A few mass shootings ago I figured out America’s Hero Problem:
1. America loves guns because
2. Guns make villains and
3. Villains make heroes
#Annapolis
Villain: Shooter
Heroes:
1. Every American, thoughtful and prayerful
2. First responders
3. Every proud gun owner...
1. America loves guns because
2. Guns make villains and
3. Villains make heroes
#Annapolis
Villain: Shooter
Heroes:
1. Every American, thoughtful and prayerful
2. First responders
3. Every proud gun owner...
3... who can tell everyone what he would have done so bravely with his flawless marksmanship in a panicked situation. Oh how the crowds would adore him at the parades around the country. The radio interviews. Free duffel bags of cash. All past errors absolved. Loved, finally.
When there is no #goodguywithagun, there’s no problem. We can make heroes of the brave doctors who were awash with innocent blood. Make heroes of the brave survivors learning to operate their new electric wheelchair. They’re all good media stories.
Like any good gambler, Americans are willing to wait a long time between the real hero story: Honorably discharged veteran or off-duty cop kills the killer somewhere in the middle of the mass execution of innocents. That’s the jackpot. In between, good company and Bloody Mary’s.
Just like in Vegas.
