• by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, June 13, 2016

The shooting in Orlando on Sunday morning has profoundly shocked our country once again. From President Obama making a statement at the White House, to a moment of silence during Copa America soccer matches, the news of the shooting is like a dark cloud draped over the nation.

The intense discussions about the usefulness of superdelegates or of the negativity pervasive in political advertising lose their gravity in the wake of Sunday’s events.

While talk of politics has and should make way for a more profound discussion of our identity as a nation, politicians will help give voice to the people and can create a forum for a conversation about violence, extremism, hatred and bigotry.

One question many are surely asking, as aptly put by Florida Senator Bill Nelson: “What is happening to our country?”

The presumptive Republican nominee for president of the United States responded to President Obama’s statement by highlighting and fanning religious divides: “In his remarks today, President Obama disgracefully refused to even say the words ‘Radical Islam’. For that reason alone, he should step down. If Hillary Clinton, after this attack, still cannot say the two words ‘Radical Islam’ she should get out of the race for the Presidency.”

Using these events for some kind of political ploy does a disservice to our nation, and disrespects those affected by the horror.

While it has become clear that the gunman, Omar Mateen, was influenced by ISIL, and according to his ex-wife possibly had a mental illness, instead of alienating the Muslim community, we should work with them to prevent such acts in the future.

The Muslim community has shown deep sympathy for those affected. Suhail Kausar, president of the Dallas chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spoke about the importance of cooperation: “We have to coexist. We have to love each other. We have to become compassionate to each other, so this is what our message is, and this is what we try to demonstrate with our actions.”

Hillary Clinton tweeted: “This is a time to stand together and resolve to do everything we can to defend our communities and country.”

Bernie Sanders pointed to the importance of defeating ISIL, making the hugely important differentiation between the religion of Islam and the terrorist group: “That despicable and barbaric organization must be destroyed.”

With partisan politics put aside, we must work together as citizens to make our communities stronger and more inclusive for all. Deepest condolences to those affected.