What happens in Vegas does NOT stay in Vegas because Domestic terrorism is a national issue. I often write about how the byproduct of economic dislocation is an increase in violent attacks. When people feel they have little to lose, they lose their socialization and their humanity. The result is a rise in domestic abuse and acts of violence on strangers, whether individually or in crowds. The anger and divisiveness that now permeate our culture take the phenomenon beyond the disenfranchised. Incidences like this attack on a concert in Las Vegas parallel the rise of traditional terrorism and are symbolic of the desire to deconstruct society.
I cannot accept the explanation of mental illness which implies that this massacre is just a single individual with no takeaway that impacts the country. Nor can I accept that Las Vegas was punishment for criticizing Trump and not standing for the national anthem, as one religious figure is saying. Neither denial nor incitement should be acceptable if we are to confront domestic terrorism in our midst.
Jim Woods is President of Woods Kovalova Group, a Diversity and Leadership Management consulting firm located in Denver. We believe that tackling big thorny challenges requires big unconventional ideas. We provide boundary-pushing proposals for changing the way organizations work and leaders lead.
David B. Grinberg is a strategic communications expert, brand ambassador, featured blogger and expert on the media. His 25-years of work experience includes The White House, Congress (Office of House Majority Leader), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Sipes has 35 years of national & state experience as media affairs & social media manager. He served as the Sr. Public Affairs Specialist for a federal justice agency and has over 50 awards for his media relations work. – 