Dear Esteemed Members of Congress,
I write to you in the wake of yet another tragic mass shooting, this time in Roseburg, Oregon, where ten lives have been lost and many others have been shattered. As a survivor of gun violence myself, I feel it is imperative to share my perspective and advocate for meaningful dialogue surrounding this pressing issue.
In December 2007, I experienced firsthand the chaos and heartbreak that comes with such violence. I lost my twin sister, Lily, and my younger sister, Nora, and my father was injured during a shooting at our local church. Every day, I am haunted by the memories of that day—the faces of my sisters moments before they were taken from us.
I am not here to advocate against guns entirely; rather, I wish to highlight the complexities surrounding gun ownership and the urgent need for responsible regulations. Three years ago, I took a class to obtain a concealed carry permit, driven by fear and a desire to protect myself after my traumatic experience. The nightmares still visit me regularly, reminding me of the terror I faced.
However, as I prepared for the possibility of needing to use a firearm, I was struck by a profound realization: could I truly take a life, even in self-defense? The thought of pulling the trigger made me recall the faces of my sisters—Lily’s smile and Nora’s laughter. I knew then that I could not become an agent of violence, even against someone who had committed an atrocity. Inflicting pain on another human, regardless of their actions, would not honor my sisters’ memories.
This revelation led me to forgo the concealed carry permit. Many argue that self-defense permits are essential for personal safety, yet I believe we must consider the potential consequences of such actions. The lack of thorough background checks for gun purchasers and permit holders is alarming. If we cannot vet individuals who possess firearms, the real issue lies not with the guns but with the systems in place to monitor who has access to them.
Congress, I urge you to reflect on your responsibilities regarding gun regulation. The failure to impose adequate checks and balances has left citizens feeling the need to arm themselves out of fear rather than trust in their government’s ability to protect them. You must recognize that the role of your office is to safeguard the lives of your constituents, not to leave them to fend for themselves.
I am not asking you to repeal the Second Amendment or to confiscate guns from responsible owners. Instead, I implore you to engage in a thoughtful discussion about the dignity of human life and the responsibilities that come with gun ownership. Let us remember the human faces behind this issue—my face as a survivor, as well as the faces of those who feel compelled to carry weapons for their safety. As the Scriptures say, “Come, let us reason together.”
Let us have a conversation that prioritizes humanity above all. I ask you to consider the weight of human life and explore viable measures to prevent further tragedies. Imagine what it would be like to endure the horror of witnessing a loved one fall victim to gun violence.
In closing, I invite you to reflect on your role in this matter and on how you can help prevent others from experiencing the pain that I and countless others have endured.
Sincerely,
A Survivor of Gun Violence