By Genesis IbarraSpecial to the Chronicle
Dad called and left a voicemail. My hands trembled, but I pressed play and heard him say everyone’s OK. My everyone, that is. Someone right now is getting the most heartbreaking phone call ever, informing them that their “everyone” is gone. Someone is still waiting for that phone call.
I keep looking at the map of the concert grounds in Las Vegas that CNN posted and all I see is where my mom and I parked for a concert in July at the Mandalay Bay. I wonder who else parked there last night. I wonder how long their car will remain there.
Stop being indifferent to human suffering.
There’s no need to hold your hand as we restate solutions to reducing death and injury in gun-obsessed America. If you really want to end gun violence, utilize the answers you’ve been given. Las Vegas is just one of many targets. “The deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history” you say? No, that happened in the 1800s to Native Americans. Stop whitewashing history. “Pray for Vegas” helps no one. Go educate yourself on the problem and volunteer, but just don’t stand there, with your arms crossed. Stop expecting things to change without actions.
To the National Rifle Association: Do you want to know how I started my day? I woke up to a message from my best friend explaining that my hometown was under attack and that she had planned to be at the exact place where it all happened, but some homework kept her in for the night. A homework assignment saved my best friend’s life.
Why is everything so blurry? Oh, I’m crying.
Why are my legs are moving? Oh, I’m walking to class.
This pain is so heavy, I have to set it down for a minute so I find a bench and quietly observe students walk by. They laugh and joke around like it’s just another day. Are you aware of the terror that’s happening?
Someone 2626 miles away is experiencing the worst day of their life and you’re making plans to meet up for lunch. Are you really too busy to care or are you wearing that same shade of ignorance you wore yesterday? Pay attention to someone other than yourself.
You’re at fault too if you buy guns in search for “safety.” Guns are unnecessary. You let my city become a hashtag.
Stop pretending that these hand-drawn lines between states, cities and countries are real and help your neighbors out! Roll up your sleeves and donate blood. Coexist with selflessness.
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