Upland, CA — My heart is heavy when I think about the violence that continues to persist in our world today. I know that violence is not new, and it has been with us since the beginning of time, but with social media, television, and all forms of communication regarding what happens around the globe, information hits us faster than a speeding bullet. While I am on the topic of a speeding bullet, as a grandmother it hurts me to the core to hear about the senseless massacre against 19 children at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. It is reported that it is the deadliest elementary school shooting since Sandy Hook. Chris Rock said, “Gun Control? What we need is bullet control! I think if every bullet cost five thousand dollars, we would not have any innocent bystanders.”
People are stepping up and speaking out because they are tired of the response just being a moment of silence. Steve Kerr, the head basketball coach for the Golden State Warriors delivered an impassioned plea for gun violence to end. He even called out 50 senators on a bipartisan gun background check law. Gun violence hits home with Coach Kerr because his father was killed by gunmen in Lebanon in 1984. He went on to say that 90% of the American public currently support requiring universal background checks for people who purchase and own guns. We will not be able to get all guns off the street, but there needs to be an accountability factor.
It seems like it is not safe anywhere these days when it comes to gun violence. It is running rampant whether it is an act of racism, fear, mental illness, accidental within homes, or just straight-out violence towards another person or a group of people. My heart is heavy because I am the grandmother of six grandchildren ranging from nine to nine months in age. I am concerned about their welfare and safety in just trying to get their education. If children are not safe in their own homes and in their schools where can they go? It has been proven that even having armed guards at schools does not keep them safe. What must we do to ensure their safety?
In the United States there have been more than 200 mass shootings just this year. We experience more here in America than in any other developed community. We must hold our legislators responsible for keeping us and especially our children safe. There are two bills that have passed in the House of Representatives: HR 8 and HR 1446. These bills would require background checks for all gun sales and the ability to close a loophole that allows gun sales to go through before a background check is complete. Although this type of legislation cannot control all gun violence, it can help curtail some situations. Every country has its issues, but why is it so easy here in our country for anyone and everyone to have access to guns? There are those with mental issues also accessing guns.
At the end of the day, it is going to be up to each of us to do our part to keep our families safe. According to Pew Research 43% of gun deaths are by murder, 54% are suicide, and 3% are accidental. Guns are a problem, especially when they are in the wrong hands. Former President Barack Obama said, “the number of Americans killed since 9-11 by terrorism is less than 100. If you look at the number that have been killed by gun violence, it is in the tens of thousands. Grandmothers across the globe are crying for the lives and future of our grandchildren.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
