On Monday, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., one of many Democratic presidential candidates, announced his new plan to combat gun violence. His agenda includes what fellow candidates have also proposed, like assault weapons bans and universal background checks. In addition to these features, Booker went a step further and proposed a national firearms registration system.
While detailing his passionate plan for a safer America where gun violence is reduced, he took a page out of the progressive playbook and disparaged individuals who offer their “thoughts and prayers” after tragedy strikes.
It is utterly incomprehensible to some that many can express sadness when violence occurs, call for commonsense enforcement to counter future incidents, and also pray for victims, communities, and the nation they love. Despite disgust from Booker and others, I believe people should continue to offer their thoughts and prayers in the aftermath of events that shake us to the core. There should be no hesitation.
There are more than 300 million guns in the U.S. The Second Amendment allows for gun ownership and the ability to arm ourselves against those who would cause us harm. Needless to say, there is nothing that can make right the gun violence that has occurred in the past or will in the future. But when you compare the guns owned against the number of incidents, it’s clear that most who possess one or more firearms continue to follow laws and exercise their right responsibly and peacefully. Those who commit acts of gun violence are the minority.
What are millions of people supposed to do when a deranged individual takes innocent lives with a firearm? Each one of us has remained helpless as we witnessed news reports of gruesome, mass shootings at places like Aurora, Sandy Hook, Orlando, Sutherland Springs, Las Vegas, and Stoneman Douglas High School.
[Related: Cory Booker: Americans should be ‘thrown in jail’ if they won’t give up their guns]
However, the “bold action” Booker refers to is more about enforcement of current laws than it is the introduction of new laws that would do little or nothing to stop unhinged individuals from causing harm. Additionally, action of any kind must come from police departments or politicians, not the general public.
Since these tangible examples of progress remain out of our reach as regular citizens, we should never hesitate to petition The Almighty. Apparently, that is offensive to Booker and countless others on the Left.
In October 2015, President Barack Obama criticized the use of “thoughts and prayers” following a shooting at Umpqua Community College near Roseburg, Ore.
Nearly four years later, another politician is censuring those who dare to share that sentiment. But if laws continue to fail in protecting all of us, where else can we turn?
“Thoughts and prayers” are often considered archaic and useless in the face of turmoil. In reality, seeking heavenly wisdom, guidance, and peace is an admission that despite our best human efforts, there will still be moments when evil succeeds at destroying lives. Prayer is an acknowledgment that we as humans need help that goes far beyond what our imperfect leaders can do. There is nothing wrong with those on both sides of the gun rights issue recognizing what can and should be done to catch and counter persons who plan to execute violence. Much of it centers around fully and properly enforcing current laws. But this, too, will never completely remove the threat of gun violence. Nothing ever will.
Meanwhile, Americans must not pause in offering their thoughts and prayers. Rather than being the least, it is the best we can do.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
