I always pause and give serious thought to writing about hot button issues on the blog. General theory is that it’s “bad for your business or brand” to comment on anything politically charged. But today I find the topic of gun violence in America neither political or something I’m willing to ignore for the sake of my brand. I believe that the serious issue of senseless deaths in the country from mass shootings and gun violence isn’t political but rather a humanitarian issue of the highest order. Its about moral values and what we as a people treasure above all and are willing to sacrifice lives to protect.
And as of right now, apparently thats guns.
As someone who lives in a very liberal state with rather tough gun laws (check your state grade here), I have not been as directly affected as many of you. We have a ban on high capacity magazines and semi-automatic weapons and require all gun purchasers to obtain a license. However, we do not impose a waiting period (arggghhhh!). So thankfully these issues are not something I encounter every day. If someone were to walk through my local Target with a gun slung over their shoulder- shit would hit the fan, even though you can open-carry with a license to do so. Guns just are not a big part of our local culture here. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to sit back and be quiet. It doesn’t mean I’m not scared shitless to send my sweet boy off to pre-school next year. Just look at Connecticut which has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and the unfathomable Sandy Hook tragedy that occurred there. State laws are a good start, but they do not solve this problem.
I cannot look at the pictures of those sweet children’s faces and not picture my own child’s among them. And the shooting in Florida is a reminder that we did nothing about it then, and so here we are again. And next time it could be Henry. And that sinking feeling of dread and fear makes me want to go flip dumpsters in the parking lot in rage. For these kids. Their parents. And every other person or relative of a person killed in the over 150 mass shootings we’ve had in this country (400 people have been shot in over 200 school shootings since Sandy Hook alone!) I mean, the CPSC banned LAWN DARTS after three children were killed and a few more injured from playing with them. LAWN DARTS YOU GUYS. And yet with guns, we can’t come to a unanimous decision that we need to do something. It’s pathetic.
I’ve been vocal about this topic on Instagram and Facebook and have heard a variety of arguments against gun control reform. I am not someone calling for a complete 180 on our gun laws. I’m not advocating “taking all your guns away”. With proper background checks, waiting periods, licensing requirements and common sense Red Flag Laws, I think its possible to responsibly own a handgun or shotgun for self-defense or hunting. I, however, think that all semi-automatic guns and/or at least high capacity magazines used with guns like the AR-15, should be banned. There is no reason a civilian needs access to this grade of weapon. NO NEED. And I’ve heard and read so many arguments against this practical, life-saving concept that really make my blood boil. For example:
The Second Amendment gives me the right to bear arms.
When the second amendment was written there weren’t semi-automatic weapons and America didn’t extend past the Mississippi River (and also the “frontier” was basically lawless so you HAD to defend yourself- as well as hunt for food). It was legal to own slaves in some states and women couldn’t vote. THINGS HAVE CHANGED, PEOPLE. The evolution of society and it’s technology require us to adapt our laws to reflect the modern day issues. This is why Constitutional Amendments have been passed. Other countries have changed their laws on guns after far fewer mass killings and rampant violence and IT’S PROVEN TO WORK. The evidence lies in the numbers, which CANNOT be disputed.
Crazy People Kill People, Not Guns
Women suffer from mental health issue just as much as men, so why aren’t there a bunch of female mass shooters too? And mental illness is just as present in other countries, so why are their numbers not as hideous as ours? Oh right– gun control laws. Don’t get me wrong, mental health absolutely plays a part in this, we do not do enough as a country to support those that are suffering through proper health care (even if you have it, usually the coverage is basic and short lived). But lets stop the gushing artery bleed before we address the cancer. Mental health reform will take much longer and is much more complicated a task. Lets start by taking the really crazy weapons out of the hands of the ill. Then lets try to help them get better. You don’t give a toddler a knife and then slowly start teaching it how to use it, because in the meantime they will hurt themselves and others. DUH.
But Cars Can Be Used To Kill People And We Don’t Ban Them
This one really makes me want to scream. Cars have other purposes than killing people. Transportation for one. An AR-15 has one purpose- to take as many lives as possible as efficiently as possible. You can’t ride an AR-15 to work. It’s not going to teach your kids how to read. Never mind the fact that cars are regulated better than guns! I mean, you can’t just choose a military tank as your family vehicle because you think its cool. Those kind of vehicles are to be handled by trained professionals only– for a reason. No one is saying that banning semi-automatics is going to end all killing- there is too much hate in this world for that- but it’s a start. Sure, someone could drive a car into a crowd. Absolutely. But why not give them fewer options on how to murder groups of people? Why not TRY??? It’s like saying- well, we can’t cure all cancer so lets not cure ANY cancer. That’s just stupid.
Good Guys With Guns Stop Bad Guys With Guns
So we should just arm EVERYONE? We should be giving our sweet kindergarten teachers an apple and a Glock? Or spend zillions of dollars on armed guards for every public place? We don’t have that kind of money, and I certainly don’t want to live in a society where everyone has to carry a gun. It would basically bring us back to the Wild West. And there are many instances where this argument holds about as much water as a sieve– Las Vegas for one (good lucky taking out a sniper), Orlando for another (if everyone had a gun in a dark, crowded nightclub can you even imagine how many more deaths there would be from confusion and terror?)
Bad Guys Will Get Access To Guns No Matter What Laws We Put in Place
I’m going to call bullshit on that one right off the bat. Even if that were true, WHY NOT MAKE IT HARDER??? Why not make it really, really difficult to buy an AR-15 than have it take 5 minutes in your local Walmart? And no, you can’t use heroin or some other illegal drug as an example of laws not working properly. They don’t offer heroin at Whole Foods, you can’t just waltz into Starbucks and order a latte with a side of meth. There are a lot of deaths from illegal (and some legal) drugs, but at least we TRY. We recognize the danger and make policy change based on evidence. So why not with guns?
Ok, now my heart is racing and I’m typing very violently. I have reached a point where I have to say something and do something. And I would call on other people with a platform, large or small, to do the same. It’s time. We are failing our children as adults. We are not protecting them, and they are fed up with our inaction. And in time, I do believe these changes will happen because those kids will age and become voters and politicians and will do it themselves. But lets not wait for them to grow up and in the meantime suffer through countless more shootings. Lets do it for them and act like the responsible caring adults we know how to be.
Get involved- I signed up for Moms Demand Action locally and will volunteer my time and my money. I’ve also donated to Everytown and Sandy Hook Promise. It’s time to stop just talking about this and DO SOMETHING. It requires effort and time, which is hard, I know– but this is important. I don’t want Henry to grow up and ask me what I did to stop this and have to tell him “Oh,I wrote a blog post”. I will meet. I will march. I will do whatever it takes. Even it all that effort results in just ONE person changing their stance on our gun laws.
Because I cannot and will not sit down and take it. I have to do something.
For my son. For everyone’s son.
With Respect,
Erin
I agree completely with tighter regulation, licensing, mental health checks, waiting periods, etc. Absolutely. I’m a police officer so I think I’m well versed in my opinions and what I’ve seen over the years.
Erin, first off, please, please, educate yourself on the topic if you’re going to denounce it. The AR15 is not an assault rifle. It’s not a military rifle. It’s a hunting rifle that is exactly the same as the wood version (I can’t post pics here so it won’t let me show you, but please Google what an AR15 is and what it looks like side by side w/it’s wood twin). when you talk about the “bullets from the AR15” and what they do to humans,,,,it’s a .223 round, the same one that’s used in hunting rifle. Again, the two weapons are exactly the same. one is wood and the other is plastic to look like a scary military rifle. That’s the only difference. So basically what you are saying is banning all rifles. you say the AR15 was made just to kill people. that is so not true. again, please do some homework on these weapons. Let me also stress that a .357 or .44 magnum round will do just as much damage to a human, and these come from handguns. a rifle round travels at a higher velocity, but the handgun rounds pack more of a deadly punch when hit. They ALL do great damage to human tissue. Your argument that the bullet in an AR15 is clearly ignoring that all bullets do damage to humans.
.00 buckshot in a shotgun, or slug round in shotgun will do more damage at close range than an AR15.
Again, let me stress, I’m all for strict control. But lets look at Chicago. the strictest gun control place in the nation and they had over 2000 killings in a year. majority of those were hand guns.
I don’t think anyone should be able to buy a weapon over the counter and walk out with it 30 mins later. But I don’t think the government has the right to tell me I can’t own a weapon either.
Are you aware of what happened in Australia after mandatory confiscation of all guns for citizens? There was a 60% increase in home invasion robberies. HOME INVASION. (not burglaries) Home invasion where they come in and hold the residents at gun point while they robbed. why do you think there was such an increase? Because the bad guys knew home owners wouldn’t be able to defend themselves. We have a much more violent/populated criminal population here in the USA. I want you to stop and really think about what you’re wishing for. But you’re prob thinking, “but I don’t own a gun and my friends don’t own guns and nothing like that has happened to us”. The reason is, “the criminals don’t know you’re not armed”. If they knew for sure you didn’t have a weapon, you’d be at their mercy.
There are more than 350 million registered weapons here in the USA right now. That is not including black market weapons, unregistered or smuggled in weapons from Mexico. we all know that bad guys are not going to turn in their weapons. So I want you think a minute about what a total gun ban would mean. I’m sorry, but you guys that propose this are not seeing the big, gigantic picture. Do you think a gun ban would mean that bad guys could no longer get weapons to commit crimes? Do you think a gun ban would mean there would be no more mass shootings? Take off the PollyAnna hat and think about it. It’s too late for gun bans. you can’t compare other countries to us because of the sheer amount of guns/people that we have to start with. You can’t make all those weapons disappear. You also can’t make smuggling from Mexico and So.America go away, which would skyrocket w/a total ban.
Heroin is completely illegal, banned and closely monitored. Heroin is easier to get than prescription opiates. Why do you think guns would be any different? seriously. have you looked at the totality of everything?
In closing, I agree w/you on regulation. I disagree on gun ban, because, that’s an inane proposition that only benefits the criminal element and our government, should it ever start to swing that way. All I’m asking is that you educate yourself on the weapons you’re speaking about, and what you are proposing.
