RIGHTEOUS, CONTROLLED ANGER – A LIFEBLOOD OF CHANGE?
(Commentary from Preet Bharara)
Summarized By Joanna Williams
Sunday afternoon, August 4, 2019
For me, on that Sunday afternoon, in the wake of two senseless murder scenes, sadness and heartbreak gave way to anger, boiling anger.
Anger at the shooters. But also anger at a racist president who foments hate and white nationalism. And then, ever sharply and unforgivingly, anger at the insufferable craven boobs we call lawmakers who perennially block all common sense laws on guns.
More than 90 percent of Americans support universal background checks. Yet no action.
Seventy-five percent of Americans support a 30-day waiting period for gun sales. Yet no action.
Seventy percent of Americans support requiring privately owned guns to be registered with the police. Yet no action.
Added to my anger was the utter cowardice on the part of so many lawmakers – especially Republicans – in their radio silence. CNN reported that after the Dayton shooting, 49 out of 50 GOP lawmakers declined invitations to discuss the shootings on the air. First responders braved bullets to save innocents in two American cities, and yet scores of elected officials fled the public square in the aftermath. If you believe in the status quo, say so and defend it; if you believe in change, then fight for it. If you can’t do either, then step aside and leave your office to someone with integrity. It’s that simple.
I am angry. So are many of you. Anger isn’t reason. Anger isn’t analysis. Anger isn’t evidence. Anger isn’t a policy proposal, reform, or solution. Raw anger can cloud and distort more than illuminate. So one needs to be careful. But controlled anger can be the lifeblood of change. At least I hope so.