There are approximately 50 innocent people dead this week, all their dreams and goals unrealized, family and friends devastated, and many rocked with horror, disbelief, and grief.
Of course, we’re speaking of the blood bath at a gay night club in Orlando, Fla. Sunday, where a domestic terrorist opened fire and killed or maimed more than 100 people – all because of hate.
As we mourn the loss of all those people and struggle to make sense of what has been the deadliest shooting in American history – some good is beginning to transcend this tragedy.
We’re seeing people uniting. There are people around the globe coming together with a common voice. They’re all calling for an end to such hatred and pleading for people to be kind to each other.
It seems love is prevailing – even here in Campbell River.
Will flying the pride flag – a symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community – at Spirit Square undo the damage done by Omar Mateen and his weaponry? No.
Will painting a rainbow flag on top of the crosswalk between Spirit Square and the Tidemark bring back all those young people – many in their 20s and 30s? Obviously not.
But, a little paint on the street, a little extra colour in our lives can’t hurt, either.
What it can do is turn the spotlight on the need for tolerance, acceptance, and love. It can be a symbol that hatred and bullying will not be tolerated.
It’s up to us to make this massacre count. It’s up to us to make this world a better place, and to rise above all the hatred.
It’s up to us to demand change, and do our part to live our beliefs, showing compassion and kindness for others.
-Black Press