October 10, 2017
Scribe Staff
We’ve all read the news by this point.
On Oct. 1, the largest mass shooting in U.S. history was committed in Las Vegas as 59 people were killed and over 500 others were injured at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.
The attacker used rifles modified with bump stocks to mimic automatic gunfire as he shot at a crowd of 22,000 from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
The incident was met with horror and shock in our country, just 16 months after where the last “deadliest shooting in U.S. history” occurred in Orlando, Florida when 49 people were killed at Pulse Night Club.
It seems these events only happen in a vicious cycle with no known solution.
We are exhausted, worn down and horrified by this news.
On Monday, Jimmy Kimmel, host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, decided to politicize the opening monologue of his late-night television show. Kimmel, like many Americans, feels that there is more we can do.
“I’ve been reading comments from people saying this is terrible, but there is nothing we can do about it,” said Kimmel. “But I disagree with that intensely because of course there’s something we can do about it. There are a lot of things we can do about it. But we don’t.”
So let’s do something about it, UCCS.
During this time of tragedy and chaos, it is natural to be emotional and feel loss, even a sense of helplessness. In some ways, these issues are bigger than us, and there sometimes is not much we can do to bring about major change.
However, sending “thoughts and prayers” is never enough. We need to make tangible efforts that actually help those in need during this time.
While tweeting out support and placing a flag over your Facebook profile picture sends a message of solidarity, doing it alone won’t bring about tangible change for those who genuinely need help, resources and time.
The only definitive way to actually help the people affected by disaster is by donating your time and money..
Doing any of these things instead of some morally-void non-action can make a difference in the scheme of just one person’s life.
Whether we are able to donate $1 or $100, we are making a difference in someone’s life, be it big or small.
Donate Money
Students can donate money to the Southern Nevada chapter of the American Red Cross. The chapter is not accepting donations specifically for the shooting; however, it accepts general donations.
Call 702-369-3674 to donate by phone, or visit the website at redcross.org/local/nevada/southern-nevada/ways-to-donate.
Steve Sisolak, chairman of the Clark County Commission also launched a GoFundMe page to help those affected by the shooting. To donate here, visit gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-fund.
For any other potential methods of donating, it is recommended to check the validity and quality of charities on CharityNavigator.org.
Donate Time
If you are are outraged over this event, look to make a change in the policies that have been or are being written to address the issue of gun violence.
Call your local or state representative to express concern. We have seen the power our voices can have to affect legislation in issues such as the enactment of the travel ban in January and DACA reform in September.
The representatives for Colorado Springs residents are:
Governor John Hickenlooper, 303-866-2471
Senator Cory Gardner (Colorado), 719-632-6706
Senator Michael Bennet (Colorado), 719-328-1100
Representative Doug Lamborn (Colorado), 719-520-0055