Are you like me and mad as hell about the senseless deaths occurring all around us, every day, because of gun violence? Just days after mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton left 32 dead and 51 injured, Amnesty International issued a news alert warning international travelers to steer clear of visiting the US.
"Travelers to the United States should remain cautious that the country does not adequately protect people's right to be safe, regardless of who they might be," Ernest Coverson, campaign manager for the End Gun Violence Campaign at Amnesty International USA, said in a press release. "People in the United States cannot reasonably expect to be free from harm - a guarantee of not being shot is impossible. Once again, it is chillingly clear that the US government is unwilling to ensure protection against gun violence."
Our country's rampant gun violence amounts to a human rights crisis. Why will our elected officials do nothing about it? Thoughts and prayers are not enough. Power must go back to the people, and not within the powerful lobbying interests of the NRA.
If you're like me and feel helpless, there are a number of things we can do right now:
- Educate yourself on the candidates running in 2020 (who they are and where they stand on issues like sensible gun laws)
- Join or donate to organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, The Brady Campaign, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
- Have conversations with your friends, family, kids, loved ones and even strangers about gun violence, the Second Amendment, gun safety and gun laws (starting conversations can help us better understand each other and even spark change!)
Let's take our country back.
Gun violence in 2019, so far. (Wikipedia)
