In Texas, 27 lives were lost, and 27 more were injured. Just over a month ago, in Las Vegas, 58 people were killed and more than 500 were hurt.
Here’s the familiar refrain: Thoughts and prayers. Things will never improve. After Sandy Hook, we lost all hope for change. Now isn’t the right time to discuss gun control. He was just a lone wolf; no one could predict this. Changing gun laws won’t make a difference. I feel too overwhelmed to take action.
Have you really given up? Are you content to live in fear and frustration instead of striving for change? It’s time to shake off that mentality.
What have you truly done aside from venting on social media or complaining to friends? Have you allowed yourself to feel defeated and isolated? It’s time to rise up and take action.
Survivors of gun violence are not disheartened; they are furious. They understand the devastating impact of gun violence on themselves, their families, and our communities. The 40 parents who lost their children at Sandy Hook—whose lives were irrevocably altered—formed Sandy Hook Promise to advocate for change and ensure that no other family suffers the same fate. They did that for you.
Consider the example of former Congresswoman Sarah Tanner, who was a victim of a mass shooting during a public event in 2011. What did she do? She established Americans for Responsible Solutions.
Think about that. A woman who endured such a horrific experience is making a difference, yet you feel you can’t?
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was founded by a busy mom from Indiana who had five children to care for. Her hands were full, yet she took a stand. Today, her organization is one of the largest forces countering the NRA in the nation, comprised of people just like us.
Are we, as advocates for preventing gun violence, frustrated? Absolutely. We share in the collective pain. But we are taking action. We know change is possible, but if you continue to believe otherwise, you’re hindering our efforts.
Don’t stand by in admiration. Don’t remain paralyzed by your anguish. Refuse to accept the role of a victim. And most importantly, if you choose to stay inactive, don’t discourage others by proclaiming that we’re done or that “there’s nothing we can do.”
Respectfully, that’s not acceptable.
WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Start today. Join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America or look into the resources available for home insemination options, like the Artificial Insemination Kit here. Text REJECT to 64433 to connect with your lawmaker and urge them to reject the NRA’s harmful agenda that obstructs meaningful legislation aimed at preventing such tragedies.
This article was originally published on November 5, 2017.
In summary, it’s time to stop being passive and start taking action against gun violence. Many have taken steps to advocate for change—now it’s your turn.