Refractions

This is a summary of a soon to be published op-ed.  Gail Vida Hamburg >>... The NRA could set up a hotline like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for those considering the deed.    There are two ways NRA could help them: offer fully-subsidized wraparound, intensive mental healthcare services to those who request it , or offer would-be perpetrators either a simulated blazing finale or a  simulated murder and real assisted suicide ritual in a controlled environment. NRA could choreograph and produce ritualized mass shooting simulations (or real experiences after assisted suicide legislation is in place) in a regulated environment, with their own members participating in the event.    American gun enthusiasts already participate  in weekend warrior events here, and in attack tourism experiences  in Israe l. For $115 to $250, tourists at Israel’s fantasy anti-terrorism camps participate in simulated suicide bombing and knife attack ...

By Gail Vida Hamburg This is a longer version of a forthcoming op-ed. Each mass shooting in America plays out the same way. Media descends on the traumatized community to allow victims and witnesses to tell their wrenching stories. Gun absolutists and gun control advocates offer their seasoned, pickled defenses and solutions: guns don’t kill, people do; good guys with guns could have stopped the bad guys with guns; transparent backpacks; not one more, gun control; look at Europe, look at Australia. Politicians offer prayers and platitudes. Americans across the nation lay flowers and light candles. The NRA, viewed as the preeminent enabler of each carnage, lowers the shades, turns off the lights, closes shop, and goes fishing until the furor dies down. Another Candlelight Vigil  Confronted with the reality of innocent Americans gunned down while going about their lives, Second Amendment literalists double down on their sacred rights. “Your son’...