I'd like to say that this is a terrible tragedy. Over 50 people dead and 500 injured in Las Vegas. People exiting a concert, a place where you go to congregate and share a love for a musical artist. I'd like to say that this was an isolated incident and that it'll never happen again. That we will make stronger gun laws in this country. Unfortunately, we don't live in a fantasy world, and I promised you, gentle readers, that I would never lie to you. At this point in time, this is old hat, and it's back to business for us.

When did these mass shootings become normalized? My guess? Sandy Hook. If we, as a nation, couldn't be bothered to avenge and protect the most innocent of innocents, then there is nothing that could happen that would bring about stricter gun laws. As a nation, we don't really seem to care about who is killed by gun violence. Now, you may think I'm being harsh here, but there have been 1,518 mass shootings after Sandy Hook. If we really cared, that number wouldn't be as monstrous as it is.

At this point, you're probably saying to yourself "Sian, I do care about gun violence. How dare you say that I don't?" That may be fair, but I guarantee you that you don't care that much. Why? Because you keep voting the same people into office that have absolutely no reason to change things. You keep voting in those people who all say the same predictable crap every time something like this happens. They all say stuff like "The victims of <insert location of mass shooting here> are in my thoughts and prayers." They also say dumb stuff like "Now isn't the time to talk about changing gun laws." Now is the perfect time, while the memory is fresh and the iron is hot. But, you won't change anything because you're lazy and complacent. Your complacency has made mass shootings a fact of life.

It didn't used to be like this. Back before we had massive access to things like the Internet, if you wanted to buy a gun, you had to wait 15 days. Why did you have to wait half a month? The gun shop was doing a background check on you. Nowadays, background checks can be instantaneous. So, if you have murderous intent but no criminal record, you can circumvent the system. But, if you had to wait, you could calm down, you could think things through and realize that picking up a semi-automatic rifle that's designed to do one thing and one thing only wasn't the answer to your problems. Alas, this is an unforeseen consequence of Internet convenience.

Not that any of this matters, of course. I'm actually surprised that you're continuing to read this far. After all, you don't really care, so there's no point in me continuing. In fact, I know exactly what you're going to do. You're going to go online and condemn the shooter. You'll wonder why this man decided to commit this atrocious act. You're going to say that you'll pray for the victims and their families. I'll be surprised if you actually do that, but it doesn't matter, you'll say it to make yourself feel better. You may even attend a candlelight vigil with other well-meaning, lazy people. I'm here to tell you, readers, there is no amount of empty platitudes that you can offer, no amount of tealight candles that you can light, no number of prayers that you can offer that will change what happened in Las Vegas, Sandy Hook, Colorado, or Orlando. If all of those could happen and nothing has changed, I doubt that this will actually accomplish anything either.

So, go ahead! Comment all you like. Tell your friends about the great idea that you have that'll stop these shootings from happening. Sign numerous petitions that will be thrown away as soon as they're signed. Even better, sign an electronic petition. As soon as it's sent, it's immediately deleted, of course, but that's not important. What is important is that you did the absolute bare minimum to make yourself feel better, and feeling better is way more important than being a catalyst for change. My opinion won't change until the status quo does. Prove me wrong. I dare you.