A Parade of Grief: Gun Violence in America

Fraga "... traces America's history ... from the days of Bleeding Kansas to the long tradition of political assassination; exploring the ways that American gun culture has become more radical over time. Related issues of racism; police violence; mental health; and suicide are discussed; as are the numerous ways that efforts to legislate gun control have been stymied at all levels of government. Fraga is a skilled writer; and his matter-of-fact prose captures the mundane terror of these stories . . . "-Kirkus Reviews

New Zealand reined in gun violence; why can't the US? Fraga explains how rural voters in the US have more clout than their counterparts in New Zealand; and they are the fiercest advocates of gun rights. Not long ago; a Texas congressman evaded a metal detector in the Capitol. He was reported to have sneered; "You can't stop me." Another congressman told police who tried to scan him after he set off the machine; "Nah; I'm not going to do that." And a third member of Congress refused to let the police search her handbag after she bragged that she was going to carry a loaded Glock to Congress.

Many in rural states believe you fight guns with guns. Fraga examines the Heartland; specifically Kansas. 'Bleeding Kansas" he reminds the reader; is "home to Dodge City; the cow town so beset by violence that it invited Wyatt Earp to be its Marshall. The City Council instituted a 'Deadline' along Front Street; separating the north end of town where guns were prohibited-cowboys packing heat there were arrested and immediately packed off to jail-from the free-wheeling south end where pretty much any behavior went unchecked." Unpacking the right to bear arms and the 2nd Amendment; Fraga exposes the history of the NRA up to and including the Russian Maria Butina's involvement in the NRA in 2016.

Robert Fraga wrote The Greening of Oz (2012); about the town of Greensburg in western Kansas; that "came back green" after a tornado almost wiped it out; and The Road through San Judas (2020); about the struggle between landless farmers and the wealthy Mexican family who wanted them gone. His latest; A Parade of Grief; is an important read.