The tragedy that befell Parkland, Florida is unfortunately not an isolated incident. School shootings have become so rampant in the United States that the general public has almost become numb to it. As outrage about inaction peaks after a mass shooting, it usually subsides with time or is replaced by another equally horrific attack in little time.

CNN attempted to host a town hall, where students of the most recent school shooting would have an opportunity to ask direct questions to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the politicians leading their state.

It should have been a rare opportunity to showcase exactly how the students who experienced this nightmare feel and what they really need. Instead, CNN reviewed the questions in advance and scripted what students were supposed to ask.

Colton Haab wanted to ask politicians about an idea for putting armed guards in schools. The guards would be made up of veterans who would have already had extensive firearm training and would want to protect children after serving to protect their country. After CNN gave Haab a scripted question to ask, he decided to just stay home and not participate in the town hall.

CNN denies the allegation

As expected, CNN flat-out denied the allegations. A representative of the network went on record, stating, “There is absolutely no truth to this.

CNN did not provide or script questions for anyone in last night’s town hall, nor have we ever."

That sounds like a strong denial, but let us not forget that CNN was accused of giving scripted questions in advance to presidential candidate Hilary Clinton at a town hall during the election campaign. While it was denied at first, eventually email evidence showed that Donna Brazile did in fact pass along questions to Clinton's campaign.

To put it bluntly, they have lied about this same issue before.

Mainstream media pulling the strings

In today's age of the ever decreasing news cycle, networks are going to greater lengths for ratings. NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch called out the media for creating mass shooters during the town hall. She believes that the incessant television coverage given to these mass murderers makes it appealing for other deranged people to follow in their footsteps.

She isn't off base with her allegation. Whenever any major incident of terrorism or mass violence takes place, cable networks can't help but to glorify it non-stop to keep viewers tuned in.

While everyone continues to look for a simple fix to an immensely complex problem, news networks need to look themselves in the mirror and see how much they are contributing to the problem.
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