Kathleen needs help. That much ugliness comes from a very sad place. And if she thinks that the United States of America is the only free country in the world, she needs to get an education. There are currently 123 democratic countries in the world and many of them rival or surpass the United States in education, health care, environmental issues and more. Yes, America is great. I served proudly in its armed forces for more than 20 years. But we have a problem when it comes to mass shootings and our current laws haven’t slowed the killings. Why be afraid to try something else?
Something that could make a difference?
I need help? Exactly what type help would you suggest I get being you are so knowledgeable?
We are not a democratic country Leslie. We are a republic. You probably are one of those that keeps saying Hillary won because you don’t understand how our electoral process works. It is you that needs the education.
Every single one of the “laws” and “regulations” that prevent what happened didn’t work. Total failure. But you want to jump on me and insult my mental capacity.
I’m not “afraid” to try something else at all.
I don’t understand you comment “I served for more than 20 years” – many have.
“Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.” Rule #5 from Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky.
[…] #NeverAgain — amen to these thoughts on gun law reform. […]
Way to go Erin. I guess you have taken away my voice to respond. Won’t except my replies. Be aware readers she is censoring this blog. No telling what she will do to me next? There is no meeting in the middle hear. Erin didn’t like what I said so she blocked me from responding. Guess that is your privilege. Erin you are a bully wrapped up in pretty clothes. You don’t care what anyone thinks unless they think just like you.
Oops “hear” should have been “here”
But hey I’m not the author “here!” Erin is!
YOU!
Any conversation about moving forward is helped by knowing how we got here. For 200+ years our country and courts understood the second amendment was written with regard to militias. Extremists in the 1970’s took over the NRA and pushed out its directors, and began to change the narrative. Conservative republican Chief Justice Warren Burger called it “fraud on the American people”. This is so interesting, and history we should have as we debate the issue:
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/nra-guns-second-amendment-106856
I think all problems get solved by being rational and polite. Maybe I’m wrong. You told me I could “leave” in one of your responses. I guess I took that as not having a voice on your blog. I probably misunderstood.
For the sake of discussion, responding to me you replied “I’d rather all guns be banned.” Many gun supporters fear that sentiment is the true feeling of the majority of people trying to get stricter gun laws. Many gun owners think that it will be a slow and deliberate attack on gun rights until they do away with all guns.
Kathleen…in response to your abortion comment..people like you and I see murder as murder. We don’t pick and choose depending on the method. People can now plainly see that a baby in the womb is a life! We name our babies months in advance….we decorate their rooms to fit what we imagine their personalities to be…we mourn over still births and miscarriages. If we were to try and restrict abortion they would have an absolute melt down. I’m joining you and keeping my mouth shut on this topic…I too, have enjoyed this blog for a long time and bought more than a few products Erin has promoted. If you saw President Trumps sit down with the victims and the rally with all the name calling, etc. I think you can see that a differing opinion is NOT welcome.
Thank you Diane. I appreciate your kind words and support.
Huge difference between the talk between President Trump and various victims. Trump invited them to the White House. Sat down with them and listened. Then tune into the Rubio press conference where he was attacked viciously for things he had no hand in.
I meant to say comparing the Donald trump listening session and the rally where they were calling the senator Rubio and the nra representative that were “invited” to participate murderers. How is that helpful in any way on any planet?
If it wasn’t for our armed civilian population we would have never been able to fight off the attacks of England, Spain and Canada to name a few.
The answer to all of this is not in the Constitution it is in the book of Romans.
Which is not relevant to modern society, nor it’s evolved weapons, in 2018 in the least. Armed civilians are not going to be able to fight off invading countries if that happened.
You absolutely have every right to respond, I have never said you don’t. This is a topic that is a very emotional debate– which means I have my right to question your position and you have a right to question mine. It’s just how this goes. Nothing gets solved by being polite and keeping our thoughts and opinions to ourselves. I appreciate your support and comment about my book. We shall agree to disagree, but I do not plan on censoring what I write here about this very important topic. It’s far too important to me.
This whole discussion has turned into a tit for tat. I have been a devoted reader since the start of your blog Erin. You are so talented and I enjoy how you write. Your book is my favorite design book I have ever read. I literally cracked up reading it! I’m sorry if I insulted you with any of my responses. I will never make the mistake of responding to any idea you have that is contrary to mine.
Kathleen,
Regarding your comment about abortion above ,which has nothing really to do with this topic, but because you mention it…..I am pro life, but I am tired of our lax gun laws. Why are working so hard to protect the baby while it is in the womb, but we could care less once it is out? Regarding our individual rights. Individual rights are not okay, when they take away others rights. Having the right, doesn’t make it right. We need to meet in the middle with new gun laws.
But you AREN’T trying to meet in the middle. I, however, am and being met with every excuse in the book from the opposing side as to why they should not have to budge an INCH and blaming everything under the sun except the actual weapon. I’d rather all guns were banned, but I know that many Americans do not and therefore I’m trying to meet in the middle with a suggestion to ban on a certain type of gun that has only one purpose- to kill viciously (you should read this doctor’s account of what the bullets from an AR-15 do to a human body) and closer regulation of other kinds of guns. As well as increased focus on mental health, reporting suspicious people, etc. How is this so offensive to you? It still allows for your right to self-defense and hunting (and” fighting a tyrannical government”) but takes a step towards stopping mass murderers by limiting their access to military grade weaponry. I really do not understand how this is not okay to responsible gun owners.
I’m all for a discussion on how to meet in the middle regarding new gun laws. However, that is never what I hear. What I hear is an attack on GOP, NRA and gun owners. Name calling and questioning sanity. Maybe if both sides would agree that we all love our children, we all want our children to be safe all the time. And my comment about abortion does have relevance. Why aren’t more people outraged by the amount of human life destroyed daily? But after this horrible shooting and I dare to comment I’m the biggest piece of scum on the planet. I just see an injustice happening to our children in many areas of our country.
I have followed you for years , Erin, and I now admire you even more. Thank you for using your voice in this way. We have to stand up and demand change. Lives depend on it. #timesup
Thank you Erin! I think we need to start a big shit storm to shake people into reality.
Bravo Erin!!! I’m also getting involved with my local chapter of Moms Demand Action – we have got to do everything we can to protect our sweet children -it’s what Mama Bears do!
Every one of your words so perfectly describes my thoughts. Thank you.
I’m a socially liberal Californian living in Dallas. My husband (for his job) owns a handgun that he keeps in his work vehicle and for our safety at home he keeps a revolver. I do not agree with his ownership of guns but he has made some very valid points as to why he keeps them, so as long as I do not see them and they are not accessible, I have agreed to allow them.
However, BOTH of us are in full agreement that the use of semi-automatic and automatic weapons in the hands of civilians is absolutely unnecessary. These death machines should have never been allowed outside of the military. In addition, we believe that it should be difficult to obtain any type of gun by way of several levels of restrictions such as background checks, waiting periods, training, testing, licensing, and minimum age requirements. After Sandy Hook, we have both done everything you have suggested, however living here in Texas, I fear that our voices continue to fall on deaf ears. I hope that things begin to change and one day these crazy Texas that surround us will see the light at the end of this dark and bloody tunnel of death that we keep encountering.
Gigi,,do your homework please. semi automatics are handguns. .380, .32, .25, .44, .45, .40 cal,,,are all SEMI-AUTO. it just means their bullets are fed into the chamber by way of a magazine, instead of revolving cylinder of a revolver. I’d like to know what you think the difference is between a semi auto and a revolver. Both fire one bullet with each squeeze of the trigger. A .45 semi auto handgun usually hold 8 rounds in the magazine and one in the barrel. A revolver holds 5-6 bullets. Speedy reloaders are available and can be switched out to reload in less than 2 seconds.
As for automatic weapons, those are illegal. Civilians can’t own them unless you have an FFL license (government licensing to those who are dealers).
Here in Calif, there is a waiting requirement on all weapons. I do agree on training, testing, licensing, and everything else you mentioned, except the exclusion of semi automatic handguns!
Guys, come on….if you’re coming on here to spout off about gun control matters, at lease educate yourself on more than the liberal stance. Do yourself a favor and actually learn a thing or two about handguns, rifles and military weapons. The AR15 is not an assault rifle. You all sound ignorant protesting something that you have no idea about what they really are.
Catching up a few days late here, but got all fired up and had to comment. Erin, normally I hate when someone inserts politics into non-political spaces – like, gimme a break, I’m trying to have a good day here! EXCEPT IN THIS SITUATION. Do I hope that you start writing about politics every day? No. Am I a conservative Republican who probably disagrees with you on a lot of political issues? Yes. But this is so so so SO different than any of that. We have to talk about this. And keep talking about it until something changes.
I think part of it is figuring out how to make this discussion separate from and above all of the rest of it. There’s so much other garbage and distraction and disagreement out there. We need to have a clear conversation about assault rifles and how we as a society are PUTTING those bad guns in the wrong hands. I know…”slippery slope”, “what will they take next?”…sorry, but I think that’s a risk that as a society we should be willing to take.
We should also applaud the President for his review of legislation on bump stocks. Does this fix everything? Has anything actually happened yet? No and no, but it’s a start and we should show him that he’ll get a positive reaction from the American public for this kind of behavior – and maybe we can incentivize more of it.
I so appreciate your calm, common-sense, views (with supporting information and links! so thorough and unlike so much of what is online these days!). I think conversations like these are the ones that can ACTUALLY CHANGE MINDS.
Things were not so calm during the CNN debate the other night. Senator Rubio and others were insulted and mocked. Dana Loesch literally had to be escorted out of the building with guards due to the threats made by the audience.
President Trump handled the conversation in a mature caring manner. How was that meeting covered by the media? All they concentrated on were the notes in his hand. I’ve never spoke publically without having notes in my hand to remind me of what I want to say.
I don’t consider Erin’s views presented calmly – there was no two way conversation.
Just catching up on your blog and had to read this post. Well said. I’ve heard those same excuses over and over again, and I am so sick of them.
No civilian needs to own an assault rifle of any kind, period, end of story.
Tighter gun control is absolutely necessary. The second amendment belongs to those of us advocating for stronger gun control measures, too, and we deserve to be protected FROM it as much as we do BY it. It is beyond time to update this law.
” We have a ban on high capacity magazines and semi-automatic weapons” – No you don’t. Since you know less than nothing about guns you would realize almost every gun made is a scary “semi-automatic”. MA absolutely does not ban semi-autos.
