Montage: After San Bernardino, Democrats Come out Against Prayer

Sounding strikingly similar, a number of Democrats spoke out against the utility of prayer in the aftermath of the San Bernardino massacre.

Offering "thoughts and prayers" is of course a common way Americans express their condolences. And almost as soon as word of the mass shooting in San Bernardino was reported, Americans of all stripes began relaying their "thoughts and prayers."

For whatever reason, this time many began speaking out against the expression of sympathy. 

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.): "All the victims ... deserve more than our thoughts and prayers, they deserve action."

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.): "Our thoughts and prayers our not even close to enough ... it is a time to act."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.): "It is time for action, we are past the time for platitudes and prayers."

Sen. Patrick Murphy (D-Conn.): "Thoughts and prayers ... have become a mask for inaction."

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.): "We need something more [than thoughts and prayers], we need action."