How many women and children are killed each year in the United States? I’m sure few know, because every day homicide is not dramatic enough to make the news. 14 people were killed by terrorists since 2001 in our nation’s shores, but ignored is the fact that domestic violence is our nation’s greatest crime and most horrific shame.

The mainstream media loves tragic events such as the massacre in San Bernardino, but it fails to report serious and even devastating events which occur daily in our nation.

As I was watching Monday Night Football, I saw one player whose very presence on the field made me angry. The Dallas Cowboys have an owner who is a billionaire. He is concerned with success and profit, and has no concern for the fans of his team who are ordinary citizens who often sacrifice part of their meager incomes to attend one of his team’s games. He supports domestic violence for possible victories on the football field. Greg Hardy, a defensive tackle, should be in prison, not on a football field making millions of dollars. Visual proof of his violent actions against a former girlfriend make him a criminal, convicted or not.

Donald Trump seeks the eradication of all Muslims. He claims that they are all a threat to our nation’s people. He and his constituents ignore reality, and the number of lives lost because of domestic violence. He is playing the cards of sensationalism and fear. His lack of knowledge and caring about what occurs daily in our country is abominable and fails to address the reality of our nation’s distress.

Both parties have enjoined in the damnation of ISIS, and exaggerate its danger to our nation’s citizens. They both are guilty of advancing the goals of this group of thugs and phony religious zealots who are merely a group led by self-serving men who seek dominance and sexual slavery. Not a word is spoken regarding the dangers to ordinary people within our own nation.

The facts are more than disturbing, they are unforgivable. More than 4,000 women are murdered each year by acts of domestic violence. Of those cases, 75 percent were killed while attempting to end or leave a relationship. Domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness. In New York City one-third of those living in homeless shelters are women who were forced to leave their homes for reasons of safety. Three million children witness domestic violence in their homes each year. These children often suffer health problems and learning disorders directly attributable to their experience with violence. One in every four women will suffer attacks; the vast majority from an individual with whom they have an intimate relationship. The cost to law enforcement and for legal action related to domestic violence is more than $37 billion each year.

The United States is a violent nation, and it must cease immediately. Politicians continue to use fear tactics, primarily directed at terrorism, to seek election. Domestic violence is a far greater danger to the people of our nation.

When the NFL was forced to take action against those who committed domestic violence, it was revealed that they had ‘covered up’ the fact that dozens of wives and girlfriends of players and coaches had been victims of violent and abusive assaults. They continue to take these crimes less seriously than the use of marijuana.

Every day Americans die from the use of a gun. The attack in San Bernardino was the focus of reporters for days. During that time a large number of ordinary people were killed or wounded by someone wielding a gun; many of these were women and children who knew their attackers.

Sensationalism sells advertising. Unless this tragedy is on national news no one seems to care. The American people must demand more from those they elect. Domestic issues must be the focus of the 2016 elections. Candidates who refuse to stand up for the wishes and needs of the American people must not receive the benefit of our votes.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2