(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . 5 Dead in Philadelphia Mass Shooting by Suspect Using "AR-15 Type Rifle." [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-07-04 If I had my preference, I would spend my life writing happy stories about frolicking kittens and clean air. When I was a child, I was told all things could be possible. I was told the future held great promise, and that it would be up to us to lead America through the 21st century. What I did not know is that my teacher was living in a bubble, and did not understand the course 1980 set us upon. Republicans have literally, and more than once, brought this country to its knees. But, go to any cookout and you will hear right wing talking points spouted by people that you might swear in court are too stupid to operate velcro shoes. But far too many stupid or malevolent can operate weapons. A gunman wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire on the streets of Philadelphia on Monday night, seemingly at a random, killing five people and wounding two boys in the latest outbreak of gun violence in the United States, police said. The shootings took place over several city blocks in the southwestern neighborhood of Kingsessing. Responding officers chased the suspect as he continued to fire, and he was arrested in an alley after surrendering, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at a news conference. So whoever is proven to have done this, and police believe they have the right person, appears to be a random gun wielding maniac driving through a neighborhood until said gun wielding maniac found targets to kill. Officers were flagged down at about 8:30 p.m., and multiple calls of shots fired came in from Kingsessing. Police found some gunshot victims, and as they were attending to them, they heard more gunfire, Outlaw said. Police later told Fox 29 that a fifth victim was found. He was chased into his home and shot to death. Bullet casings were found outside the home. The suspect, said to be wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a police scanner, is not believed to have any known connections to the victims. It appears the suspect is another one of those many who could have done well to have some mental health intervention, long ago. But that is just my speculation. What I know is that in some neighborhoods it is easier to purchase weapons than a cheeseburger. So, if the person just decides to act out Grand Theft Auto on actual humans it does not take more than an internet connection and a credit card. According to police the suspected shooter is a 40 year-old man. This shooting went on for some time and police found dozens of shell casings. One of the victims was chased into their own home and murdered, so this does not resemble anything close to societal stability. There is no soapbox here. I am not going to make the “this can’t go on spiel.” You know that. But with each shooting, I have to deal with some Ken or Barbie news reporter who will go out into the field only to return with the breaking news that citizens are “split” on how to combat gun violence. They do this because their boss tells them to. Then subtle to not so subtle right-wing talking points get distributed amongst the even more clueless populace convincing some of the phallically challenged males especially, that what the situation calls for, is even more guns. Five more people are not breathing today that were yesterday, which means five more destroyed families, which means orphaned children, and broken communities, because the NRA is in a messaging war with Democrats, and are somehow winning. They have convinced two-inch Tommy that in a situation such as this, his ability to engage in open street warfare is his best option. This over, you know, just not allowing the guns that create the warfare in the first place. But the one thing they excel at, those fascists, those blood cult members, is tying ego to self-delusion to sell people what makes them feel good because as I said, the concept of Crocs is a mystery to them. Outlaw said detectives were working to "do everything that we can to figure out the 'why' behind this act." Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted that he was horrified by the reports of the shooting. Mayor Kenney is hard working and cares about the city. I have no doubt he is horrified. But at this point, that is a daily emotion for many of us. And with all due respect Chief, figuring out the why will require a team of counselors and shock therapy. Try to prevent the “how.” Oh if only my daily writing could be Bob Ross like joy of how well things were going; happy animals, clear air, fresh water, and smiling neighbors. What a wonderful world that would be.. If only we truly did know more, about history. -ROC I need to add to my The Claw News family. I work tirelessly each week to bring useful content that fights for real progressive change. Join me. If you don’t get your $3.99’s worth, I will personally refund you the month and take the loss on the fees. Guaranteed. Click right here! Love, -ROC [END] --- [1] Url: https://dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/4/2179220/-5-Dead-in-Philadelphia-Mass-Shooting-by-Suspect-Using-AR-15-Type-Rifle Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/