It Doesn't Have to Be This Way

The Scene

CNN reports:

"There have been at least 50 school shootings in the United States so far this year, as of September 19 [2024]. Thirteen were on college campuses, and 37 were on K-12 school grounds. The incidents left 24 people dead and at least 66 other victims injured, according to CNN’s analysis of events reported by the Gun Violence Archive, Education Week and Everytown for Gun Safety."

The Foreground

The September 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Windor, Georgia, set off the predictable performances over gun control. Four people were killed in that attack, two students and two teachers. At least nine others were taken to hospital with injuries.

But happening in the middle of an active campaign season, as it did, candidates were forced by Central Casting to stand solo in the spotlight and speak.

What stuck me was the profoundly stark contrast between the vision articulated by J.D. Vance and that presented by Kamala Harris. And I sought to express this scene in music.