23% of MA residents own a firearm…not exactly a small number.
I wish you would just be completely honest and say you want guns banned outright. Stop the BS’ing.
You believe only rich celebs and politicians should be afforded armed security. We ‘deplorables’ aren’t nearly important enough to be like Kim Kardashian and have armed security (which she admitted she does). Watch the Oscars this year and see the hundreds of armed guards there, but I bet they are just “more important” than the rest of us.
Rob, I’ll quote a friend’s recent post for a suggestion on a complete gun-control “package” – it would allow for plenty of room for keeping guns for self-defense and hunting, and I think would be supported by the vast, vast majority of liberals. He also, as a veteran and a gun owner, should have gun knowledge that reaches your standards:
AR15s are not the problem alone. Yes, it’s the most popular military-style rifle, and it is designed to kill people effectively. But banning one model of weapon will just make people switch to other, equally effective killing machines. If you banned the Toyota Camry, would people stop buying midsize sedans? No, you’d just end up with more Honda Accords on the road. If you want to fix the problem, you have to ban all semi-automatic rifles. Semi-automatic means the weapon is loaded with a magazine (or belt in some cases) with multiple rounds; and for every trigger squeeze, one bullet is discharged. There is no real need for these weapons in civilian use. They aren’t necessary for hunting, where the point is to kill the animal with one shot. It is only useful for killing a lot of things in a short amount of time or having fun at a gun range. I think our children’s lives are more important than a fraction of the population’s fun shooting a bunch of rounds quickly at a range. They’ll cope.
Handguns are far more responsible for gun deaths in America than semi-auto rifles. Though most handgun rounds aren’t as deadly as rifle rounds, it’s inconsequential at short range. And handguns are far easier to conceal than a rifle. With the exception of maybe revolvers (which have 5-6 round max before reloading), I believe handguns should be outlawed. The Virginia Tech massacre, the most deadly school shooting in American history, was accomplished with handguns only. Don’t underestimate their lethality. I think military style rifles only account for about 2% of gun deaths each year. If you want to solve the problem, semi-auto handguns have to go, as well.
If we really want to make a difference in gun deaths, we need to do WAY more than universal background checks and better mental health screening. Banning all semi-automatic weapons would make that difference. Keeping shotguns, revolvers, and bolt-action rifles legal accomplish all the typical, common uses of guns. (Bolt-action rifles are typical hunting rifles that you have to reload between shots.) With these types of firearms legal, you can still hunt, defend your home, and compete in sport shooting.
Combine the following with the semi-auto ban:
Government buy-back program of all semi-automatic weapons. Once a grace period for turn-ins ends, possession will be a felony without a special (and rare) license for Federally approved dealers and collectors.
Gun licenses for all who want to continue to own approved firearms. Licenses will be granted by completing a comprehensive background check, psych evaluation, safety training, marksmanship training, and meeting strict storage requirements. Storage requirements would include safes, weapons unloaded, with ammo stored separately. Licenses expire after a certain number of years and all the requirements must be completed again for license renewal.
Registration of all firearms.
Insurance for all firearms. If your gun is used in a crime or if there’s a accident with your gun, your insurance company is liable for damages. Let the insurance market set rates based on their analysis of risk. Then, people can decide if it’s financially worth it to own a gun.
This is exactly right.
https://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/state-law/massachusetts/
Clearly states that MA has a ban on some semi-automatics and high capacity magazines.
The ‘bad guys will get guns anyway’ argument is beyond infuriating. It’s not an argument in favor of guns, it’s literally an argument against the rule of law at all. By the same token – why make murder illegal? Murderers will still murder! Why make robbery illegal? Bad guys will rob.
Applied anywhere – including to guns – this argument is preposterous.
Yes! Totally agree with you Erin! Great post!
Bravo!!
Here we go again. The second amendment was put in place to protect us from a tyrannical government. Any restrictions added to gun laws is a slow attack on the second amendment. The laws that are in place now didn’t protect these children. The majority of Americans do not agree with you Erin.
Kathleen, the majority of Americans do support common sense regulation, and the data clearly shows the skyrocketing rate of carnage that has happened since the assault weapons ban was allowed to expire. If it hadn’t, or if we had at least banned those weapons after Sandy Hook, this latest mass murder wouldn’t have happened. The killer was enamoured with the gun. He was able to purchase a killing machine, and he posted that he wanted to try it out.
As for the second amendment, the NRA’s campaign of fear (Government tyranny!) and misinformation (they’re going to disarm you!) since the 1970’s has created this current culture. This was not the intention of the founding fathers. Here’s a very thorough and interesting piece: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/05/nra-guns-second-amendment-106856
Kathleen, I think you are getting off topic – you questioned Erin’s parenting (‘hope you don’t use bad language in front of your little boy’, etc.) – I don’t know any mom – liberal, conservative, pro- or anti-gun that would take that sitting down!
I think you are brave to comment here knowing you’re going to be in the minority based on tenor of the post – but it isn’t constructive to make personal attacks.
It is very hard discussing this issue. I sometimes think we are speaking different languages. Our fears are so totally different.
I find the threat of the government becoming tyrannical, and individual citizens being able to overthrow the military / government IF this ever occurred about as far-fetched as the zombie apocalypse. In colonial times this was possible with single-shot muskets, in modern times, there’s just no way. However, I see real children dying every day – in mass shootings, in accidents, in domestic violence incidents. I see that this doesn’t happen in other countries (and they’re not being overtaken by tyrannical governments). I see other countries who had a problem and solved it (Australia). I was in France and a terrorist attacked at a train station – he had a knife, he killed 2 people – it didn’t even make US news or delay the trains – imagine how many people he could have killed with a gun?
My fears seem very real to me, yours seem like fantasy. It is very hard for me – even having grown up hunting, with all the adults in my life owning guns – to understand. I can’t help but think it all comes down to guns being fun to shoot, and making you feel powerful – experiences I’ve had myself before. But I’m happy to give that up, and have.
Hi, Kathleen. I get where you’re coming from – I just don’t understand it.
Yes, to me the fear that you need to have guns due to the hypothetical threat of some future tyrannical government that you would have a chance in defeating with your guns is fantastical, whereas my fear of sending my kids to class seems reasonable. Just like you don’t find me particularly reasonable in being afraid of the permeation of guns in our society. My son’s preschool went into lockdown when a man with a history of domestic violence, who happened to be a gun owner, threatened police and then ran into the woods behind his school. I considered that a reasonable response in this day and age, which makes me incredibly sad. So yes, my fear seems more ‘real.’ To me. I know to many this is an acceptable way of life.
I’ve discussed this at length with many (very conservative) loved ones, and no, I don’t expect to change your mind, and I’m not attacking you or laughing at you. I don’t think guns are a laughing matter. But it is hard for me to understand. My stepdad, a highly-trained special forces veteran, lives off the grid, is a prepper, and owns I don’t know how many guns. He says he’s been to places where the rule of law has broken down altogether, and if that happens here, he wants to be ready. He sees this existential, hypothetical, and yes, currently fantastical threat as more serious than mass shootings, terrorists armed with guns, the suicide rate in this country, accidental shootings, and on and on. But, I’m still afraid to send my toddlers to day care – to me this trumps his concerns, and gun control is urgent and the need for it apparent.
And yes, he also loves shooting guns because it’s fun. I don’t know anyone who owns guns who doesn’t hunt or otherwise enjoy shooting. And if they didn’t make you feel powerful, they wouldn’t make you feel safe. The fact is – they are powerful. They kill people. That has to be part of it, or you wouldn’t want a gun.
The fear of a tyrannical government that could be “taken down” by civilians armed with guns is not a possibility nor a reality. Getting killed in a mass shooting is however.
I knew I would be attacked. Your fears are real and mine are a fantasy? For me owning a gun has nothing to do with being fun to shoot and it has nothing to do with feeling powerful. Is this what you really think gun ownership is about? Good for you giving up your gun. Thank God we live in a country where we all can make our own decisions about gun ownership.
Thanks for calmly putting everything I’m feeling and thinking into words Tracy.
Any rational person can understand that the men who wrote the Second Amendment could not have fathomed the kind of firepower we have today. They also wrote that you could own other people legally so……Evolution is inevitable and pointing to a document written eons ago is just so out of touch and not applicable to a modern society.
Exactly the reason we need tougher gun control laws – so they don’t get into the hands of nut jobs like Kathleen.
Diane, I asked you to explain what you meant because I am interested in knowing why you think your suggestion (which was to put unarmed liberals in Chicago’s south side to see how they would fare) would improve the situation. You’re claiming that liberals think they are superior to conservatives and are out of touch with the real needs of the people. In most circles, people consider the exact opposite to be true.
Pitting liberals against conservatives (and vice versa) does nothing to help solve the problem of gun violence. It’s a humanitarian issue that claims lives regardless of party affiliation. We’re talking about innocent children, specifically.
Erin is speaking to us in this post as a parent, and what all parents want is for their children to be able to go to school without the threat of a mass shooting. EVERYONE, parent or not, wants to be able to go about their daily business, wherever that may be, without that threat. I know I do. You probably do, too.
Kate… I think you have identified the problem…neither side knows what the other is talking about…
Diane, I don’t think either liberal or conservative holds a high ground on treatment of those on the opposite side.
Each side likes to play the victim – it’s just human nature. For a couple quick examples – conservatives call liberals ‘snowflakes’, yet Fox annually goes apoplectic about an imagined ‘war on Christmas.’ Liberals call conservatives intolerant, but will try and prevent conservative speakers from speaking on a campus. Your post is actually a good example of a conservative embracing victimhood. There are plenty of liberals that do the same. None of us should be ‘snowflakes’ and all of us should listen and discuss.
Liberals don’t corner the market on acting like they have the moral high ground – just try being a liberal person who doesn’t believe in God, or is pro-choice, or thinks that sex ed is important, etc., etc., in a conservative environment. I’ve been there, and literal threats of brimstone and eternal damnation are not unusual.
Neither side is innocent of accusing the other that they’re naive or uninformed, either! Conservatives often think that the multicultural, kumbaya ideals of liberals just show how little they understand the realities of the world. Urban liberals, to pull one example, who live in cities where terrorist attacks actually happen and people of all different races, speaking different languages, from different socioeconomic classes are friends, or at least coexist peacefully, think rural folks concerned about their own safety have a bit of a screw loose.
