Just weeks after the terrorist “soft target” attacks in Paris, our nation was rocked this week (12/2/15) when our own “soft target” — a social services office in San Bernardino, California — was attacked, leaving 14 dead and more than 20 wounded.
Under a front page banner that read, “GOD ISN’T FIXING THIS,” The New York Daily News wrote:
Prayers aren’t working.
White House hopefuls on the Democratic side of the aisle called for stricter gun laws in the wake of the shooting in San Bernardino that left at least 14 dead.
But after yet another mass shooting in America, GOP presidential contenders were conspicuously silent on the issue of gun control. Instead, the Republicans were preaching about prayer.
What the New York Daily News called “preaching about prayer” was actually just the candidates tweeting expressions of support to the victims of the San Bernardino massacre, like the following tweet by Sen. Ted Cruz: “Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the first responders in San Bernardino who willingly go into harm’s way to save others.”
Democrats were quick to criticize the GOP presidential candidates for offering their prayers instead of promising action. In response to Sen. Cruz’ tweet, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn) tweeted: “Your ‘thoughts’ should be about steps to take to stop this carnage, your ‘prayers’ should be for forgiveness if you do nothing — again.”
Murphy’s tweet was retweeted 7,600 times in less than six hours. [1]
The tone of this article reminds me of the old Three Stooges routine where Moe strikes Curly and Larry with one slap, only in this case the Daily News manages to slap all of the Republican candidates for president and God! Moe’s got nothing on these guys!!
Regardless of which side of the aisle you stand, how sad it is that it has become impossible to say anything without it becoming twisted and turned on you. Isn’t it just common courtesy to offer to pray for those who suffer? Can’t we at least do that anymore?
Before political and legislative solutions can be found to address our national woes, we must first learn how to talk to one another again. The greatest threat we face isn’t terrorism or global warming, it’s hate, mistrust and internal strife. Not everyone wants to hear this, but this is a spiritual problem.
We should pray for the Daily News and for all those who undermine the civility of our national discourse with politically motivated, mean spirited banter, because the truth is GOD CAN FIX THIS!
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
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1. “GOP presidential candidates offer prayers — not solutions on gun control — after San Bernardino massacre,” Rich Schapiro, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, December 3, 2015, < http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/gop-candidates-call-prayers-calf-massacre-article-1.2453261 >.