Are Liberals Obsessed With Trump?

Since the day Trump won the Republican nomination for president, there has been endless discussion about him.  People have examined his polices and dissected his words to understand exactly who and what he is, as well as what kind of agenda he would set.  There has been virtually constant disagreement and divisiveness about his effectiveness as a leader, the effect his policies will have, and even whether or not he is fit to serve as president.  Like many, I discuss Trump in various contexts quite frequently, both in person and online, and I admit that I sometimes do this too frequently; as a result, I have been accused of “obsessing over Trump,” as have many who oppose him and most of the major news outlets.  But is this a valid criticism?  Are we obsessing, or are those criticizing us simply missing the point?

Another Day, Another Shooting

Eleven days ago, the country watched in horror as yet another school shooting took place, this time in Parkland, Florida.  Yet again, young lives were cut short, with at least 17 dead and 15 injured as of this writing.  Yet again, the country cried out for justice, for change, for a stop to these tragedies.  Yet again, politicians around the country offered thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families while clearly showing they have no intention of actually doing anything.  So the cycle goes.

That I can even write these words shows the depth of this problem.  School shootings, along with other mass shootings, are becoming the norm.  We know exactly how things will play out in the days and weeks following them because we repeat the exact same cycle over and over again.