The news that the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, had been assassinated at his home last night made me think about the January 6th insurrection on the U.S. Capitol and differently that could have turned out.
Gun Violence Archive reports:
There have now been 20 mass shootings in July, 336 on the year. The 14 mass shootings over this past holiday weekend (Friday to Sunday) are the most of any weekend in 2021. https://t.co/ApCx8x6bfO — Gun Violence Archive (@GunDeaths) July 5, 2021
I had hoped that the COVID-19 pandemic would have made us cognizant of the fragility of human life. Yet, the increase in mass killings suggests differently.
I heard a reporter say that Boris Johnson’s lift of COVID restrictions was a trade-off. Mr. Johnson is quoted
We have to balance the risks,” Johnson said. “The risks of the disease, which the vaccines have reduced but very far from eliminated and the risks of continuing with legally enforced restrictions that inevitably take their toll on people’s lives and livelihoods.
When I see statements like this, I am reminded of the inequities in public policies. The people who bear these “risks” are the most vulnerable – those who are income insecure and have fragile health.
My condolences to the Moïse family and all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence in 2021.