Ultimately, the sides have different moral values, and different corresponding fears. I found this TED talk about this topic very illuminating and it’s helped me to look at the ‘other side’ in a much more constructive way. If we’re throwing around accusations that ‘conservatives lack all empathy’, or ‘liberals think they’re better than everyone else’, no one’s getting anywhere, and we’re playing into the extremes that are hurting our country. https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind.
Diane, what are you even talking about? You want to put anti-gun liberals in the south side of Chicago, unarmed, and see how they fare?
Tell me, what would that solve and what would it prove?
There is not a proliferation of firearms in Chicago’s south side because it’s full of right-wing conservatives. Adding more guns to the mix will only beget the kind of violence so many people wish would end.
Kathleen is a warrior!!!! This is how tolerant liberals react when confronted with an opposing point of view. My husband graduated from the university of Chicago. When he went back for a reunion he was invited to an alum’s house. There was an argument about Bernie versus Hillary. My husband stood there quietly not saying anything. When asked what he thought, he politely said he was on the other side politically. The host ridiculed him in front of all the other guests. The left is Smarter, more sophisticated, morally superior than the right. I say stick these people on the south side of Chicago without protection. There were 650 murders in Chicago last year. They sit in their elite enclaves and preach to the rest of us. Don’t worry… I heard Jennifer Lawrence is taking a year off from acting to fix our democracy and “stuff”. Keep speaking out Kathleen!
If you read what I wrote I never said I was against banning this weapon. What I said was the majority of gun owners feel that taking away any gun right will just be the first small step to completely illuminating gun ownership. I can give examples of different areas this has happen. But I won’t. I will only be attacked over and over. My point was that you can make all the laws you want and it won’t change a thing. I understand everyone’s outrage over this. No one is happy with what happened on February 14th. I apologize for the foul-mouth comment. Oh and by the way, I don’t own any pearls. You don’t know me either.
Kathleen- I’ll use whatever language I want. This isn’t the 1950’s. Kids are dying, and you are defending the weapon killing them. So yeah, I’m pissed off. As I said, you are welcome to clutch your pearls all you want, but I’m here to defend my child, my right to free speech and my belief that our government is full of hypocritical, greedy, self-righteous people who are completely out of touch. Have a good day.
I’m free to question anything I want. You used shit-storm – that is foul language. Not the first time you use vulgar language in your posts. How DARE I? Boy, the outrage is real with that reply. I guess you only want reader’s that totally agree with your viewpoint.
Kathleen, by the same logic you’re trying to apply, if you’re pro-gun you must be pro-choice. And against the death penalty.
But being anti-abortion has much more to do with if you think a bundle of cells qualifies as human life because it has the potential to be life. And being (constitutionally) pro-gun has to do with if you think you need weapons to go up against the US military some day, and if that threat trumps children dying. And both these issues have shades and shades of gray (being anti-abortion only after 20 weeks, allowances for life of the mother, being pro-gun for self-defense rather than constitutional reasons, etc. etc.).
It’s almost like these are two totally separate and very complex issues!
My language? What language? And don’t you DARE question my parenting. You don’t know me. Feel free to leave.
It is a good argument. We have close to a million abortions a year in this country. Why isn’t there outrage? You just don’t have an answer for it that is why you don’t like it. And your language – hope you don’t talk like that in front of your little boy.
That’s the new automatic pro-gun response when you don’t have a rebuttal, I see.
What is your stance on abortion?
Actually…https://news.gallup.com/poll/220637/americans-widely-support-tighter-regulations-gun-sales.aspx
Kathleen, you can dig a hole with a spoon, but it’s a lot quicker with a backhoe.
You can kill people with a truck, or a knife, or try to build a bomb, but it’s a lot quicker, easier and more efficient to obtain a gun.
Do you truly believe that if the US military were to try and fight the people, American citizens would be any match for them? Also, do you truly believe our troops would do this? This horrible opinion of the US military always stuns me.
ABSOLUTELY. Not having access to this type of weapon will help. It’s common sense. If you can’t buy a rifle that shoots 45 bullets a minute at Walmart you can’t shoot a group of people in this manner. Cause and effect.
Polls can be skewed. Look at the last Presidential election.
Do you honestly think stricter gun laws will stop these shootings?
Then the majority are wrong. No need to say more.
Signed
A european who cannot understand what is happening in this so called civilized country
European thinking is bleeding into our country. Study the founding of the United States and why gun rights are so important to so many Americans. I didn’t say your opinion was wrong. Why do you say my opinion is wrong?
Thank you. Please continue to update us with the organizations that have earned your time and dollars, so I may also.
Yes. A million times, yes! Donate, volunteer, speak out and vote. These laws are so antiquated it makes me want to flip dumpsters too!
Violence, anger, name calling, etc. The way things get done right?
As you can plainly see I did not block you. Wow.
WOW the most hypocritical person you have ever encountered? You’ve had enough of my nasty comments to your other readers? Can you look back on what was said to me? How come you didn’t come to my aid? Why don’t you get back to what you know – design? You live in your own little bubble and have no idea how most of this country lives. Like I said you are a bully and if someone doesn’t follow lock step with you it makes you angry. Too bad Erin.
Kathleen- you are the most hypocritical person I have ever encountered. I’m done interacting with you. If I so offend you I invite you to go follow another blog. I’ve had enough of your nasty comments to my other readers.
Amen. Young people are not going to stand for this. You can see they are demanding action now. Gun control is going to happen at some point and history will not be kind to all the weak politicians who stood by and allowed this to happen to our country and did not take action to protect our citizens. At some time sanity will prevail!
Excellent post. I’m in DC and will be at the march on the 24th. My older two are coming home from college for it, and I’ll host their friends. And my youngest will join them. We have to do something to stop this madness. #neveragain
Hi Erin,
I’ve followed for years, and I’m not the one to comment on blogs, but I couldn’t let this one pass. Thank you for taking a stand regardless if it affects your brand or not!
Hello Erin and thank you for your brave position. Your post is spot on and most importantly, you are doing something guided by your conscience and heart. It’s important that business leaders and media bloggers stand up for what they know to be true. It’s time we all join in and stop waiting for someone else to do something to stop this insanity. I admire the risk you take, losing some of your subscribers, but be assured that you have won the respect of your followers and you will only attract more who know that life is precious and our children and family members, irreplaceable. Thank you, also, for your suggestions of support for Moms Demand Action, Everytown and Sandy Hook Promise. Bravo.
I’m proud of these children who are advocating for their own safety, and I feel for their loss. I’ve always thought that if Sandy Hook couldn’t make a change then nothing could. Maybe these Florida students can shame these politicians into supporting gun control and getting off the NRA’s tit.
THANK YOU ERIN!!!!!! You are amazing!!!!!! Spot on!!!!!
Bravo! Your post makes me love your blog even more.
Thank you! Very well said – I appreciate all of your sensible arguments.
I agree with Karen!
It sounds dumb to say, “thank you for being brave enough to post this,” but that’s what I’m here for. I am with you; actually, like you, I am with all Americans. They will eventually see it, thank you for this. Thank you for being a light in the darkness.
Thank you for posting this. It is spot on! It’s time to donate our time and/or money to this cause. We cannot let it keep continuing.
Erin,
I love your arguments. So level headed. One thing I want to add regarding cars. I’ve heard and read many people say “So what, we get rid of Ford or Chevy every time a drunk driver kills someone?” How can someone even compare this to a mass shooting where so many people are killed by guns? It’s all about INTENTION. A n unfortunate drunk driver is not getting behind the wheel with the intent to kill someone, or many people. The mass shooter has only one thing in mind–murder. Violent video games, movies, and mental health issues, exist all over the world. So why is it only affecting the US? Plain and simple. Our gun culture and gun laws. I believe sensible gun owners who get that changes need to be made are our best asset. Thank you to those smart gun owners who have spoken up. You are the ones who really need to write congress and speak out to the NRA!
I am a Canadian. This recent shooting left me, like many others stunned. Our countries share many similarities and we often vacation in Florida, I love the USA but these shootings are getting out of control. My eldest granddaughter is currently at the university of Mississippi & I worry about her & I shouldn’t have to any more than most American parents who are sending their children to school every day. Canadians cannot access these assault weapons, this seems like an easy & quick fix, no-one should be able to buy such dangerous weapons. Social media plays a role in young people who feel disenfranchised & mental health is also a major concern. Every country deals with these issues, the one difference is young American lives are paying the ultimate price. The time is now for change.
So stay in Canada if you are so concerned. You don’t have a voice here. You rely on the protection of the United States and then try to act holier than thou. What do people in Canada kill each other with?
I think that anyone has a voice regardless of where they come from. As a proud Canadian I can honestly say that gun culture is not part of the fabric of our life. Yet we are able to function and carry on in our daily lives. It has been asked many times why is it that a country that does allow firearms has a much lower per capita gun violence rate? Well Kathleen I think it has a lot to do with how we view and treat each other. We are what I would call a “socialistic” society. One that looks out for one another. Take our Universal Healthcare for instance. I have no issue in paying a little more for tax so that ALL Canadians have equal access to Healthcare. But Americans have a completely different view. Your view is “I have mine” “I am not paying for yours”. Until you start thinking of the “we” instead of the”me” nothing will change. And it is quite obvious from your discussions that you have no thought or wish to learn about me or my culture. But instead have spat out your vitriol as if by having your Military might in protecting us and others it gives you the right to throw it back at everyone. When we all work together we are One. When we help each other everyone is better off. When you have gone to war we have helped where we can…when your Twin Towers fell we cried with you. But when it comes to guns it so divides you all. No One , and I mean No One should have access to an AR anything. It was made for one purpose…that is killing. I think perhaps your anger and heated comments might be better served over on another Blog or discussion board. You have shown nothing but disrespect for Erin and for her readers. And I mean this with the utmost respect towards you….but having an open, fair and respectful discussion has always been Erin’s mandate. Peace!
