon during a Madden NFL video game tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., a 24-year old gamer, angry at his loss, let off a torrent of gunfire. Once the violence ended, two innocent souls, Eli Clayton and Taylor Robertson, were dead along with the cowardly perpetrator who shall herein remain nameless. In addition, 11 others were injured.
As if on cue, the barbarity was used to promote long-held narratives.
Many of the claims made in the aftermath are expected, given the specifics of the crime. There is concern about competitive gaming culture and the world it creates. Since the shooter was a male, we see claims that “Toxic mascunility is at fault!” in response to the carnage. And of course, the National Rifle Association is blamed and labeled an actual terrorist organization. Actress and activist Alyssa Milano, a well-known fear-monger, even encouraged Floridians to “reject the NRA” by voting in Tuesday’s primary for candidates who don’t support the group. In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll see think pieces that discuss these supposed factors. Much thought will be given as to how to keep a like tragedy from occurring in the future.
As more facts emerge, it’s wise to consider what, if anything, could have been done. Perhaps mistakes have been made by those who were closest to the shooter. Perhaps there were warning signs. But often, efforts to consider these elements are dismissed because the politicization of the crime overshadows any fragment of common sense.
We saw that exact thing in February after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 dead. In that situation, there were many red flags. Only a few months before, the Parkland killer had stated that he desired to be a “professional school shooter.” In addition, there was gross negligence by the Broward County Sheriff and other law enforcement who knew of the young man’s instability.
Instead, major media outlets and celebrities focused only on certain elements. This resulted in wild, prime-time accusations. Gun manufacturers, the NRA, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., were attacked for their supposed involvement in a crime they had no hand in. We can anticipate the same following the shooting in Jacksonville.
Ironically, some of the same people who have recently declared the need to keep from politicizing Mollie Tibbetts’ murder have already jumped at the chance to do that now when it suits their interests. There is nothing so disconnected from reality as to blame an organization dedicated to Second Amendment rights, gun training, and safety for a crime carried out by an individual who used his weapon in a murderous and unlwaful manner. It is no different than blaming car manufacturers for purposeful, vehicular homicide. Continuing to discuss how the NRA is to blame or how lawmakers have blood on their hands is a highly politicized waste of time. It’s a habit that needs to come to an end.
Could Sunday’s shooting have been prevented? Undoubtedly, it’s a question worth asking. However, in these loud, post-tragedy environments, the answer may be hard to hear.
While it’s certainly difficult to do, peaceful, law-abiding gun owners and other citizens should remove themselves from the frenzy. The lives of two young men, Eli Clayton and Taylor Robertson, were taken in an act of senseless, selfish violence. Their memories are worth more than scoring political points against adversaries who were never going to be converted in the first place.
Yes, it is tempting to politicize what we see. It gives our arguments more weight if we can point to real situations. But should we? I believe our conclusion ought to rest on facts. Blindly repeating popular talking points, no matter the angle, is counterproductive. Instead, we must set aside narrative in favor of the truth. That kind of plan requires patience and a measure of self-control, but when discussing where and how to place responsibility for the evil before us, it’s the only option.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.
