In recent events, such as the Las Vegas shooting, many in the media have been questioning the appropriate time to discuss change in policy that would have helped prevent from such a terrible event to occur. There are two sides of opposing opinions to the issue of discussing or trying to politicize these events. The first side, involving more right leaning citizens, has said that discussing these issues can be insensitive to those mourning for their loved ones and there should be a waiting period before the media begins to incorporate any politics or ‘politicize’ the event. The opposition, involving more left leaning citizens, argue that although many in the nation may be mourning, preventative action needs to take place now. Whether it be discussing gun control laws after one of the most deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history or strengthening security controls after as deadly an attack as 9/11 .

In a perfect world, If the nation were to wait to discuss these issues after the story has had more time to settle, time could be put aside to try and find a resolve. But in the U.S., unfortunately, horrific events such shootings have become more frequent and, without discussion, less concerning to those they do not directly affect- another tragedy occurs and the media moves on to cover that, forgetting all about the prior. The reason these tragedies keep occurring may be because no effort has been made to tackle the root issue. So in theory, if there were a time to ‘politicize’ the problem, it would be right after the event has taken place because saying nothing at all places the notion of ignorance and acceptance for these events to keep reoccurring. There may be heavy discussion in the media, but real change only occurs after politics are made prevalent to the argument. For example, after many of the mass school shootings such as Sandy Hook or Columbine, there have been major changes to the methods in which schools approach a shootings altogether along with minor structural changes such as limited entry into schools. If these events had not been heavily discussed and politicized there would have been no action taken place to influence this type of beneficial change.  

The only time there is to discuss these issues is after the cause of them has happened. If they aren’t discussed that only reflects toward a growing ignorance toward the cause of issue and reflects poorly on the nation’s effort to find a working solution .