Maybe I got tired of all you self-righteous people. I truly am curious how do they kill people in Canada? Maybe they don’t have murder? It is a fact Canada depends on the US for their protection. And Erin why is your solution limited gun rights for law abiding citizens? I don’t see any discussion about steps to elimate the threat by arming a guard at each school.? Or any of the other plausible suggestions? If you want a legitimate discussion why isn’t there any talk of what was proposed yesterday? All the checks and balances that were already in place didn’t stop what happen but you want even more regulation. Our government didn’t do a great job stopping this student,but your solution is to stop law abiding citizens from buying the gun they want and to impose even more regulation. Because you have determine no one needs that weapon. There is no answer to human evil. You blame it all on the gun.
Don’t lecture me. I’m not one of your minions. You are a bully with a big megaphone and lots of followers who think you walk on water. My nasty comment? America is the greatest country in the world. There is not another like us for so many reasons. Let me know if you need to be reminded. How we view ourselves in the global society? Name another country that is free? Not really sure what you mean? But my guess is you are embarrassed by the greatness of America? We probably need to apologize for it right?
Kathleen- she, like you, has every right to comment on here. Please stop being so rude to others who want to voice their concern on this topic- American or not. You have complained that people are being mean to you on here but then do the same thing to others (who were not even mean to you in the first place!) We are not the only country in the world and your nasty comment is a poor reflection on how we view our place in a global society. Other countries have solved their gun issues, we should take note.
Thank you a million times for posting this.
Excellent post!!!
Thank you for speaking out about this! Our local high school had a kid bring a gun to school last week, the DAY after the Parkland shooting. Now the gun nuts are out in force demanding we arm the teachers but can not fathom how guns might be at fault here and how more guns is a bad idea. Makes me want to scream!! I’m in Texas so I am surrounded by so many redneck, gun nuts.
We have to vote the Republican NRA Congress out if we ever hope to see real change. Early voting starts TODAY. We can do it!!
Woohoo! You go Erin! Agree with everything you said. I’m starting to believe that like the #metoo movement, it is going to take the actions of women and now our children to effect real change. As a professional on the ‘frontline’ of treating mental health, there is so much that needs help in this area. Research has given us some solid avenues to address what is lacking, but policy and public understanding are so slow to catch up. Frankly it’s overwhelming: the number of people asking for help is a tsunami smashing against my little boat full of life preservers. I find myself lying in bed puzzling over how can I reach more people, more effectively, sooner? But while those answers still elude me, I do know that we need to keep searching, keep speaking up, and fight mass shootings from all angles possible. Thanks for this blog post; I would argue that it gives your brand even more integrity than it already had. :)
You and your brand are, and always have been, on the right side of history. There may be some haters and trolls out there (THERE ALWAYS ARE) but it’s really very simple: if you were to put your brand (aka your income) before anything else (your beliefs, your values, your family, the future, etc) how would you be any different from these god awful GOP senators who put their greed (and, in this particular case, NRA campaign donations) before LITERALLY everything else, even the lives of innocent children?! Be different. We all must. It’s literally a matter of life and death these days. That’s how I see it at least.
Thank you Thank you!! This is one of the most eloquent and thoughtful posts on the topic that I have read. I could not agree more with everything you’ve written. Violence against our children cannot be politicized- it must be prevented at all costs!!
We need change and we need it now. W all must take a stand and prevent this insanity from continuing.
I’m an Army veteran, and I’m a gun owner (last line of defense if someone were to break into my house and the dogs and security alarm didn’t scare them off). I’m also a mother and someone who fervently believes that it is all too easy for anyone to obtain a firearm. I had one cousin witness the killings at Columbine (he was a senior at the time), and another cousin witness the killings at Virginia Tech. I’ve seen the damage a bullet can do to a human body thanks to my time in the military. And now, I’ve had to answer my four year old’s questions after his preschool had an active shooter drill. MY FOUR YEAR OLD HAS TO PRACTICE FOR AN ACTIVE SHOOTER. This is so wrong. So wrong. It was time to change our gun laws after Columbine. And yet here we are. And my sweet little boy tells me he’s going to die at school because active shooter drills are confusing for such young souls. Thank you for this post. I applaud you for writing it and having such passion for this need for reform.
Thank you Erin! You are 100000% correct. I couldn’t agree more with every rebuttal you made. We need gun laws changed NOW!
Sandy
Wow. What a powerful comment. I’m sorry this has affected you so personally and want to thank you for your service.
Just want to thank you for a thoughtfull well written piece.
Thank you for this. I too am feeling angry and determined in a way I have not before. In some ways I think the MeToo movement has made people realize how much power lies in grassroots movements of just standing up and calling out the rich and powerful who abuse their positions. It seems to be happening with those school kids in Florida, and if we can contribute to help stoke the fires of change, let’s do it! I will look at the Moms Demand Action link – I’m local here in Massachusetts too ,but it doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t act as well.
Thank you for writing this, more people and companies need to take a stand, it is more than fine for your brand! In fact it strengthens it in my opinion!
THANK YOU for commenting on current issues. I have stopped following other bloggers for pretending like nothing bad is happening in the world and that somehow a new rug is going to solve the world’s ills. Now, obviously, since I follow your blog I’m a big fan of new rugs, but come on. Thank you for what is obviously a well researched thoughtful post.
Yes, yes, YES! Rational and well written, I agree with you 100%. Thank you for finding the courage to speak out and become involved.
This so perfectly captures my feelings and fears, Erin. Please continue to use your platform for causes like this. Thank you!
This is NOT up to Congress…this is up to EACH ONE OF US AS INDIVIDUALS ..so, TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS, etc. (that’s everyone) and refer to the Golden Rule…it’s out there folks. franki p.s. (I worked in the mental health field almost 15 years…walk in their shoes once…)
This is such a vitally important issue and thank you for speaking up about it! You have to use whatever platforms you have available to you to share what you’re passionate about and do what you can to help bring about change. Your blog is your forum and you should write about whatever you please; please continue to do so!
I have never commented to any blog post. But to this one I must – agree 100%! Thank you !
Margaret
Thank you Erin. You articulated the ridiculous arguments that ignorant gun owners use to keep their guns. As you said, if those owners want to keep pistols or rifles, so be it. The fact is nothing good comes from gun use. But the semi automatic and automatic assault weapons are another matter…our country needs to wake up and ban them immediately. As for mental illness, that is another issue our country is shamefully neglectful of.
Name calling does not further productive discussion. I am a gun owner and I don’t consider myself ignorant.
Erin, well done. Thank you for using your platform to help this movement gain more traction. This is an unbelievably scary time for parents and children alike.
Thank- you.
Well said Erin. I am in Australia and watched our news tonight, seeing the young students protesting in Washington made me believe that some change may actually happen. I hope for all of you that they suceed.
Should read succeed
Thank you Erin for this post. It was so well written and I agree with and support everything you said. Might I also add, it’s time to vote every politician supported by the NRA out of office! Being funded by the NRA should be toxic. We need to change our campaign finance laws and laws around corporate influence in politics, because never again should a violent organization like the NRA have this much control over our national and statewide legislation at the expense of public health. The NRA is not a ‘gun rights’ organization, it is a gun sales industry group.
Thank you, Erin!
I too grew up in a area (NYC/NJ) where the gun laws were very strict. However, guns still flooded into the Tri-State area thanks to states further down I-95.
The points you made seem like common sense to me but nothing will change until our fellow citizens vote these NRA backed politicians out.
I think things are going to change. These kids are older than the Sandy Hook victims. They are taking action and many of them are eligible to vote this year. The majority of the rest will be eligible in time for the next presidential campaign. These politicians need to wake up, take them seriously, and listen.
As a visitor to your blog from Australia, I appreciate you and the other fabulous young students having the courage to stand up in the USA and say enough is enough. I cannot begin to tell you how shocking it is to Australians to think that normal people would actually WANT to own guns. Why do you put up with it? Every single person who feels the way you do should be making a stand and joining the students on their march to Washington. Don’t just read and comment on this post. Make a stand – every one of you. Get your friends and your family to come with you. Get out there and march and show you care more about your children than the powers behind the NRA. For God’s sake – do something!!
Well guess what? Normal people do want to own guns. I’m disappointed in you. Australia has ALWAYS been our friend and supporter. What are you talking about/
Erin,
I already loved your blog but this post ya cemented for me that you’re someone who I admire! It is hard to know when to say something and when not to, and as an artist who’s just getting my instagram game back off the ground after having babies I’ve really struggled about what to do. That said, I cannot stop reading about the amazing children who have survived this latest shooting and want to use the moment to create change. I also cannot fathom that we adults cannot do it for them, so heartbreaking.
Maybe if we all start standing up and speaking out others around us (and congress!) will see that most of us feel similarly and things will change.
Thank you thank you thank you!
Xox
Thank you, thank you, thank you for speaking up!
With you on this 10 million percent. Thank you for speaking out. I can only hope that Every Town & Moms Demand Action can raise enough money to rival the NRA.
Erin, as a new mother to a 3 month old babygirl and a stepmother to a sophomore in high school, I couldn’t agree more with every word you say. Without our children, what is life? My heart aches for these babies. They are BABIES and it is our job to protect them and right now, we’re failing at that job. NO MORE! Change NEEDS to happen. Thank you for your words, they mean more than you know.
Thanks, Erin, for embracing the privilege and responsibility of your impressive platform. Do not worry that speaking up harms your brand; there are many of us who feel it improves and differentiates your work. You show your depth and humanity in these moments. Know that each time you speak up, many of us are not only supporting, but in fact advancing your work by sharing it with others. Keep it up. We’re with you and we’ll continue to gain strength with and from each other.
VERY well said!! Thank You! Joining NOW!
Thank you so much for sharing Erin. This is perfect!
I have spent the last decade working in the pediatric intensive care unit, and I have always said one should have to watch a mother or father hold their child as he dies from multiple gunshot wounds before you can purchase a gun (if at all!). I think people would change their viewpoint.
Guns that are not meant for hunting are meant for killing people. killing people! Murder will always be wrong. It’s heartbreaking that our country can’t pick up on this epidemic. We did more for ebola and zika than we do for gun violence.
Great post Erin! I agree with you 100% and cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard those same incredibly flawed arguments. In a frustrating discussion with my dad (who is a gun owner and actually is for banning assault rifles but just likes arguing), he argued that many people don’t want to bend on this issue at all because if you give in on one thing to the government then they’ll take everything. He literally compared giving up assault rifles to the Nazis taking away the rights of the Jews. I was so flabbergasted by the argument that there’s any similarity between not selling a military-grade weapons to citizens and straight up genocide. It’s called compromise people, and it shouldn’t be that hard to compromise on something that could save so many innocent lives.
