What occurred in Lafayette, Louisiana, was a tragedy. But what is occurring in its aftermath across the nation is simply atrocious and despicable.
The events that have plagued this nation too many times, from California to Colorado and South Carolina to Connecticut, have now become normalized in the minds of our media, government and citizens.
So much so that the Lafayette Theater Shooting did not even merit a mindful response and discussion in some of the morning talk shows and papers.
It is sad that we have become so accustomed to such tragic and heart-wrenching events that they do not even seem to intrude on the thoughts of the public.
Modern-day fears are characterized by terrorism, the economy and a long list of other issues; but my biggest fear is that the person sitting next to me or standing across the room might be the next mass shooter.
I am scared that the person is in the same classroom as I, in the same shopping center or behind me in the movie theater.
I have been to each and every city that a mass shooting has taken place in this state and many more cities around the country.
One of those victims could have easily been a friend, a loved one or even me.
I am not calling for gun law reform or mental health reform. I do not ask for new legislation or new action to take place right now.
What I ask for first is a national self-reflection and for every American citizen to ask themselves the question: “Do I want to live in a nation where this kind of thing is normal?”
Alfredo Ramirez
UF Hispanic Heritage Month Corporate Director
[A version of this story ran on page 7 on 7/27/15]
