In wake of the recent massacre that occurred in Uvalde, Texas, the familiar scent of despair lingers potently in American air. Not just from the decomposition of hope previously gained from political promises of progress and growth, but also from the never ending cycle of violence against innocent citizens. Innocent citizens that didn’t realize that the continuation of their lives depended on the mental stability of their assassins and the exceptionalist policies that promote this kind of sinister behavior. Like most instances of criminal activity, onlookers blame it on a mental illness crisis or a lack of security being enforced within educational institutions. These claims arise because they provide the American people with what they lust for most: reason; however, these problems are all leaves on the branches of a rotten tree grown from the increasing incapacity for elected officials to find common ground. Furthermore, the people selected to represent those who favored them seek power and pride, rather than the morality and integrity that put them on such an influential pedestal. A proponent of right wing ideals may claim that it is the zealotic, socialist liberals that are to blame. And, in turn, one who favors liberal policies would refute these claims and rebut that it is the bigoted, communist conservatives that prefer to lend an ear to the growth of their cashflow rather than the screams of those dying from gun violence. Whatever reasoning one chooses to use in a situation that appears to have more than one single answer, it ultimately boils down to a political conflict, not in the schools of Texas or the supermarkets of Buffalo, but, instead, Washington D.C. and the capital building it houses. In a recent trip to Uvalde to commemorate the lives lost, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were greeted by reporters and people seeking consolation. He was asked about a range of topics such as the Uvalde incident, mental health, the response of federal officers and lawmakers, and security within schools. To a CNN correspondent, he responded that “It’s heartbreaking because things like this happen” and that “something needs to be done” because America “[needs] change” and it “[needs] help.” After leaving the school to attend mass at a nearby Catholic church, an onlooker shouted at Biden and urged for him and his team of advisors to “Do something!” The problem with this exchange is that due to America’s inability to listen to the voices of the people, both speaking parties will be disappointed. Biden will be disappointed because tension within the Senate wont allow room for calm discussion. And the onlooker will be disappointed because this turbulence will prevent the alleviation of the bruises on American spirit and morale. Despite all of these cracks and crevices in the pavement of the American political system, it is possible that America shall prevail as the victor in this war of gun violence and unrest. Perhaps, a resolution can be reached, or, perhaps, a voice of rationale and clarity will silence the bickering of unwavering politicians. Whatever the reason may be, it is up to the President and the Senate to set aside their selfish contentions and irrelevant partisan ideology and listen to the woes and cries of a nation on its last leg. And, successively, it is up to the American people to never stop making their voices heard and continue to fuel the flame of change with words of audacity, words of actualization, and words of unchanging faith in what appears to be the unattainable.