Parkland, Florida
Las Vegas, Nevada
Orlando, Florida
Newtown, Connecticut
Virginia Tech
Columbine
These are only a few of the mass shootings to happen in the last twenty years. For many of us, we have become numb to these events. What all of them have in common is that guns were legally purchased by people who should not have had access to them.
Activists have tried to get gun reform legislation passed, only to have the National Rifle Association give money to politicians who support loose gun laws. This has to change. How many more deadly mass shootings will there be before the gun laws are changed nationwide? It is now up to this generation to make that happen.
After the Parkland, Florida shooting, some of the survivors launched the #NeverAgain movement. Led by Emma Gonzalez and David Hogg, the movement spread across the country. Two walkouts and a nationwide march happened and there could be more events to come. This is all in an effort to get eligible voters to the polls and cast their ballots for politicians who refuse to take donations from the powerful NRA.
Florida and Vermont are the only states so far to make it harder for people to obtain guns.
For someone like myself, who has autism and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I can go to a gun show and legally obtain an assault-style weapon without having to pass a background check. Even if I was to submit to a background check, I would still be able to obtain a deadly, high-powered weapon.
This should not be the case. The fact I have an underlying mental illness should immediately raise a red flag and prevent me from being able to purchase a gun. While I will never obtain a gun, I am only demonstrating how easy it is for a person to do this.
We need to reform our gun laws so assault-style weapons do not end up in the hands of civilians or someone who is deemed mentally unstable.
On April 20, 2017, exactly 19 years after Columbine, students walked out of class in order to call attention to gun violence. On March 14, 2018, one month after the Parkland shooting, students boldly walked out of class to demonstrate against mass shootings. On March 24, 2018, March For Our Lives rallied people across the country to tell politicians that enough is enough.
While I was not able to participate in the school walkouts, I did have the privilege of attending the Houston March For Our Lives event. In speaking with participants, I learned that even in my hometown, there are schools that have a problem with gun violence. Students told me they were marching in order to call attention to the increasing problem of mentally unstable people being able to obtain assault weapons. Teachers told me they were marching in order to call attention to the growing epidemic of gun violence. Even ordinary citizens marched because they were too fed up with a federal government ignoring a growing epidemic.
Students from many Houston area schools attended the rally. Even Mayor Sylvester Turner told the group that the city is the employee and the citizens are the employer. "When students lead demonstrations, things can change. We need to make America safe again." During his speech, Mayor Turner also announced his decision to form a commission to end gun violence in the city. "We need to fulfill our potential and protect our citizens. NOW IS THE TIME."
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Weekend Gun Violence Leaves Windy City on edge
In what would ultimately amount to at least 11 deaths and 70 people wounded over the weekend of August 2, 2018, former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and city police are still trying to figure out what sparked a deadly weekend of gun violence.
Speaking at a press conference, Emanuel said that while gangs are responsible, the motive or motives are unclear. “We have a heavy heart and we will get justice,” the mayor said Monday, August 6.
It's no surprise that gun violence is up during the summer months. Warmer weather, outdoor events, and an increase in gun flow all account for the increase. After being arrested, most offenders get light sentences or a slap on the wrist, even if they have previous gun convictions. “This has no place in the city,” former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said. “We need to hold people accountable and slow the flow of illegal guns into the city.”
Much of the weekend violence was attributed to the city's many gangs. The shootings mostly occurred on the city's south and west sides, which is home to many blue collar and underprivileged neighborhoods. With little formal opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, many of the city's young residents see gang membership as the only way out.
Trump's current attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said on Twitter on August 6, that “Chicago murders are a direct result of one party Democratic rule for decades.” He also praised former Chicago Police Superintendent Gary McCarthy for being a “policing genius,” saying he could do for Chicago “what I did for New York City.” Giuliani also credited McCarthy for being an “architect” of NYPD's CompStat program. The program helps to track crime, allowing police to better allocate resources to high-crime areas.
McCarthy was fired by Emanuel in 2015 after a backlash over his handling of the shooting death of black teenager Laquan McDonald at the hands of white police officers. The teen was shot more than 12 times after pulling a weapon from his pants.
Giuliani continued his endorsement of McCarthy by saying “It's only because of Democratic brain washing that Emanuel even has a chance of remaining. Support police professional Gary McCarthy.”
Former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has also called on former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, a Republican, to sign legislation that makes it harder for habitual armed offenders to obtain weapons. “We need everyone to come to the table with less talk and more action.”
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel also added that there is still much work to be done in Chicago's neighborhoods. “All of us know this is not the Chicago we saw, all of us who love this city and call it home have a responsibility to heal our neighborhoods. There is a shortage of values about what is right and what is wrong.” Emanuel noted that the issue of gun violence is not solved by pointing one finger at one person.
Anti-violence protests continue in Chicago where protestors have shut down highways to voice their outrage. They may try and shut down O'Hare International Airport as well in an attempt to
make their voices heard. Rev. Michael Pfleger, one of Chicago's most outspoken anti-gun violence activists, told CBS Chicago that the bloody weekend is outrageous and uncalled for. “It is a state of emergency in our city.”