I live in a very red state, but I agree that something just HAS to be done. Politicians in general seem to resist any changes, good or bad, spearheaded by the opposite party. Enough of that! The safety of our children should NOT be a partisan issue. The system now is broken! Something has to change!
Erin, agree with you 100 percent. Thank you. I have contributed to Gabby Gifford’s organization and have been writing to my state representative and congressmen everyday. That will continue. I also will march in Austin on March 24.
thank you for this post. I love the design content but the state of our world requires action and I encouraged and motivated by you speaking your mind.
Thank you! Thank you and thank you…more people need to have the balls to speak up against this craziness and not be concerned about their brand!
This is SO good. I’m with you 100%. I can’t even begin to understand humans who wouldn’t agree. So well written. Thank you for using your platform on this important subject.
Erin, I read and was moved by your posting. Each time this occurs I become more and more determined to promote and engage in some way to bring about change. I would like to share what I wrote to my kids and brother last week…
Our sad legacy continues…we plod along a gauntlet of evil, fear, indifference and inaction made only worse by OUR elected politicians. An entire nation speaks out every time a scene of carnage erupts and yet every time our pleas fall on deaf ears. Again a very powerful readily available instrument of death shatters many innocent lives. Again our elected officials bicker over language that could reduce or eliminate these tragic events but due to outside pressure and their own egos they drop the ball and give up. I would like to remind these irresponsible, self righteous, pride and ego driven politicians that WE THE PEOPLE are watching and taking names. An entire nation of our kids, our FUTURE, are becoming less and less patient with the silly political power games and soon will become armed with the ultimate weapon; something much more effective than nuclear devices and MUCH more powerful than the AR-15. Yes, our smart observant children very soon and for years to come will utilize this weapon to bring forth meaningful and lasting change…they will embrace this item, looking through optical scopes to seek information and determine targets. They will zero in, plant themselves firmly on solid ground, and, with faith and confidence, pull the lever and VOTE! The legacies of out-of-touch, irresponsible and ineffective politicians will fall as victims and few will mourn their passing.
Sent from my iPad
Bam! Wonderfully articulated!
Marjory Stoneman Douglas was my high school. I graduated 20 years ago as the student body president. This was a time before Columbine and before social media. Parkland and neighboring Coral Springs are an affluent and diverse area, and MSD is known for producing really bright students. It is why I strongly believe in a public school education system. I never felt unsafe there. The worst we had to deal with her fist fights, car accidents and (daily) bomb threats because the school took them seriously and evacuated.
After Sandy Hook, I resigned myself to thinking that change would never happen. I could not think of a more egregious tragedy that had the potential to effectuate such change. When nothing happened, and then when we had the shootings in San Bernardino, CA Sutherland Springs, TX, Aurora, CO, Las Vegas, NV and Orlando, FL, I and the rest of the country became desensitized to this type of horror. However, I am hopeful that the MSD shooting will turn the tide of history. These students are so bright and powerful, and they are calling out legislators for failing to do their jobs.
An alumni Facebook page was created after the shooting on Wednesday. There are already 11,000 people on it. It’s wonderful to see so many people come together to try to effectuate change. However, there are certain individuals in this group, ALUMNI OF THE SCHOOL, who still feel that any changes to gun laws are unnecessary. I’ve looked at their personal Facebook pages. Most are parents! They have just been affected by the largest mass murder in a high school since Columbine, and they did not change their tune on gun safety. I realize that we can’t change everyone’s opinion, but the problem is that everyone in our group has different ideas regarding a solution which makes mobilizing difficult.
Thank you for your post Erin. And if you’d like to come to the March in DC on March 24, you have a place you can stay.
I’m so sorry this has hit so close to home for you. I can’t imagine how that feels. And thank you for sharing all that is happening within your community.
Thank you so much for this. I appreciate the “Yeah But” rebuttals because right now my Facebook timeline is blowing up with reasons to not do anything, finger pointing, and vilification or anyone who doesn’t agree with anyone else and it’s disheartening. I’m going to take your rebuttals and use them in my own conversations.
You are definitely right–it will take time, effort and all of our attention but I believe we are at a turning point and can definitely make a change if we keep it up.
One of the biggest responses(not here necessarily) is from everyday people who own an arsenal of guns so they can protect their families in case of home invasion. ok, that’s fair, but let’s do a simple simple timeline. IF you are broken into in the middle of the night and you have a gun. IF you are doing the right thing, that gun is locked away in one room and the ammunition is locked in a totally separate area and the key is hidden in another place. Isn’t that what all gun owners recommend as safely keeping and storing a gun in the home?? so in the split second you have to react, you have to go to THREE separate areas to get the gun, ammo and everything unlocked. At this point, i think the TV and sound system are gone. We don’t need ANY of these guns for this – get a good security system. Guns are for hunting. The cavalry is not coming to invade your home, my right to bear arms is also my right to be protected from others who are bearing arms. the 2nd amendment is for everyone, not just gun owners, but every citizen!
I love that you post about issues like this. It’s so important to speak out. Thank you so much!
THANK YOU for keeping the conversation going. Please don’t stop tackling the ‘ugly’ issues, we need to keep seeing those precious little faces to remember the price we pay to allow some of the population to arm themselves to the teeth.
I am an Australian living in Texas, and I feel like I am living on an alien planet sometimes.
Just made a donation to Everytown – thanks for providing ways we can all make a difference. Love you, Erin
Thank you, Erin!
Agree with you 1000% Erin! The Second Amendment is about arming a MILITIA against the BRITISH – I don’t think they are going to come back and try to reclaim America anytime soon. The gun lobby and gun makers have spun this crazily to their own gain. America has a gun SICKNESS and it is now killing our children in ridiculous numbers. I think the generation of kids involved in the latest massacre will be the ones to take down the NRA and the crooked politicians profiting from this.
I totally agree with you, and wanted to add something that my husband keeps pointing out. Almost all guns sold in the US are “semi automatic.” There are plenty of articles that can explain it better than I can- but even a revolver or a shotgun is a semi automatic weapon. We all need to know the language so we can talk about new/better regulations. I’m trying to learn all that I can- it can be so complicated. I’m glad you are taking a stand.
Agree with every word – and I’m a gun owner! Hey NRA – #TIMESUP
Erin, well done with this post. I have never commented here before but had to as I completely agree with you.
I am Australian and as Emma Gonzalez said in her amazing speech- we had one massacre in 97, and then we had gun control. We haven’t had one since. Gun control works.
As a mother- it terrified me to think that people are sending their kids to school when tragedies like Sandy Hook and the many others are playing on the news. It’s definitely time for action, kids need to be safe, they’re too important.
Thank you for this fearless post, Erin. It needed to be said, and you said it well.
Go Erin Go!!!
Fantastic post, Erin. I’ll never understand how someone can still be arguing in defense of these weapons. I do have hope though. The students/activists are amazing and are not going to let this issue go. I’m so impressed with how they are speaking out and taking on the politicians and the NRA. Luckily, many of them will be able to vote soon and I’m hoping some will run for office. In the meantime, all of us can donate, write letters, and support gun control organizations and legislation.
Thank you Erin for speaking out.
My husband and I have sent letters to our local congressional delegation begging them to save our children… I hope your blog readers will do the same.
I cry thinking of the dead after this horrific shooting. I also wonder why this seems to be happening much more frequently now compared to when I was in high school (1970-74). Back then boys had the guns on gun racks in their trucks during school where they we stored for a hunting trip. Nobody thought a thing about it. Also the only school shooting I can remember was Kent State. I think we have to face the fact that our families are broken, our culture numbs our youth to acts of violence, our moral compass off course, social media is replacing face to face interaction…We have to face the fact that this is our country now. It is indeed a sad and tragic thing. We can ban, legislate, march, pound our fists….I know no one wants to arm the schools, but I believe that is the only solution. They need to stop being “No Gun Zones”.
There were armed police officers at the Stoneman Douglass. They can’t stop everyone with a gun. Limiting the availability of guns is the most logical way to make a dent in this problem.
There are 300,000,000 guns not 3,000,000.
There was one armed security guard on a large campus with 3,000 students. He never encountered the shooter. I’m not saying that armed guards would stop all shootings, but having armed individuals on campus would be a deterrent. I can’t believe this can’t even be considered. We have armed guards at sporting events, hospitals, airports, banks…is that OK? Limiting gun access is going to do very little. There are 3,000,000 guns in the U.S.
Noooo! That is effectively going back to the wild west. And we can legislate an answer…like all the other countries have done. The concept that we can’t makes no logical sense. I think at least trying would be a great idea…but more people with guns can only result in more deaths. Even the highly trained military has friendly fire accidents. DO NOT give up…this can be done!
I think this is a reasonable and thoughtful approach. https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/02/gun-control-republicans-consider-grvo/
Thank you for your polite and thoughtful comment. Just to clarify I wasn’t suggesting that teachers etc. carry a gun, but an armed guard in every building would be a deterrent. More good people with guns do not cause more deaths. We have armed security at our sporting events, airports, hospitals, etc. Seems to me it would make sense to have them at the schools as well. I don’t have the answer obviously…the whole thing makes me sad!
Were there many assault rifles on the gun racks of those trucks??
The comment was questioning the possiblity of societal issues contributing to the increase in shootings. You seem insistent on saying “assault rifle” anytime someone brings up a different narrative. You may find this article interesting.
https://reason.com/blog/2018/02/15/an-assault-weapon-ban-wont-stop-mass-sho
Agreed. The problem is much much deeper than access to guns. When I was a child there were lots of guns but no shootings.
A million times yes to everything you said! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and using the reach of your blog to put some common sense out there and to refute the inane arguments that some people are attempting to make against gun control. I’m a mom too and I know the worry you are talking about when your little guy goes off to school one day. We shouldn’t have to be afraid to send our kids to school. I’m doing what I can within my community and I hope you’ll continue to use your reach and large audience to keep this issue at the top of mind for everyone. Thank you!
Thank you and your followers for taking a stand for sensible gun laws.
all the politicians who are paid by the NRA should be defeated when they run for reelection. I believe now is the time for all of us who say never again to hold our politicians accountable.
