Even though this is true, it's not at the same scale.

Covid was killing more people in one week in Florida than nationally in school shootings the decade prior or something like this.

It was not even close.

But you are right. The "think of the children" is mainly performative and depends tremendously on who the children are.

agree with your post except this part… I honestly do not think it matters at all who the children are - the US entire system is setup to do exactly the opposite of thinking of the children. if there is money involved in any way children will get fucked (the most recent example being KOSA which was voted in senate almost unanimously only to then be killed by zuck paying everyone off…). I find all “think of chidren” garbage very amusing (though of course it is no laughing matter)

I think that the USA is one of the worst places to grow up in the "developed" world.

Countries far poorer and less "developed" do a much better job.

But I do maintain, the right children will be somewhat protected, even though it's overwhelming performative.