| Written by Corine Gatti-Santillo |

A mass shooting was carried out in Dayton, Ohio, Aug. 4, murdering 10 people. Earlier that day another mass shooting occurred at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, killing 22 people and wounding 24.

We’re still shocked as a nation over the demonstrated evil against the innocent.

Soon after, the wagons started circling President Donald Trump – he remained constructive. 

“In one voice,” he said. “Our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy. We are outraged and sickened by this monstrous evil, the cruelty, the hatred, the malice, the bloodshed and the terror.  Our hearts are shattered for every family whose parents, children, husbands and wives were ripped from their arms and their lives.  America weeps for the fallen.”

Texas constituents protested and asked leaders to not consent to Trump’s visit, according to reports. However, people welcomed the president with open arms.

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) said she wouldn’t be part of the president’s visit.  

She tweeted: 

“The White House invited me to join@realDonaldTrump during his visit to El Paso. My response was clear. I requested a phone call with him today to share what I have now heard from many constituents, including some who are victims of Saturday’s attack. I was told that @realDonaldTrumpis “too busy” to have that conversation. I declined the invitation because I refuse to be an accessory to his visit. I refuse to join without dialogue about the pain his racist and hateful words & actions have caused our community and country.”

Trump was never considered a racist until he ran for the White House. All people embraced him – his money as well as Al Sharpton. During 9/11 he visited ground zero. He helped search for survivors a day after the attack. Maybe he should be blamed for the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 and Parkland?

Many presidents experienced mass shootings under their watch. I guess they’re to blame as well.

 Sounds preposterous. You get the idea.

While politicians, pundits and others are fighting, the country is reeling from spilled blood.

The possible solutions?

The Extreme Risk Protection Orders also known as “red flag” laws could be instituted in more states. The gun violence prevention law allows police and families to “petition a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may present a danger to others or themselves.” Seventeen states already support ERPO, including Indiana, Oregon and Colorado. However, there’s the danger of this procedure violating due process.

Psychological testing could be a remedy, possibly. There are discussions about taking people’s guns away again. This won’t circumvent the problem. Anyone can buy guns on the black market, even body armor. The country would experience another Prohibition. Prohibition was a national constitutional ban on the production, transport and sale of alcohol between 1920 and 1933. How did that work out? People still found access to alcohol. They will do the same for guns. Plus, going house-to-house to apprehend guns is a violation of the Second Amendment and not happening.

Said President Trump about the spirit of America — something we can all agree on:

“We are a loving nation, and our children are entitled to grow up in a just, peaceful, and loving society.  Together, we lock arms to shoulder the grief, we ask God in Heaven to ease the anguish of those who suffer, and we vow to act with urgent resolve.”

We can’t blame every sitting president for violence. President Trump is demanding answers and reaching across the aisle for solutions.

“Republicans and Democrats must come together and get strong background checks, perhaps marrying … this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform,” he tweeted.

We must make these tragedies about the victims, not votes nor about the Commander-in-Chief.

During precarious times we must stand together as one. Are you ready?