Orlando shooting
Amid all the progress gay Americans have made in recent years … some people … still harbor murderous hatred toward gays.
That brutal reality erupted in central Florida, when a man stormed an Orlando nightclub known to cater to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patrons and let loose gunfire that killed 50 people … the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
For now, it is most important for Americans of all faiths and sexual orientations to stand together, to honor the victims, condemn the violence and weigh the appropriate steps, both at home and abroad, to prevent future Orlandos.
— Editorial Board
USA Today
The Orlando terrorist shooting appears to be a hate crime deeply rooted in homophobia, unflinching patriarchy, ISIS-inspired hate and the asinine access to an AR-15 military-style assault rifle that can hold up to 30 rounds. Even more ridiculous, the shooter obtained a license for a firearm when he was allegedly a “known quantity” to federal law enforcement.
The structural underpinnings of homophobia, racism and misogyny are among the many poisons ripping this country to shreds, coupled with ridiculous access to military-style firearms.
— Clay Cane
CNN
This massacre … evoked a spontaneous outpouring of support and sympathy for a group that is still often disparaged.
The venue … was founded 12 years ago by Barbara Poma in honor of her brother John, one of thousands of gay men who died of AIDS when the epidemic was at its virulent peak. She named it Pulse “for John’s heartbeat.”
If Poma’s brother were still around, he might be heartened by the supportive response to this horrendous crime.
— Editorial Board
Chicago Tribune
Hillary’s nomination
With the nation’s primary season drawing to a close, Hillary Clinton is set to make history as the first female presidential nominee of a major political party.
Mrs. Clinton’s name on the ballot in November would be another milestone in the quest for women’s rights, which, as she noted years ago, are human rights. This achievement is worth cheering by all, regardless of party, because it further opens the door to female leadership in every sphere.
— Editorial Board
The New York Times
A female presidential candidate has clinched a major-party nomination for the first time in U.S. history. No one seems to care — at least not many people in my millennial generation.
Many millennials find it easier to pillory Clinton for her mistakes than to praise her for her successes as first lady.
We see it as inevitable that one day a woman will occupy the one that is oval-shaped.
So the necessity of having that occupant be Hillary Clinton … feels less urgent.
— Molly Roberts
The Washington Post
This is identity politics at its best — that a vote for Mrs. Clinton is a vote to finally break the glass ceiling, the final step in women’s march for equality.
It’s not sexist to oppose Mrs. Clinton. I do. And I don’t feel like I’m undermining the women’s rights movement in doing so. I actually think quite the opposite — that true feminism is being able to think, reason and analyze for ourselves.
Everybody should vote their conscience. But to suggest mine will be burdened by not supporting the first woman president is insulting.
— Kelly Riddell
The Washington Times
After 56 presidential elections, Hillary Clinton is the first woman to win the nomination of a major political party, the first to seriously approach the summit of American power, and the only woman ever to make it this far.
Clinton has been making history all along.
– Charlotte Alter
Time
