Since 1970, there have been at least 188 school shootings, according to a New York Times analysis of data from the K-12 School Shooting Database. We’ve become a nation fluent in the shocked rhetoric of pain and loss. “Thoughts and prayers,” a hollow expression of condolence from overuse may as well be “ham ‘n’ cheese.” The names of our slaughterhouses have become as familiar as one-name celebrities: Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland — and now Uvalde.
And nothing ever happens. A few public figures engage in performance outrage. Democrat Beto O’Rourke, now running for Texas governor, tried to commandeer a news conference as Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and others were delivering updates on the massacre.
As ineffective as such strutting and fretting has proved to be, he was expressing what most are feeling right now. When exactly did we lose our minds? Will this time be any different?
Maybe. Several things can be done that could reduce the bloodshed: deeper background checks; “red flag” laws allowing law enforcement officers with a court order to seize guns from someone considered a danger to himself or herself or others; closing gun show loopholes; and maybe banning kids from buying assault weapons. All of these would help.
And all are iffy at best, though several Republicans, including Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida and Rick Scott of Florida have indicated they could lean toward red-flag legislation.
This is hardly a demonstration of political courage, but it’s more than nothing — and seems the measure that could do the most good.