“Our prayers are with the victims of this tragedy.” As an atheist, this makes me choke on my own afterbirth. Sympathy and compassion is one thing, but proclaiming that you’re going to talk to god for the victims is outright disrespectful. Of course the rest of the population will not see it this way. Behold, I’m only a concerned citizen.
America leads the world in school shooting…why is this? The land of opportunity, where everyone has an equal opportunity at education and even a future… if they can survive.  Question, which is worse 1) surviving a zombie apocalypse or 2) Surviving public school.  A student would almost be tempted to drop out just for the sheer precaution of safety.
The reality is this, these tragedies are unavoidable. The consistent “bullying” that leads the youth to these destructive decisions is unavoidable.  Bullying is a part of life and the human condition…it shouldn’t be, but it is. If something is different or “wrong” you’re taught to discriminate.  From clothes to race…sexuality to beliefs. (thanks religion!)
The general public will question why god allowed such things to happen, then turn around a pray to god for the families…there is logic for you. This is the same god allows 6 million to die (“chosen people btw) in Holocaust. So with that math in place, what conclusion would allow you to think god cares about a public school with children?
Not only that, but these “prayers” suggest that the families are incapable of talking to god too. Can you imagine how annoyed god must be with all of his followers talking to him about the same thing…at the same time? “I knooooo, I’m omnipotent you dumb fucks.”
If talking to yourself gives your relief and a sense of a medium, by all means. But don’t suggest that to a grieving family. These actions were not cause by “Satan” or some sense of possession. People are capable of the actions and worse. Now is not the time for “moments of silence” and “national prayers.” Sure, express sympathy and respect for the family and lost ones. But at the end of the day get off your knees and do something about that shit! (this goes for conflict in general, not only national tragedies)