Silence begets violence?

Time after time, we have heard of terrible mass shootings around our nation. I agree with the author who stated “enough”. Events like these show in our society today, we are not safe anywhere, but we cannot let fear take over our lives. Mass shootings have taken place in malls, theaters and lastly schools, but there was no way to expect it. All of these events, along with the shootings that occur everyday, are horrific and must end. The Connecticut shooting has especially demanded such a call to action. I feel many people have truly seen that enough is enough. The fact that innocent 6 and 7 year olds lost their lives and the amount of people is truly inexplicable and tragic. This specific event demands such a call because school is supposed to be a place of education, innovation, safety and hope. These young children and the teachers should never have to fear for their lives while going to school. This event also shows that shootings can happen anywhere, like it did in a small town in Connecticut. I believe such action must be taken so nothing like this ever happens again. As a society, we must pray and give support to all those affected by the shooting and reach out to them. Action must also be taken. The topic of gun control is controversial to many people, but I believe it is one of the main ways we can respond. I do not think that taking away the right to bear arms will completely diminish the problem, but more gun laws are necessary. I do not believe someone should be allowed to go into a store and buy an assault rifle or many guns. I do not think there is any reason to have a gun like this. What could possibly be the reason? The gun laws must be striker and we also must make sure guns do not get into the wrong hands. Mental health awareness and help must also be improved. Many factors contribute to what we do as a society. We cannot be a culture of violence. Catholic Social Teaching compels us to consider that every life is precious and everyone has the right to live. From here, we must raise awareness and take actions to do anything in our power to prevent future shootings like these. We must also find the light amongst all of the darkness and focus and improve. We must also stop being a culture of violence and aggression.

Factory Fire

When I first heard of the factory fire in Bangladesh I was horrified. I was astonished at how people could be so inconsiderate of human life. The fact that there were no safety measures put in place and the workers were told to sit back down after the alarms sounded is terrible. Although the US companies claim they did not use the factories or stopped at least a year ago, more action must be taken. I think if the US companies are getting their product from these companies, than we are responsible for what took place. Although many people are involved and responsible for the process, whoever is in charge of the large corporation is partly responsible. I do not think this is the American’s government responsibility. I think each individual company must take responsibility. I believe the governments of other countries are somewhat responsible and cannot have their citizens working for such a low wage and in terrible conditions. I do not think it is fair for the workers in Bangladesh, although they are receiving a wage; it is not enough to live on. The people want to work and will do a job well, being paired below a “living wage” is unfair. The thought of being paid such a small wage is almost worse than being paid nothing at all because of the dignity of the people. How can they work so hard and diligently to perform a task and receive almost next to nothing? This idea leads to a never ending cycle. A quote in the article that stood out to me was, “nothing will change unless clothing companies protect workers as vigorously as they do their brands”. I think the large corporations and others need a conscious effort to improve around the world.