Staff Reports
In a city as bustling as New York, you might think the most terrifying thing you’d have to confront is the swarm of tourists attempting to navigate their way through the chaos of Times Square or encountering a yet-to-be-improved subway system. Unfortunately, today’s reality proved far more harrowing as a tragic mass shooting unfolded near some of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks. Four people are dead, including an off-duty NYPD officer, in what should have been a mundane day at work in Midtown turns into a nightmare.
Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old from Nevada, waltzed into an office building and unleashed terror. His rampage only ended when he turned the gun on himself. Remarkably, this suspect had a history of mental health issues. His grievances seemed as bizarre as they were tragic — blaming the NFL for a brain injury he never sustained. One wonders, did he think storming the wrong floor to target the league would somehow grant him peace of mind?
Yet again, calls for common-sense gun reforms echo through the halls of Congress like parroted chants, offering little more than a band-aid for a gaping wound. Congressman Dan Goldman, pointing fingers at Republicans for blocking these reforms, becomes a classic example of political grandstanding. It’s almost comedic to imagine these politicians, who can’t even define an assault weapon, holding the keys to solve gun violence.
On the other hand, the left’s pipe dream of eliminating guns seems as plausible as Harry Potter casting a spell to erase all wands. With around 350 million firearms floating around in the United States, it’s like trying to plug a leaky dam with bubble gum. And then there’s the suggestion to limit ammunition—because surely, that will make bullets less harmful. These approaches might bring a chuckle if the circumstances weren’t so dire.
Instead of playing defense, wouldn’t a dose of pragmatism suggest that empowering citizens might create a buffer against these malicious intentions? Perhaps the notion is not as radical as it sounds. Imagine a world where good guys with guns could counteract bad guys with guns—a strategy that’s as logical as having a fire extinguisher in every building. It’s a blueprint for citizens, from the law-abiding neighbor next door to the off-duty officer grabbing a bagel, to be the shield against the next potential attack.
While printed headlines call for more police or stricter laws, it’s apparent that we lack the clairvoyance to determine when the next disturbed individual might decide to unleash chaos. It’s common sense; arm the good with the ability to protect. Let the bad guys know their spree might not go unchallenged. In this world, where every man and woman can be a first responder, perhaps peace will stand a fighting chance.