Former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said that while police have worked on removing illegal guns from the streets, seizing over 5600 weapons this year 60 more over the bloody weekend, there is still a lot to be done. “While investigators have several good leads, so far no arrests have been made. I urge anyone with any information to come forward.” This may not happen since many residents fear retaliation by gang members.
Two shootings were reported in the Lawndale neighborhood. In one shooting, two gunmen exited a vehicle and shot four people at a party before fleeing the crime scene. According to WLS-TV, all four victims were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition. In the other incident, two gunmen approached a group of people and opened fire, the Chicago Tribune reported. A 17-year-old girl was shot in the face and died at the scene. Five other victims were rushed to the hospital.
In the Gresham community, eight were wounded when several gunmen opened fire outside of a building on West 76th street according to Chicago Police. Five female victims and three male victims were all taken to the hospital and listed in stable condition. The victims suffered gunshot wounds to the legs, buttocks, hands, and a graze wound to the head. No suspects were arrested.
The widespread gun violence has drawn the attention of President Trump and his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Both have blamed the continued violence on Mayor Rahm Emanuel's longtime “Democratic rule.”
The former mayor of New York City endorsed mayoral candidate and former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. McCarthy was fired by Emanuel in 2015 after dashcam video footage showed a white police officer shoot a black teenager, Laquan McDonald not just once, but 16 times.
Misspelling Emanuel's last name, Giuliani tweeted that McCarthy can do a whole lot better than Emanuel who sits and fiddles while Chicago burns.
Speaking at a press conference, Emanuel said that while gangs are responsible, the motive or motives are unclear. “We have a heavy heart and we will get justice,” the mayor said Monday, August 6.
It's no surprise that gun violence is up during the summer months. Warmer weather, outdoor events, and an increase in gun flow all account for the increase. After being arrested, most offenders get light sentences or a slap on the wrist, even if they have previous gun convictions. “This has no place in the city,” former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said. “We need to hold people accountable and slow the flow of illegal guns into the city.”
Much of the weekend violence was attributed to the city's many gangs. The shootings mostly occurred on the city's south and west sides, which is home to many blue collar and underprivileged neighborhoods. With little formal opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, many of the city's young residents see gang membership as the only way out.
Trump's current attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said on Twitter on August 6, that “Chicago murders are a direct result of one party Democratic rule for decades.” He also praised former Chicago Police Superintendent Gary McCarthy for being a “policing genius,” saying he could do for Chicago “what I did for New York City.” Giuliani also credited McCarthy for being an “architect” of NYPD's CompStat program. The program helps to track crime, allowing police to better allocate resources to high-crime areas.
McCarthy was fired by Emanuel in 2015 after a backlash over his handling of the shooting death of black teenager Laquan McDonald at the hands of white police officers. The teen was shot more than 12 times after pulling a weapon from his pants.
Giuliani continued his endorsement of McCarthy by saying “It's only because of Democratic brain washing that Emanuel even has a chance of remaining. Support police professional Gary McCarthy.”
Former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has also called on former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, a Republican, to sign legislation that makes it harder for habitual armed offenders to obtain weapons. “We need everyone to come to the table with less talk and more action.”
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel also added that there is still much work to be done in Chicago's neighborhoods. “All of us know this is not the Chicago we saw, all of us who love this city and call it home have a responsibility to heal our neighborhoods. There is a shortage of values about what is right and what is wrong.” Emanuel noted that the issue of gun violence is not solved by pointing one finger at one person.
Anti-violence protests continue in Chicago where protestors have shut down highways to voice their outrage. They may try and shut down O'Hare International Airport as well in an attempt to
make their voices heard. Rev. Michael Pfleger, one of Chicago's most outspoken anti-gun violence activists, told CBS Chicago that the bloody weekend is outrageous and uncalled for. “It is a state of emergency in our city.”
Former Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said that while police have worked on removing illegal guns from the streets, seizing over 5600 weapons this year 60 more over the bloody weekend, there is still a lot to be done. “While investigators have several good leads, so far no arrests have been made. I urge anyone with any information to come forward.” This may not happen since many residents fear retaliation by gang members.
Two shootings were reported in the Lawndale neighborhood. In one shooting, two gunmen exited a vehicle and shot four people at a party before fleeing the crime scene. According to WLS-TV, all four victims were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition. In the other incident, two gunmen approached a group of people and opened fire, the Chicago Tribune reported. A 17-year-old girl was shot in the face and died at the scene. Five other victims were rushed to the hospital.
In the Gresham community, eight were wounded when several gunmen opened fire outside of a building on West 76th street according to Chicago Police. Five female victims and three male victims were all taken to the hospital and listed in stable condition. The victims suffered gunshot wounds to the legs, buttocks, hands, and a graze wound to the head. No suspects were arrested.
The widespread gun violence has drawn the attention of President Trump and his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Both have blamed the continued violence on Mayor Rahm Emanuel's longtime “Democratic rule.”
The former mayor of New York City endorsed mayoral candidate and former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. McCarthy was fired by Emanuel in 2015 after dashcam video footage showed a white police officer shoot a black teenager, Laquan McDonald not just once, but 16 times.
