We must do something about these shootings

The following piece is not about football. It is about saving and protecting the lives of innocent children and individuals throughout our Country.

I was in Las Vegas with my wife over the weekend.

It was my first time back since the tragic shooting that took place last Fall. Seeing the area where the attack occurred created a grim reminder of the senseless tragedy and heartbreak for those who lost their lives as a result.

Then today, in Florida, there was a shooting at a high school. The Broward Country Sheriff, Scott Israel, reported that 17 individuals were killed in this horrific attack.

When will this ever end?

As Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman noted via Twitter today, this is unacceptable.

My immediate thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this senseless act. What comfort could possibly be offered in this time of tragedy and pain?

What can we as a society do to prevent such acts?

These devastating attacks have taken place time and time again. Will we ever be able to completely prevent them?

There are those who have voiced their opinion regarding ways to stop and prevent such tragedies. But such opinions, even arguments, have yet to bring about an absolute fix.

So what will it take? What will it take for us as a society, for us as a Country, to figure out and agree upon measures to prevent such acts of violence?

The discussion needs to be had. And it needs to take place now, before another tragedy occurs.

Some of you may disagree with my utilization of this platform to address such an issue. But your disapproval is truly the least of my worries. And in fact, your focus should not be on my supposed improper use of a platform, but rather how we as a society can better protect our citizens, both young and old.

I am with Devonta Freeman, these senseless crimes are unacceptable.

There are those who believe this a gun control issue. There are those who believe this is a mental health issue. My question is, why can it not be both?

I believe we should address a child’s emotional and mental health as a part of the school experience. Just as we have classes that teach children how to add 2+2, why can we not add courses that address a child’s emotional well-being and self-esteem?

In my opinion, it is just as important for a student to be taught proper conflict resolve, anger control, and how to have compassion for others as it is for them to learn how to spell the word meteorologist.

And if doing away with guns is not a realistic option, why not increase school security and police presence? Sure, it will mean higher taxes. But it is a cost I personally am willing to contribute towards.

Maybe you agree with my opinions, and maybe you do not. If you do not, then my plea to you is that you voice your opinion on how you believe we can prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

If enough of us voice our suggestions as to how we can protect our fellow citizens from mass/public shootings, then I believe we will eventually find a way to defeat these evil acts once and for all.

We must do something about this. It is unacceptable.

Final note: I have selected to not place any additional advertisements in this piece. Any ad that is attached to this reading was placed there automatically or by our company, which I do not control. Also, I get paid based upon the amount of views an article receives. I will be donating any and all money received from views of this article to a cause related to today’s tragic event, once one has been created. Thank you for reading.