There is a man on my television set issuing a stern warning to any person who has it in his head to commit an act of terrorism. He is adamant in his warning, saying that if anyone decides to even think of trying to commit an act like this on American soil, they will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. He is angry, and rightfully so.
As everyone is aware, yet another tragedy has taken place. This is something that is hard to wrap our minds around, yet I suspect in due time, this news too will fade into the historical background. With all the social illnesses that plague America, including terrorism, self-destruction is one that is the hardest to combat. Self-destruction is constantly offered upon a silver platter, enticing all races, ages, creeds, religions, genders, and sexual orientations to purchase. With the powerful, almighty dollar being the reigning king, Americans are encouraged to spend money on items of self-destruction, yet at the same time are asked never, ever to use them. This is the American economic message of duplicity, and this dual message is dangerous.
We have each been educated on the dangerous ramifications of certain products glorified in the name of leisure, status, and protection. Too much smoking, or any smoking at all, can cause cancer. This is not just in those who smoke, but in those who are around those who smoke. Yet the tobacco business is big business, and despite the removal of TV ads, new smoking laws, and the warning labels on the side of a pack of cigarettes, people continue to buy and new customers are taking their first puff for the first time. Too much drinking can cause internal damage, alcoholism, mental illness, and death to self or others. Drunk driving and alcohol-induced fights that escalate are both attributed to destructive incidences that may otherwise never have happened. Alcohol too comes with a warning, still there are many taking a drink for the first time. Guns are deadly, point blank. Suicides, arguments, and accidental and mass shootings are quickly followed by statements like, "Guns don't kill people, people with guns kill people." As I type this, there are many picking up a gun for the very first time.
This duplicity created is a two-sided coin. On one side of the coin, Americans are encouraged to buy these products, while on the other side of the coin, Americans are subtly encouraged, for their own safety, as well as the safety of others, to abstain from the very products purchased. If abstinence is not practiced and a tragedy follows, the immediate response is to search in every direction during a desperate search for blame. Any blame at all is accepted as long as the blame does not point to the obvious, i.e. the products themselves that are mass produced and sold. The "invisible hand" that governs any society, a capitalist society, dictates that where there is money to be made, the opportunity must be taken advantage of. This money is what keeps a capitalist society competitive and moving forward. We collectively understand, yet look the other way, that the main influence of the "invisible hand" that rules American society are three items of self-destruction: alcohol, tobacco, and firearms.
To counteract the damages done by these big three money makers, there are other money makers put into place that offer help. The need for help gives rise to new money makers; rehab centers for alcoholism and even tobacco use. There are pills prescribed and sold to help with addiction. Hospital bills are accumulated by those who have been admitted because of drinking, too much smoking, and gun shots. We have all become numb to the commercials that warn about the damages done due to too much drinking, smoking, and gun use. As a result, we have become numb to the senselessness that makes the headlines. These events are sensationalized for a few weeks, some memorialized years after, yet the event itself continues to dissipate into the American fabric, aiding to the numbness.
The ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) is a powerful force in politics that will not be moved. This political force was originally put into place to protect American society, but spends most of its time protecting itself and the money it generates. It is such a powerful force that those in office, as well as those running for office, will slightly speak out against it, but will do nothing do combat it, curb it, or even challenge it to do what it is supposed to do, and that is to protect. This is due to the very fact that big money is being made, and in a capitalist nation, money is king. Money holds power, and with this power, the many lives lost are thrust into our faces so often that after the initial shock wears off, it is all but forgotten. This very weekend, a woman riding her bike was struck and killed by a drunk driver. As this news was being delivered, some crazed fan shot and killed an up-and-coming pop star. Before any of these two horrific events were even digested, the devastating news is replaced by the mass shooting inside a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and in-between all of these news programs, there is a barrage of commercials showing the slow death of those who smoke tobacco.
The pundits, politicians, and those running for office are gearing up to follow suit with the usual condolences and offers of prayer. Yet there is no mention of the ATF. Everyone will look for blame, blame in the person who committed this devastating act of murder. Was it terrorism? Was it a bias attack? Who helped him? Why did he do it? All valid questions, but the real question, aside from the obvious (why was he able to purchase the weapons in the first place), is why are these weapons being made and sold to civilians? The answer is money.
The Bible warns that the love of money is the root of all evil. I am not judging nor saying that the ATF is evil, but the love of the money generated by selling products that have the potential more often than not to harm, destroy, and kill is the culprit. My prayer for America is that one day soon, every American citizen will stand in unison and say enough is enough. Why create, package, advertise, and sell items that should not be used? Is it just me, or does this make no sense whatsoever?
As I finish this rant, the news is stating that the mass shooting in Orlando is now confirmed as an act of terrorism. They have found blame. However, I question how this individual was able to purchase high-powered weapons used to kill. While I can offer no solution to this issue, as every American has a right to smoke, drink, and bear arms, I do have a suggestion. Tobacco, alcohol, and firearms are and will continue to be a staple in our lives. Why can't those in production of these items take a look past the dollar bill and focus on all of these senseless deaths, though? Every American has a right to bear arms, but let us be smart about it. Why not allow Congress to pass a bill where serious background checks are enacted before purchasing a gun? Why not create a law that will trace the weapon back to the seller and hold them accountable as well? Why not take out the dangerous carcinogens in cigarettes that cause addiction and create cancer? We can take solace that are stricter laws are happening with alcohol, but why stop there? Until this is taken seriously, we will continue waking up to this type of news.
I am sure that those running for office will use this horrific event to their advantage, some to invoke fear, others to quietly question. There is the saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and I am telling you, it is broken. The whole entire system is broken and in desperate need of modification and/or resolution. Until then, American citizens will continually mourn all of these events, like the one that took place last night. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. I do have faith that one day soon, our prayers will be answered.
