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It’s time for action. As a gun-owning advocate for gun reform, I feel an urgency that is deeply personal. My son is the same age as the children who lost their lives in Texas.
By Jamie Carter
At 13, I was first introduced to shooting by my stepdad, who proudly cheered me on as I hit the target. Growing up in rural Texas, hunting was part of our family tradition. I learned to shoot quail during our Thanksgiving trips and navigated my discomfort as my brothers hung deer carcasses in our yard. My stepdad taught me shooting techniques, and when I moved to Montana in 2008, he gave me a bolt-action rifle. I never thought twice about our pro-gun values.
However, no one in my family ever discussed the complex relationship between gun culture and violence. I had to figure that out on my own.
In December 2012, while visiting family in Texas, I was horrified to hear the news of the Sandy Hook tragedy, where 20 children and six staff members were killed. I sat on the couch, my heart heavy, as tears fell onto my 11-month-old son. The anxiety was overwhelming, and the news seemed unreal, like a bad dream.
During dinner that night, my stepdad, a lifelong NRA member, casually suggested that the tragedy might be a hoax for political gain. I was furious. “Some people need to have their bullshit meters checked,” I replied, indignant that anyone could prioritize guns over the lives lost. This anger has only intensified as mass shootings have continued to rise since Sandy Hook. I feel it every time I hear “thoughts and prayers” or excuses like “now isn’t the right time to talk about it.”
We are not the only nation with mental health issues or violent media, yet we are unique in our gun obsession, prioritizing firearms over the safety of our children.
After the Parkland shooting, I sought a way to channel my anger and joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Now, as a volunteer in the Montana chapter, I keep track of gun violence news in our state. I’ve realized that gun violence encompasses more than just mass shootings. It includes unintentional shootings, domestic violence fatalities, and suicides, which account for 110 deaths daily in the U.S.
I have worked to connect survivors of gun violence with resources, participated in vigils, distributed gun locks at community events, and engaged with state legislators to advocate for change. I even marched at the U.S. Capitol after the tragic shootings in El Paso and Dayton in 2019.
Common-sense gun legislation does not mean banning all firearms; it involves closing loopholes that let criminals buy guns without checks, implementing red-flag laws to keep guns away from those who pose threats, and holding the gun lobby accountable. Experts warn that until we address how our gun policies fail to ensure safety, gun violence will continue to escalate. In 2021, school shootings reached unprecedented levels, with over 200 incidents, and firearms have now become the leading cause of death for children, surpassing car accidents.
Now that my son is in fourth grade, the same age as the children killed in Uvalde, Texas, I feel the weight of responsibility. We live in rural Montana, where hunting is a rite of passage, and kids his age often take hunter safety courses. Recently, he has expressed interest in getting a .22 rifle, but I hesitate. While I am a gun owner, I refuse to let my firearms define me or overshadow my humanity. How do I teach him to respect guns while valuing human life?
I believe the answer lies in demonstrating that it is possible to do both. In our home, we can support responsible gun ownership while advocating for laws that protect against future tragedies.
Jamie Carter is a photographer, writer, and advocate in rural Montana. Check out her photography at jamiesphotography.com or read more about her experiences with parenthood, marriage, and social justice at 406families.org.
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Summary: This article discusses the author’s journey as a gun owner and advocate for gun reform, highlighting personal experiences with gun violence and the importance of responsible gun ownership. It emphasizes the urgent need for common-sense legislation to protect lives while navigating the complexities of gun culture.
Keyphrase: Gun reform advocacy by a gun owner
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