Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., introduced last week a resolution “condemning the brutal and senseless attack at a country music festival in Las Vegas, Nev., honoring the memory of the victims of the deadly shooting, offering condolences to, and expressing support for, the families and friends of the victims and all of the individuals who were affected by the attack, and applauding the dedication and bravery of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, medical professionals, hotel security and staff, and community members in responding to the attack.”
In its approval in the Senate, the measure drew broad, bipartisan support, including senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran of Kansas.
It was in the late hours of Sunday, Oct. 1, That 64-year-old Stephen Paddock from Mesquite, Nevada, killed 58 individuals and wounded more than 500 innocent individuals in a horrific attack at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, with more than 22,000 individuals in attendance. Two of those present were from Great Bend and they are still coping with the aftermath of that tragic event.
This took place in Heller’s home state and it was indeed a meaningful gesture. This is something that city will deal with for years to come.
However, it wasn’t really going out on a political limb. It is kind of hard not to support these victims, their families and the first responders.
What really needs to happen is some serious leadership at all levels of society and government to address the root causes of this assault.
We can’t forget that on June 12, 2016, 49 were killed and 58 injured in an Orlando, Fla., nightclub shooting; and on Dec. 2, 2015, 14 were killed and 22 injured at an office building in San Bernardino, Calif.
Closer to home, on Feb. 25, 2016, three people were killed and 14 others injured in a series of shootings in Newton and Hesston, including in and outside an Excel Industries building.
No, guns did not, themselves, kill these people. The person who pulled the trigger did.
No, the answer is not banning all guns. Outlawing firearms is the common, knee-jerk response.
We do need to look at clamping down on, if not ban, some forms of assault rifles and some accessories that make killing easier. Sensible legislation is in order.
But, there is more than that. It seems increasingly all to common for someone to get mad, grab a bunch of guns and kill a bunch of people.
Somewhere along the line in our culture, this became a norm not the exception. This is what must be addressed and, sadly, this can not be legislated.
Dale Hogg
