With September here, the school year is underway across the nation. All the excitement and trepidation of a new year, new classes, new chances, but tragically the same dangers. Last week it was at a school in Georgia. No parent should have to take their dead child home from school instead of driving them to soccer practice, but it’s a fear lurking in the back of all parents, and their children’s, minds.
At this point, here have been so many mass shootings we’ve had to categorize them: schools, places of worship, bars, stores, concerts, etc. This is a crisis and solutions must be implemented Now. Today. No more thoughts and prayers. Action. Policy Changes. Legislation.
Instead one political party is so wedded to guns, the kind of action we get are from people like Congresswoman, and anti-semitic conspiracy theorist, Marjorie Taylor Greene, who stalked and harassed, David Hogg. A child who survived a mass shooting in his school. This happened when Hogg was just 18 years old, tragically, too many shooters have been much younger.
This time it happened in Georgia, but no state is safe from the epidemic, no one truly immune from its effects. When even Presidents can get shot and sometimes killed, a gated community and armored vehicles don't offer total protection. Most of us can’t afford armored vehicles and are much more vulnerable.
Apologies if this message sounds too angry or sad. But the current situation is sad and should make everyone angry. No one is going to take away your lawfully obtained guns. President Obama, who many said that he would do just that, never did. People hunt and shoot. They don't need weapons of war. Responsible ownership. Protection and care must be taken in storing guns. And yes: Red flag laws. Background checks. Remove or deny guns for people who have been violent and domestic abusers.
This is an area with true daylight between our two political parties, and it will be a critical issue in tonight’s Presidential debate. Kamala Harris, and the Democratic Party at-large support many of the above measures. Meanwhile, the NRA seems to have purchased support from many elected officials in the Republican party. The support is so slavish it goes beyond parody, with Congressmen posing with their family holding an array of guns.
The only way to fight for sanity and safety is for all of us to join together and demand change, both at the ballot box and beyond. Yes, there are so many other critical issues. But the surest path to win is to create coalitions spanning geography and policy. Continue to fight for all that you believe. And then don't shop on Tuesday. Seamlessly unite with a growing and a broad group of people. Most of whom you don't know and may never meet. From Wednesday to Monday, seek out local and small businesses to support.
Economic heft to fight politicians who are bought and sold and save our children from this uniquely American scourge.
Don't Shop on Tuesday.
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