Misspelling Emanuel's last name, Giuliani tweeted that McCarthy can do a whole lot better than Emanuel who sits and fiddles while Chicago burns.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Coronavirus fears shut down college postseason
For the first time in 81 years, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, known as March Madness, as well as the women’s basketball championship, will not happen over fears the coronavirus could spread. The tournaments were originally going to be held with only essential personnel and the families of players allowed in the arena. That all changed on March 12. The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced the cancellation of all remaining winter and remaining spring championships. This includes the College World Series and the Women’s College World Series.
As many sports fans know, March Madness is a big deal. Office pools spring up as people place their bets on who they believe will be the champion of men’s college basketball. I admit to betting on games as a kid. Even as I got older, I continued to fill out a bracket.
The selection show for the NCAA tournament was scheduled for March 15, with the National Invitation Tournament selection show to follow. It’s not just the NCAA tournament that is cancelled. The collegeinsider.com tournament and College Basketball Invitational tournament have also been cancelled.
Many college championship tournaments have also been cancelled for both the men’s and women’s teams. This is all over fear the coronavirus could spread.
In a statement published on ncaa.org, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors said the decision was based on the ongoing public health threat of the coronavirus, the ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.
You can find the latest news by going to ncaa.org and information about ticket refunds by going to ncaa.com.
As many sports fans know, March Madness is a big deal. Office pools spring up as people place their bets on who they believe will be the champion of men’s college basketball. I admit to betting on games as a kid. Even as I got older, I continued to fill out a bracket.
The selection show for the NCAA tournament was scheduled for March 15, with the National Invitation Tournament selection show to follow. It’s not just the NCAA tournament that is cancelled. The collegeinsider.com tournament and College Basketball Invitational tournament have also been cancelled.
Many college championship tournaments have also been cancelled for both the men’s and women’s teams. This is all over fear the coronavirus could spread.
In a statement published on ncaa.org, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors said the decision was based on the ongoing public health threat of the coronavirus, the ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.
You can find the latest news by going to ncaa.org and information about ticket refunds by going to ncaa.com.
Rodeo Houston shuts down 11 days early
I’m sure most of Houston has heard the news by now. If not, then be prepared for a sad update. RodeoHouston, the biggest revenue generator for the city, has officially shut down. As of 4pm on March 11, the grounds officially closed.
What does this mean for those who purchased tickets for the remaining concerts? It still is being worked on how refunds will be distributed. I’ve heard that if you bought tickets through the rodeo’s website, you will get a refund. I have not heard about refunds being distributed through independent websites or smartphone apps.
I did not buy my tickets to see Cody Johnson through the rodeo’s website, but instead used an app on my phone to purchase them. Whether or not I will get a refund is unclear. This is a lesson learned. If something like this happens, you are better off purchasing tickets through the event website rather than an independent vendor.
The closure of RodeoHouston is a huge blow to many kids who are involved in the 4H and Future Farmers of America programs. These kids have worked for a year to raise livestock for showing at this year’s livestock show. The winners in each category are awarded scholarships to use toward furthering their education. RodeoHouston has said they will still award the scholarships, but it is unclear how much will be given out.
The reason for the sudden closure? The corona virus and the fear it could spread due to the massive crowds that attend the different events at NRG Park and NRG stadium. People also started a petition to shut down the rodeo over fears of the corona virus.
RodeoHouston draws more people in a three week span than the Houston Astros do for the entire baseball season. It’s not just the public that is outraged, Vendors who rely on the rodeo for income will be going home with half of their normal earnings. Performers who were scheduled to give concerts will also have to get reimbursed.
In all, this is a huge blow to the city and the local economy. I hope the city can recover from this and get back to normal.
What does this mean for those who purchased tickets for the remaining concerts? It still is being worked on how refunds will be distributed. I’ve heard that if you bought tickets through the rodeo’s website, you will get a refund. I have not heard about refunds being distributed through independent websites or smartphone apps.
I did not buy my tickets to see Cody Johnson through the rodeo’s website, but instead used an app on my phone to purchase them. Whether or not I will get a refund is unclear. This is a lesson learned. If something like this happens, you are better off purchasing tickets through the event website rather than an independent vendor.
The closure of RodeoHouston is a huge blow to many kids who are involved in the 4H and Future Farmers of America programs. These kids have worked for a year to raise livestock for showing at this year’s livestock show. The winners in each category are awarded scholarships to use toward furthering their education. RodeoHouston has said they will still award the scholarships, but it is unclear how much will be given out.
The reason for the sudden closure? The corona virus and the fear it could spread due to the massive crowds that attend the different events at NRG Park and NRG stadium. People also started a petition to shut down the rodeo over fears of the corona virus.
RodeoHouston draws more people in a three week span than the Houston Astros do for the entire baseball season. It’s not just the public that is outraged, Vendors who rely on the rodeo for income will be going home with half of their normal earnings. Performers who were scheduled to give concerts will also have to get reimbursed.
In all, this is a huge blow to the city and the local economy. I hope the city can recover from this and get back to normal.
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