Protecting Our Kids: A Call to Action
Children are precious.
Children are our future.
They are worth a strong fight.
As parents and adults, our primary responsibility is to keep our kids safe from all harm.
Personal and political beliefs aside, we can all agree on these basic tenets.
The senseless killing of kids and adults in Texas yesterday is heartbreaking. It adds another link to our country’s long chain of mass shootings. We can all agree that the time to act and end this ongoing mass shooting epidemic is now. Whether it is due to easy access to guns, lack of mental healthcare, or something else, action is necessary. We should hold ourselves accountable. We must also hold our elected officials accountable. We can start by demanding immediate action to eliminate this unnecessary loss of innocent, precious lives.
These are my kids walking to their elementary school.
At their school, they go through drills to keep themselves safe. Yup, you read it right – at their school. This is where they should only care about learning, enjoying with friends, and growing up as responsible citizens. Instead, they practice how to protect themselves and each other if a shooter was to make their way somehow. School superintendents should not have to send letters about security measures. Principals should not have to field questions about gun violence on campus.
It is not normal.
It is not right.
We are creative problem-solvers. And this is a problem of our creation. And together, we must relentlessly work towards solving this – starting now.
I cannot find words to comfort the numerous parents who have lost their kids since the Columbine shooting. All I can say is, that you are not alone. I promise to do my part to honor your kids’ sacrifice and yours. I will protect my own and those around me.
Hug them longer.
Hug them tight.