I don’t always agree with your “political” posts and often roll my eyes when I see one, but I so admire your passion and am with you on this one 90 percent. Thanks for always being you.
Thank you!
Erin,
This the first time I’ve left a comment on your blog though I am one of your blog followers. As a retired teacher I would think that every parent would speak out against gun violence.
During my last few years as an elementary teacher I participated in fire drills and “Lock Down” drills. A few times I did have to lock my door and practice a “Stay in Place “ drill because of a domestic violence incident , stranger alert in the neighborhood, or a custody dispute. Our school doors were always locked except in the AM and PM of school beginning or ending. During those times several teachers are on duty. My point is that every precaution was taken by teachers and administrators. What else could/ can we do? We are educators and yes protectors, not body guards.
I substitute taught for two years after retirement. I was too much responsibility and personal worry of each an every child getting on the correct bus or in the correct transport person. The worry of “lock down” drills made me decide 32 years as an educator and now bodyguard was for someone younger.
Something has to change. What about school plays and musicals? The front doors are unlocked and everyone is welcomed inside. Scary! Such a fun and exciting time for parents/relatives/friends/community. It’s a disaster waiting to happen . What will happen?
I feel for parents with school children like you and my relatives with children. It’s wrong to make them grow up this way.
I feel the right to bear arms is not the center of the true controversy. I believe guns are big business. Everything spins on money and greed.
Mental Health is another part of the puzzle. I am not sure the mental profession has the answers. I am serious when I say that Dr. Phil is the only one who is in touch with the correct mental health professions. I notice he only uses a few institutions and mental health doctors.
Could not agree more – thank you for using your platform to speak out about what in my mind is a common sense issue more than anything. How this is even something that generates debate any more is beyond me!
Thank you for having the guts to speak out publicly. Women are taught to be nice and just get along, but things are not going to change unless us women and moms speak out and DO something. Even if everyone can’t donate money, we can all write to our members of Congress at both the federal and state level. Most if not all have a way to send a note on their website. I have written to my representatives and made it clear I will vote them out if they oppose common sense gun control. And get to the polls and vote!
thank you for this post. I think it’s important that all of us, no matter our field or occupation, have these discussions with such passion.
Agree wholeheartedly. Going to donate and look into local meetings. Thank you for laying this all out so cohesively.
I was raised in the west, where hunting rifles are common as many men enjoy recreational hunting for deer, quail, duck, pheasant and the like. My family operates large ranches, where family and friends enjoy hunting, obeying safety rules the family enforces. Although hunting is certainly not my interest, I am familiar with the culture. The kind of automatic and semi-automatic guns favored by many today do not belong in the arsenal of a recreational hunter. They should be restricted to the military and law enforcement agencies. Plain and simple. Get them off the streets and out of homes in America.
All the arguments you presented in favor of that goal, Erin, are common sense arguments. The safety of all of us, children and adults, demands that we work together to achieve that goal.
Thank you for your passion, Erin. Let’s all do all we can, starting with donating to groups supporting sensible gun regulation. This time, I think Congress will not be able to ignore the activism and continue to do the bidding of the NRA and the firearm companies. There are too many loud and passionate voices, which refuse to be silenced.
Thank you.
It is shameful that our kids have to turn into activists (eg, the brave high school student survivors in Florida) to beg adults to listen.
As a middle school teacher, I could not agree more. My focus is on educating the students I love – not worrying about being gunned down in an enclosed classroom. I didn’t sign up to be a first responder, to put my life on the line or to take bullets to save those around me – but that’s now something that could be part of our job description. #nothanks. Everyone knows the arguments are bulls**t. Protecting against a tyrannical government ? Oh really? Do you have a drone ? Does anyone remember David Koresh? The government can literally burn you down in a matter of minutes. You would never fight a tyrannical government on your own with your AR-15.
The same people who are adamant about protecting fetus’ rights won’t even protect the lives of the kids WHO ARE HERE. If you ask them for solutions – they don’t have any. They won’t pay for better healthcare for those with mental illness. I’ve heard them say we should employ Vets to patrol our schools or add metal detectors… really !? Teachers spend hundreds of their own dollars for basic classroom supplies and all of a sudden we can man our schools wth armed guards ? It is a joke. As a mom and a teacher, I am furious that anyone could find any kind of argument that makes it okay for our babies to be killed at school.
And if you lose followers? Please. I’m ready to unfollow the “lifestyle” bloggers with young children who haven’t said a damn thing but keep posting outfits they bought from The Loft 🙄✌🏻🤢
WELL SAID (X 100). Favorite part – hiding behind the second amendment. People can’t seem to get past the fact that common sense gun laws will not take guns away from law-abiding gun owners. Appreciate your using your platform for this. Rational arguments seem to be few and far between these days!!!
Yes and thank you!
Thoughts and prayers AND common sense AND legislation AND mental health care. This is not an either/or situation. A multi-layer problem demands a multi-layer solution and I don’t understand why everyone is fighting for their one answer. One thing is not the answer, and we can’t be paralyzed while searching for the magic unicorn solution. Show some good faith and just start somewhere!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for speaking up for all the children and others. This has gone on long enough and the time has come for change.
Yes!
Looking at those faces breaks my heart. Love you for speaking up – every parent should.
I agree with you Erin. These are our kids at risk and we should be protecting them. The videos of high school students having to defend themselves, having to talk about hiding in closets, having to go through drills on how to escape shooters at school instead of studying math, science or art, having to shout at our president and congresspersons to stop being bought by the NRA and start protecting them – these kids break my heart. We need to listen to our children and #callBS and vote out those who choose money over protecting our children. They do not deserve office. It’s time to change our system of government and stop letting organizations like the NRA buy our politicians. Let’s do this! Let’s march, organize, back those who represent the health and safety of our people.
Thank you for speaking out and may Henry never know a moment of fear in his life!
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little”
Edmund Burke 19th century Irish statesman
Erin-
Thank you so much for posting! I have two teenage girls and I am scared everyday to bring them to school. I have been working with Moms Demand Action and donating as well.
I think something that most Americans do not know is that the individual right to bear arms has only existed since 2008 when the Supreme Court heard a case DC v. Heller. From the adoption of the Constitution until the decision in this case the 2nd Amendment had never been interpreted to mean private citizens have a right to own guns. In Justice Scalia’s majority opinion in that case he asserted there should be limitations to the 2nd amendment made on “dangerous and unusual weapons”. I argue that semi-automatic and automatic firearms should be considered dangerous and unusual .
I truly believe that Americans should be able to come to a agreement where guns can be owned legally and citizens can be protected. It is possible. Other countries have figured out how to live with guns in a civilized society and we should also be able to.
Thank you for using your platform to stand up for this important issue.
Thank you so very much, Erin.
Erin, thank you for using your platform to share a very good argument for gun control. I 100% agree with everything you wrote. Everyone with a platform MUST speak out. Ever since Sandy Hook I have been SHOCKED by how many people say and do nothing. It’s as if sticking their heads in the sand and hoping they don’t lose a loved one to a mass shooting is their only line of defense.
Well that’s not good enough for my children. Like you, I want them to know I tried hard to make change happen. God forbid, that same horror should befall my family, the pain would be unbearable, but I would find a sliver of peace knowing that I did SOMETHING to fight for change. Conversely, if I did nothing, I would forever carry the guilt of not doing enough to keep them safe.
Sandy Hook lit a fire inside me, which is now a full-blown inferno – there are many more that feel like I do. I have faith that change is coming. Unfortunately, many more will die before that change is implemented. Let’s not lose hope or focus. The time for change is now.
All of this! Yes! I have almost school-aged children and my husband is a teacher. I would love to hear from teachers across the country in addition to the kids that are raising their voices. I doubt many of them want to be packing heat as they head to work, as has been proposed by some. I would be so stressed knowing my kid was in a classroom that had a gun in it 😱
If I were a teacher, I would most definitely NOT want that responsibility. In an extremely high-stress situation, the teacher is supposed to be able to take down the bad guy while ensuring they don’t accidentally shoot one of their students? That is absurd!
On another note – we have all seen the horror stories on the news of teachers who have lost their patience (hitting students, duct taping their mouths, duct taping them to their desks, dragging them down the hall, etc.). What happens when they’re armed? That’s a scary thought!
This, 100%. I teach third grade. I should not have to carry a gun to protect my students.
Thank you for spurring discussion. Another point worth talking about- as much as we create legislation and policy- they are pointless without properly putting them into action. In the Parkland shooting the FBI, etc. did not do their jobs properly:
“The FBI has a budget of $3.5 billion, almost all of which goes to salaries, benefits, and other personnel costs. Do you know how many employees the FBI field office in South Florida has? It has more than 1,000. Do you know how many employees the FBI has in total? It has 35,158 employees. It has 13,084 agents and 3,100 intelligence analysts.
And not one of them could pick up the phone to forward vital intelligence gathered by the grueling investigative work of picking up the phone and taking a tip from a tipster. Would the sheriff have taken that call more seriously than his department took the 20 other calls relating to the killer? Impossible to say.”
A lot more needs to change here- not just increased gun laws
I hear you but I am not sure on two points. First is what the FBI would have legally the power to do. I’m not certain this kid broke any laws (prior of course) that would have allowed them to prevent this. Second, and this is just a guess, is that I would assume there are hundreds or thousands of similar profiles based on social media, etc. My point being is I’m not clear on how the FBI, aside from a lucky guess, could have prevented this. Which is so frustrating!
I see what you’re saying; however if authorities are made aware of dangerous behavior by certain people – in this case concerned citizens did make authorities aware- they are required to pass along the information to the appropriate office (in this case the FBI Miami Field Office)
“This comes after separate federal authorities failed to put the proper information into National Instant Criminal Background Check System, mistakes that failed to prevent gun sales to the shooters in Charleston and Sutherland Springs, Texas. In the case of the Charleston shooter, the FBI failed to properly enter into its database the information that had been provided by local law enforcement; in Sutherland Springs, the the killer was convicted of domestic violence in 2012 and he received a “bad conduct” discharge from the military. But that information, too, failed to reach the background check database.”
Had this information been passed through the appropriate channels (which are put in place through legislation, policy etc) the shooter shouldn’t have been able to go to that store and purchase the gun.
