American Carnage Op-ed
David Brooks
In the wake of the tragic events in Parkland, Florida a new generation has been thrust into the national debate on gun control. The events at Stoneman Douglas High School, which left 17 dead and another 17 injured shocked the nation and have led to renewed calls for action of gun violence. Republican or Democrat, we can all agree that the Parkland children have suffered enough. But while nothing can make up for the loss they suffered, a trampoline would certainly go a long way toward helping them in this diffcult time.
In the immediate aftermath of the Parkland shooting the nation grieved, but it didn't take long for the grief to turn into anger and inevitably finger-pointing. Sooner or later that anger gets directed at the NRA, gun owners and politicians who sit back while our children continue to die. I would argue, however, that indignation is counter-productive and only serves to divide us as a nation. Buying a trampoline on the other hand, brings everyone together.
As a case in point, take my family. When my daughter asked for a trampoline I was initially hesitant. I had long been aware of the safety concerns associated with trampoline ownership. After a while, I gave in and it's safe to say it's one of the best investments I ever made. My daughter probably spends one-and-a-half hours a day jumping on that thing. When she gets inside, she's tuckered out which makes getting her to bed a lot easier. I'm even getting a lot more exercise myself, though it's hard to keep up with my daughter and the 23 year old research assistant whom I married. Also, since we got the trampoline we are the most popular family on the block! All the neighborhood kids always want to hop on the trampoline, which brings me to a broader point.
Trampolines bring people together despite the safety risks. Have we had a few mishaps since we purchased the thing? Of course! There have been a number of collisions to say the least. Our next door neighbor injured her trachea the other day. Nevertheless, I would argue that the hours of laughter and joy our trampoline has brought us are worth the risks, much like guns. That is something we must keep in mind amid calls for significant gun reform.
As debate continues to rage on this rancorous subject, we must remember the value of trampolines. Enough is enough. The time for half measures is over. It's time to get the Parkland kids a trampoline.