As the nation still processes the aftermath of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that resulted in 19 children and two adults losing their lives, the Los Angeles Dodgers and many of those with a larger voice are using their platform to implore change.
This is now the second-deadliest school shooting in United States history, and so far in 2022, there have been 27 school shootings, and 119 since 2018. Just over a week ago, a teenager motivated by white supremacy opened fire in a Buffalo, New York, supermarket and killed 10 people while injuring three more.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joined the throng of citizens asking the politicians to create change and act on behalf of those they represent, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“It’s ironic that I’m sitting here in the nation’s capital where it’s been run up the flagpole, but it just seems to come to a hard stop at the Senate,” Roberts said. “How there can’t be a bipartisan consensus on an issue like this – it’s very disheartening. It’s very irresponsible by our nation’s leaders. Something needs to be done. Like everyone has said, enough is enough. When is enough enough?
“I love this country as much as anyone. But the people who are supposed to lead our country are supposed to take care of our walls first. That’s both sides of the aisle. If you have Americans killing Americans, I just don’t think they’re doing the job they’re called to do, to be quite frank. And we just can’t be afraid to hold people to a higher standard of accountability. That’s their job. That’s what they signed up for. It shouldn’t be about self-preservation, self-fulfillment. It should be about right is right, and what protects American citizens. Namely, kids. There’s no other spin.”
Mookie Betts also shared thoughts and his heartbreak on social media and pleaded for change regarding this nation’s gun laws.
Dodgers, Nationals hold moment of silence for victims
The Dodgers and Nationals were among the several professional sports teams to hold a moment of silence for the victims and families prior to their game.
The Nationals asked their followers on social media to join in the moment of silence.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, survivors, and all of those affected by the horrific event at Robb Elementary School in Texas today,” the Dodgers said in a statement. “There is no place in our country for this type of senseless violence.”
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