I know i’m speaking broadly here and I’m not saying this could have prevented the whole attack- but further proves my point that people need to be taking their jobs seriously. We can throw a bunch of money at this problem, and hire more people and put in place more regulations- but if the current bureaucracies put in place are already not functioning correctly, this is something we should also be looking at- not just blindly throwing money at problems
From what I heard on the PBS News Hour, the FBI tip line took a call from someone regarding concerns about the shooter. The call taker passed the tip on to their supervisor per required procedure. The supervisor did not do anything with the tip. The FBI is conducting an investigation to determine if the supervisor acted according to procedural rules. In my opinion the tactic that some people are using to blame the FBI (there are bound to be human errors when humans are involved!) is a distraction from the larger discussion of gun control. It is just another easy way to shift blame away from a larger and much more complex problem.
Andrew, I’ve been saying the same thing. As far as I am aware, the shooter obtained the weapon legally. I do not believe there was any way to stop him from buying this gun, especially with the insanely lax gun laws in Florida. That is why change is so desperately needed.
Great post, Erin.
I have never been so sick & embarrassed of the country I live in. I want to move out.
I hate it here.
Even if ALL guns sales stopped right now, there are so many of them out there that I wonder how many years & generations it would take to feel safe again.
Last year the NRA suffered a huge blow when the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Second Amendment does not extend to assault weapons and large magazines (see Kolbe v. Hogan). Even more devastating to the NRA, the US Supreme Court declined to take up the appeal. So, let’s be clear: No, the Second Amendment does NOT protect anyone’s right to bear “weapons of war,” specifically not assault weapons and large magazines. They’re not protected, so what’s keeping every state from passing laws like in MA, CT, MD, NY, banning them? Forget Congress; contact your state legislator to demand this ban and be louder and more persistent than the NRA.
Thank you for this persuasive post Erin! I agree 100% and applaud your decision to write a post on this important issue. If anyone is looking for a structured way to make calls, here is a place to sign up:
https://moms.ngpvanhost.com/onlineactions/RvQymTQk-E-Eyw-jFksSHg2
After a training call, you can sign up for a two hour window each week. Everytown/Moms Demand Action targets jurisdictions based on legislation and upcoming elections.
Thank you so much for writing this! I do appreciate you being out front and LOUD on this issue. Keep it up, and I’ll gladly hop in to battle the trolls when you’ve hit your limit ;)
Thank you for taking the time to write this. 100% agree with you.
Thank you for writing this.
My son is 4 and they have lock down drills at his preschool. It makes me sob. I just joined those same sites within the last few days because I am bewildered by the lack of action. I live in Texas, so it feels exhausting sometimes. Everyone wants guns and everyone wants to carry them everywhere but not a damn thing happens after these kids are murdered. Our district representative that’s up for re-election has taken over $50,000 from the NRA in campaign donations and doesn’t really have any competition. I don’t know what to do except show up for meetings and donate to these organizations in the hopes that we can create change.
Unfortunately people are going to have to step up and run against people like that– and its hard, because not everyone wants to be in politics and/or has the time or money to do so. It sucks!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
So well spoken!
Please never stop talking about it!! Please.
Thank you for this post. Addressing counter arguments is a smart way to make your point and you’ve done it well.
Amen!
Thank you! Very well said. I wholeheartedly agree. Two thoughts I’m throwing out whenever this conversation comes up: I would like legislation that makes the registered owner of a gun strictly liable if their gun is used in a crime to encourage (1) registration and (2) responsible storage. I would also like all new guns to come equipped with technology (which has been developed / is feesible) so that only the gun owner (who is licensed and passed some background and health checks and safety training) is able to fire the gun. We all deserve better.
Laura….great ideas….so sad those in Washington couldn’t figure that out.
Thank you Erin for putting innocent lives before profits.
GREAT points!
THANK YOU.
I just donated to Everytown. It literally took 30 seconds to do so using paypal – everyone, please donate!
Great post! I completely agree with your points.
I agree, but then let’s also talk about Hollywood. They make huge amounts of money off gun violence in their movies. Nearly every movie trailer depicts the use of guns. If we think this (and shooter video games) are not impacting children by making them numb to gun violence and giving them visual acceptance of shooting and killing, we are mistaken. Maybe we need to boycott films depicting gun violence. It’s hypocritical to accept violence in Hollywood and not demand change there as well.
This is so true. I was at a gun range last year (my brother works in law enforcement and has to do target practice regularly so I went along). A young couple in their early 20’s in the lane next to us was shooting an AR-15. With foam ear plugs and ear protection muffs, the firing of the gun was SO LOUD and so forceful that I had to leave the room. The REALITY of being near that weapon when it’s being fired is a far cry from experiencing it on screen and really bothered me days afterward in thinking about people who have been victims of crimes where one was involved. That is most definitely NOT a weapon that anyone should be buying or using recreationally.
I do agree that we’ve all been desensitized to extreme violence in the entertainment we consume – and it’s not healthy. But we grow up with the exact same US tv shows, movies and video games here in Canada and there is still a vast difference in gun homicides between the two countries. What is different is gun control and “the right to bear arms”. Gun violence is escalating here particularly amongst organized crime so we’re not immune either. But the US is in another category altogether. I really hope this groundswell that seems to be building this week continues. It is so devastating and heartbreaking to see these mass shootings time and again especially when children are the victims. I feel enraged and it’s not even my country. I can’t imagine how you feel.
Jodi- good point and I agree. There is a jaw-dropping amount of violence and it makes kids numb to the reality of guns and the carnage they create.
Good point jodi!
Just a suggestion about Henry… I mean, it may sound a little crazy, but have you considered homeschooling him? There are some really excellent and easy to use programs out there, and your nanny would probably be able to stay home with him and go through the curriculum…. at least at this point, I mean, it’s not like he needs to learn really advanced concepts yet, and you could rest easy knowing that he is with those who love him, safe from any crazies. I know of several moms who are doing this, so Just a thought. :)
Home-schooling is not and shouldn’t be a universal solution. Safety is. Shootings also occur at mall, movie theatres , concerts, etc… let’s think of solutions that make the community safer. It’s gun extremists who only care about their own personal safety.
Thank you, Erin. Thank you so much for putting forth such a reasonable argument for protecting our families from gun violence. It terrifies me to think of my stepsons, nieces and nephews going through what countless children in schools have gone through because of the inaction of our government, not to mention the church shootings, movie theater shootings and random violence that affects this country. Growing up and until last year my father owned a hunting lodge. One of the things that he made clear to his members was that no handguns or automatic guns of any sort were allowed on our property. As a hunter he did not see the need for them and they personally made him uncomfortable. There is a difference between recreation and slaughter of human beings. Why politicians refuse to see the vast difference and take responsibility for it is beyond my comprehension.
I wish responsible gun owners would speak up LOUDER and more often, I think it’s so helpful to hear from them! And I know there are so many of them like your Dad who respect guns and use guns but do NOT want gun legislation to be as lax as it is. I think only they can perhaps turn the tide of opinion from those who are opposing change out of fear.
I bet
The same politicians who say “this is a mental health issue” are at the same time reducing funding to mental health…Medicaid is facing extreme cuts (over $1 trillion…yes, that’s a t) over the next ten years. And yes, Medicaid is also the biggest payer for mental health services in our country. Definitely some discrepancy in that thought process if that is really what they believe.
EXACTLY!!! You took the words right out of my mouth.
Great post, Erin! Agree 100% with every word. This is one of the few “political” topics where I TRULY STRUGGLE to see and understand the opposing point of view. I feel like the divisiveness of the current political climate and the polarizing nature of Donald Trump could prevent this issue from getting resolved in the near future (as much as I hate to say that). It seems like everyone feels the need to “double down” on their beliefs and dig in their heels — on both sides of the spectrum — which is preventing any meaningful or productive discussion. It kind of feels like no one wants to give an inch for fear of “losing.” These are seriously trying times and at 30 years old, I’m living in an America I never thought I’d see. Bless you for doing what you can and using this platform for good!
I fully support this post. The madness must stop.
Thank you so much for using your platform for good, Erin.
Thank you for your courage in posting this and your eloquence. I agree 100% with you! I am so proud of the other students in the school for protesting. Laws need to be changed.
Thank you so much for putting into words what I haven’t been able to. I’m so frustrated I could scream. 100% support everything you so calmly and eloquently said. PLEASE let this senseless killing stop!!!
Thank you, Erin. You laid out the ridiculous arguments that some people use, to try to rationalize making sensible, practical, life-saving changes to gun laws. This carnage in our schools and our communities has got to stop. Of course we are not going to stop every killing, by enacting common sense gun laws, but surely we can stop some. Even one life would be worth it.
Amen!
I’m with you all the way. Thank you for speaking out and not letting it be the elephant in the room in blogland.
I agree with everything you have said! I am so proud and overwhelmed by the maturity of the high school kids from Parkland who are speaking out and taking action. Something must be done….even small steps will help in some way. I do believe it is critical for everyone who feels strongly about this to get out and vote….it is my primary concern in 2018 elections and 2020…that we get people on board who are not spineless and who are not beholden to the NRA. Our young people who have been affected by this the most will grow up soon and replace the old guard who have not done enough…..thank goodness. In the meantime, we must keep the dialog going and do whatever we can to put a stop to this horrendous situation.
Rock on, sista!
Amen.
Do you pray?
Agree with you 100% The points you bring up are excellent, especially the mental illness part. I am so sick and saddened by the shootings and completely baffled by the people who refuse to acknowledge all of these points and stupidly and stubbornly stick by the 2nd amendment. Enough is enough. We can’t prevent all tragedies but by enacting more restrictions and by setting up a national gun registry (which we have one for our cars and boats, why not for a gun??) we can minimize these types of shootings. For a better future!
What a succinct and well thought out post. I agree 100 percent. But most of all, thank you for posting it!
100% agree. Thanks for writing this. People own guns out of fear. Take a look at other countries… some people think that arming everyone is the only answer… its really awful and quite an ignorant thought process.
Erin, this is an incredibly thoughtful and eloquent outline of the exact arguments we need to make right now. Please continue to speak up and encourage others to do so. It’s going to take all of us to change.
Good for you, Erin! I wholeheartedly agree with you and thank you for using your platform to advocate change.