Back-to-back massacres in El Paso and Dayton kill 31. Cue the thoughts and prayers!
"Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers," tweeted President Trump, who vows to veto gun control.
"Elaine's and my prayers go out to the victims," tweeted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who blocks votes on gun control.
Do they not realize that "thoughts and prayers" has become a meme, a cynical punchline conveying inaction on guns? It's what people say when they plan to do nothing.
Thoughts and prayers are always welcome, but Republicans' reflexive response to the endless massacres has become a cruel joke, as effective as a Hallmark sympathy card.