Here's a reminder: 54 people in the United States have died in mass shootings in the past nine months.
Some of the shootings were in schools; some were not. And since the vast majority of schools have never and will never experience violence, the odds of never facing a crazed gunman are in our favor. However, playing the odds is no longer enough. The life of even one first grader is too much to risk. We need to step forward and become the adults, the innovators, the leaders who deserve our children's trust.
I am not anti-gun or anti-NRA, but I have a few thoughts:
1. Ban assault rifles. They are not handguns, nor are they hunting rifles. We do have a Second Amendment right to protect ourselves, but no individual needs a military style assault weapon to fulfill that right. Apparently we need tighter controls on gun shows and individual sales, too, because no one should be able to buy a gun without a background check. When kept in homes, guns need to be secured in places children, adolescents, and "mentally or psychologically disturbed" young adults cannot access. Our tragic reality demands such measures.
2. Address mental health issues and and upgrade treatment for those who need it. I'm no mental health expert, but the dialogue needs to begin on political, professional, and personal levels. Congress needs to talk. Medical professionals need to talk. Individuals need to talk. Identifying those in need is everyone's job, i.e. if we know someone who needs counseling or medication, we become proactive. We talk to their family members even if it feels awkward or uncomfortable. We make sure we talk to the people who are in a position to secure that help. If necessary, we resort to talking to law enforcement officials about individuals who set off our internal alarm system.
3. Rethink the way we commercialize violence in the media and in video games. Devise more stringent rating guidelines. While violent movies or games will never influence most of the people who enjoy them, they do warp some minds, and too many of our mass murderers fall into the latter category. Financial gain should never trump public safety. The creative and gifted writers, producers, and programmers can surely find ways to produce entertainment that does not have the potential to damage minds or perceptions.
4. Do our job as parents. Be the parent; raise the kids. Know what they're up to, what and who they're involved with, how they spend their time, how they think. If they need an intervention, provide one. If you need an intervention, find one. Discourage all teen drug and alcohol use. Science has proved that the teen-age brain is not developed enough to handle these substances. Teach them to respect other people, young and old. Forbid profanity. Push them to be involved in an activity they love. Know who they're spending time with; check out their friends. Monitor and limit their computer use. Eat together as a family as often as you can. Say grace. Take them to church. If they need counseling or rehab, find a way to make it happen. Err on the side of caution. Model character and integrity. Listen to them. Laugh with them. Hug them. Tell them how much you love them.
On behalf of Sandy Hook Elementary School, we must find answers or we lose this very real war. We cannot forget this weekend and we cannot survive in fear. Most of all, we must protect our children's innocence. Until we take action, all we can do is grieve.
