The Quote About Baton Rouge To Remember

Once again, the nation has witnessed a devastating gun attack. Like in Dallas, it was carried out on law enforcement. Two officers and a sheriff's deputy were killed, as was the gunman. When so much is yet unknown, there's only one response, and this one quote about Baton Rouge from President Obama, can help you keep perspective.

The president took to the podium again when more of the details of shooting had already unfolded. Obama spoke of the importance of a unified voice, and to "be loud and clear that nothing justifies violence against law enforcement." But there was more to his message; it's a message that he keeps having to give, after every mass shooting, the police killing of minorities, and now the death of officers too.

It's easy to despair when this sort of thing continues to happen, but he sees a way to unite.

Someone once wrote, "A bullet need happen only once, but for peace to work we need to be reminded of its existence again and again and again."

My fellow Americans, only we can prove, through words and through deeds, that we will not be divided. And we're going to have to keep on doing it "again and again and again." That's how this country gets united. That's how we bring people of good will together. Only we can prove that we have the grace and the character and the common humanity to end this kind of senseless violence, to reduce fear and mistrust within the American family, to set an example for our children.

Thus far, Obama's pushes for gun control have failed, but that doesn't mean they always will. Nor does it mean that it is his responsibility alone to make it happen. "Through words and through deeds" applies to everyone. There are ways to get involved in the fight for gun control. The NRA has been so successful because they are so well organized. They have the money, they have the numbers, and the membership is very active.

Join Everytown for Gun Safety. Donate money. Go to rallies. Call your Senators and Representatives. There are ways to make progress happen, but it requires the ongoing reminder. "Again and again and again." Your words and your deeds are what can make this happen. We can't rely on Obama or other legislators to make it happen. They need constant pressure to do something.

We do not have to tolerate more shootings. With your words and deeds, make every day seem as though it's a national day of mourning and action. These policies are not set in stone, but a reflection of what the people push for. Our political system may make it harder to accomplish than some, but it is by no means impossible.