Don't be a Biden or a Beto, be a Brand

"Russell Brand London Revolution Protest" by Creative Commons Photos For London & Brighton is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Yes, this guy. Yes, really. 

 Predictably, public discussion on the issue of gun control has flared up again in the wake of this latest shooting. Perhaps this is to be expected, but it's still deeply disheartening to see human misery exploited for political points. 

President Biden openly decried "the gun lobby" during his address to the nation the same day as the shooting, and took the opportunity to call for gun control laws. Beto O'Rourke, perhaps taking his cue from the president, crashed an informational press conference to publicly accuse the Texas governor of doing "nothing", again referencing gun laws. 

In both cases, the politicians in question weren't acting like leaders. They were virtue signaling to people who already agreed with them, and in the case of Mr. O'Rourke, angling for a headline as the Texas governor election approaches. I have no doubt that both men were emotionally affected by the shooting, but the way they let their emotions and convictions show alienated and divided hurting people rather than bringing about any sort of unity or solidarity. 

Contrast this with this video put out by Russell Brand. 

Lest you think I'm just picking on the pro gun control people, Mr. Brand also seems to be in favor of more restrictive gun laws, "less guns means less murder with guns, that's simple arithmetic." 

What makes this video different is that this isn't his main focus. He says repeatedly, "We need to focus on the people directly affected". He acknowledges that there are a "wide variety of viewpoints on this out there" but says, "this is not the time to double down on what you already believe but to listen with an open mind and an open heart." 

He doesn't demonize anyone, or call a particular side of the issue out. He asks people to listen to one another, challenge themselves on what they can do to make the world a better place, and to stop letting fear and malice dictate their actions. To talk to one another instead of typing at one another.  

He acts like the leader we actually need right now. He invites conversation and conversion, asking people to understand each other's concerns and to pull together rather than lash out. He recognizes the dignity of the people he disagrees with.

We need more of that.