As I’m writing this, we’re reeling from yet more repulsive, evil violence, perpetrated with both guns and knives.

I don’t know who started the saying “thoughts and prayers,” but I never use it. It seems to be grasping for something that is secular yet somewhat meaningful without being too embarrassing. It doesn’t work, like a boat that is built equal parts sailboat and motorboat and ending up not good for either. And it’s easily mocked. Sending thoughts is meaningless. Prayers are too religious and make demands on people. So, some good-hearted, well-meaning people invented the thoughts-and-prayers cliche. Think nice thoughts or do your prayer thing if you’re into that. Whatever. “Cause I gotta say somethin.”

Now, others have chosen these tragedies as an opportunity to score political poi

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