The murders of 49 mostly young Hispanic gay men was the catalyst for the sit-in

[obamanut2012]

Their murders were just the latest in a very long line, a too long line, a line that needs a terminus... now. I believe that making the catalyst anything other than their deaths, and the deaths of all before them in that shameful line, marginalizes them.

Props to Reps. Lewis and Clark for spearheading the Congressional protest.

[Starry Messenger]

1. k&r

I loved their statements that they refused to let this become commonplace or that we should become numb to it. Now is the time to make a stand.

[obamanut2012]

2. Exactly -- and I'm glad so many people are recognizing the victims

Still too much homophobia, and still too many hateful responses to the Orlando Massacre, but oh, so much outpouring of love for these dead, mostly young, people.

[Starry Messenger]

3. +1000

[ismnotwasm]

4. Thank you

In this I believe in respect, but also propriety.

[obamanut2012]

5. Agreed

[genna]

6. 49 people who were gay and lesbian

Or who loved gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. I think the defining aftermath shows how much support people can have when we are not reminded of our fears.

The public especially conservative public doesn't want to be reminded that their hatred of the LGBTQ community is the same as their hatred for Americans who have English as a second language or who practice a different religion. It remind them their fear and hatred are no different than the inclination for the killings.

In trying to pull us together as a nation, some would sidestep the characteristics of these particular Americans that made this domestic home grown killer target these innocent people.

Is there a catalyst for Democratic action like a sit in after a massacre? Hopelessness will keep the base away from the polls in November. If we all stop caring, then business can operate as usual where incrementalism maintains the current status quo.

I'd argue props to the united message from Orlando community that have said love trumps hate and they will be united against anyone who expects to single them out.

The larger plan in the US House hasn't been revealed yet. I'm hopeful.

[obamanut2012]

13. me too

[Person 2713]

23. Great post. I'm hopeful too

[pnwmom]

7. Yes, and John Larson from NY also played a key role.

Politico said he paid a visit with the House Parliamentarian while he and John Lewis were considering the options.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027945092

[obamanut2012]

14. I hadn't heard that -- thanks

[pnwmom]

8. The rest of the hundred have also had their lives permanently altered.

The trauma will never entirely leave them -- even if every single one recovers more or less physically whole (which is doubtful).

[obamanut2012]

15. Yes -- life-changing physical and emotional injuries

[billh58]

9. K & R

for seeing the gun violence problem, and the answer, clearly.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

10. ..

[obamanut2012]

17. Thanks, Pri

[Hortensis]

11. And I think we should be grateful to all catalysts.

Imo, quarreling over this does no one honor.

[obamanut2012]

16. ???

I'm not quarreling over anything. I just don't want the victims forgotten in this.

[frazzled]

12. Thank you for mentioning the Hispanic aspect

I believe it is a significant issue that has been largely overlooked in all the discussions of that horrendous act against LGBT people. Yes, they were gay, but this was also a huge loss to the Latino--especially Puerto Rican--community. And it may not be entirely accidental that it occurred on Latin Night.

My hopes are not high that the loss of these 49 precious lives will move the Republicans to join in an effort to reduce gun violence. If twenty-some little kids shot within their school didn't, I don't think much will.

And I might add: we must not ignore the daily individual deaths that occur in our communities, especially communities of color. Each of these deaths is another wound in our collective consciousness and counts just as much as those lost in mass shootings. Note that the main initiators of this Congressional effort were John Lewis and members of the CBC. They do not want us to forget the daily loss of life from the easy availability of guns among young people.

[obamanut2012]

18. Almost every single victim was Hispanic

Regardless of age, gender, or orientation -- not all, but most. Orlando has a very large -- and very liberal -- Puerto Rican community. I, like you, wonder if targeting Latin Night was part of the "point."

And yes, the daily deaths, the quiet deaths, shouldn't be forgotten either.

[Hortensis]

19. Admiring those taking action, Obamanut,

does not diminish those murders. Those still in the hospital in various conditions will no doubt be remembering the friends they lost in articles and interviews once they are released.

[obamanut2012]

20. Well, my OP didn't say anything at all about that

I made a point of giving props to Lewis, Clark, and the others.

[Hortensis]

21. Sorry. I mistook your thread for just one

of a number that seemed to hitting a different theme.

[William769]

22. kick & recommended.

[obamanut2012]

27. thanks, bill

[yallerdawg]

24. The absolute worst reason of all.

I wish it was "political stunts" or "Bernie" or "fundraising" or "November elections."

"Enough" horribly sums it up.

[obamanut2012]

25. yes, this

[smirkymonkey]

26. K&R

[sheshe2]

28. K&R