(Submitted by Leadership Team of Not In Our Town Bowling Green)
Last night’s tragedy in Virginia Beach has left us all wondering what drives human beings to these senseless acts of violence. While this was not a hate crime targeting a particular population that we are aware of, Not In Our Town BG joins the national horror over continued acts of violence and we stand with those who mourn in Virginia.
We wonder why our land is plagued with mass shootings, filled with rage, and overflowing with the blood of innocents. We live in a broken world where no place is safe from violence, especially vulnerable are places where we should be safe to express our beliefs, educate our young people, and practice democracy – fundamental sanctities of our country. We struggle with what to do, what to say, how to help those whose lives are forever changed in an instant. How do we heal our communities and our country?
We are all responsible for the state of our society. We must admit our complacency in the face of suffering and violence. Are there ways that each of us, maybe unknowingly, contribute to despair and anger? Collectively, how do we address hate and violence, while demanding justice and accountability?
We yearn for comfort for those whose mourning feels endless, whose grief is unspeakable, whose lives will never again be the same. Violence does not solve problems and help is available for those who feel defeated, depressed or disgruntled.
We are thankful for the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and secure those who were in danger. We have continued hope for wisdom and compassion for city and community leaders as they speak with families, the broken-hearted, and respond to the aftermath of this tragedy.
We cannot be alone in our fight against hate and violence, please help us work on ways to improve our community and world. While we weep, we must look to what each of us can do. Join us at our next meeting on Thursday, June 6 at 3 p.m. at the City of Bowling Green Municipal Building.
