Orlando

This most recent shooting hit way to close to home, literally.  I live 20 miles from the Nightclub that was attacked.  I have been to this venue a few times and know a few of the frequent patrons. And just because I am not gay myself, does not mean that I have no business being in a place like that.

LGBT establishments tend to be peaceful and friendly locations where I can feel safe and secure.  No small feat since I am Jewish and Autistic.  The LGBT Community is one of the only communities in the world that really understands the type of fear and discrimination that I undergo on a daily basis and that is probably most of all, why what transpired this last weekend is most sickening to me.

That a person would attack a place that is meant to represent peace and security is more than just a vile deed.  Forget the media and dictionary definitions.  To me, that is a crime against humanity.  It is a crime to each and every person who needs a place where they will not be attacked.  Its a crime to the idea of peace and security.  It is a crime to the very nature of what it means to be good.

Also when I said that the targeted group was the most sickening aspect, I lied.  The real most sickening aspect is the aftermath.  I did not realize that everyone is suddenly an expert on guns, crime, and hate.  The tried and true gun debate quickly overtook any real rational discussion.  And once again, I pointed out that both camps were wrong.

As I elaborated in an earlier post, more guns or less, the killings will happen.  There is no way to stop a lone gunman if they are prepared enough.  I am gonna repeat that cause it sounds important.

THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP A LONE GUNMAN IF THEY ARE PREPARED ENOUGH

I know people do not like to feel powerless.  I know that people need something to blame when these sorts of incidents occur. but this is your not so friendly and very much truthful reminder that when it comes to these sorts of incidents, we are powerless to stop the initial attack.  We can only react to actions and unlike in movies, when someone draws a weapon, people tend to die long before the brain registers the danger.

We are not vigilantes, we are not Van Helsings.  Being armed has the potential to protect you from danger, but only if you are faster than your enemy.

Which leads to my final point.  I am fearing fro the soul of America.  We are focusing on stopping hatred, which is great and all, but fear is our real enemy.

They are called terrorists, not hatists. Fear is driving gun sales.  Fear is driving the need to ban assault weapons.  Fear is driving the divisions of races.  Fear is driving the divisions between LGBT within and outside.  Divisions between religions.

And as we continue into a very politically charged year with a presidential election this fall, I have no doubt in my mind that more trouble is coming.

For now though, we must honor and remember those who no longer can speak for themselves in the name of peace.

#Orlandostrong #IstandwithPulse #peaceandlove #fightfear