One death is a tragedy, multiple deaths, a statistic.

"A Single Death is a Tragedy; a Million Deaths is a Statistic" 

This is reputed to be said by Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin.

This quote comes to mind when I think of two events, the multitude killed in Orlando
last weekend and a man killed nearly two decades ago in Texas, Matthew Shepard.

When Mr. Shepard, age 21, was killed, it was considered tragic, a hate crime, as he
was gay. There was national media attention, with political overtones, reported that
he was killed by 'White, anti-gay' murderer.

However, the Orlando attack which occurred in a gay night club received a different
'flavor' in reporting.

There is no mention of this being a hate crime for targeting a particular group or even
radical Islamic terrorism by a person who was Muslim, and had a history of  spewing
anti-gay sentiments.

Could Stalin have been right, one death, tragic, fifty, merely a number? Or, could the
difference be more troubling and dangerous placing Americans at greater risk.

In fact, when you listen to the post-attack replies from the gay community you hear we
must fight hate with love. Really?  I don't recall a similar sentiment after Mr. Shepard
was murdered!

Should only 'statistics' warrant a response of love, and a 'tragedy' undeserving?

The most horrific attack on our shores since 9/11 needs to be understood, our nation
is at war, a declared war by a dangerous foe no matter what you call them.

This war cannot be won by limiting a citizen's right to own a firearm.  It can't be won by
"word-smiting' what actually occurred, nor won using innocuous names such as 'lone wolf'
or 'home grown'.

The war can only be won with the might of our military, not the folly of politicians who
for reasons which remain inescapable keep every community vulnerable.

Maybe the wake up call will occur when there are more 'tragedies' and less 'statistics'.

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