I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been compelled to write something after a tragedy in the US. Whether it was a school shooting in Parkland or a church shooting in South Carolina, the sentiment is the same, “Why is this happening? And why can’t to we prevent it?”
I’m always worried about my students and how they feel afterwards. Do they feel safe on campus? Do they need help processing the terrible things that happen? Will they bounce back? I know that my students will be ok. They are smart, driven, capable and goal oriented. But what about the younger children without many life experiences? Will they be able to sleep at night? It’s awful to think that their childhoods won’t be filled with wonder and joy, but rather fear and uneasiness. It’s wrong!
Now, I know that this blog is not the place for political discord, but something has to be said. Gun control has to happen now in our country. I know that guns don’t kill people and that people do, but why is it legal for a mentally disturbed person to purchase an assault rifle? Anyone that wants to buy a weapon for honest purposes would not mind a thorough background check. If you’re a sportsman, the targets or animals will wait for you to go through a thorough evaluation. So, why in the state of Florida is an amendment attached to an agriculture bill moving forward this legislative session that requires all gun applications to be approved quickly? When is “time of the essence” in buying a weapon for target practice? And guess what, if you miss hunting season because it took three months for your background check, you can buy deer meat at the local butcher shop….you won’t starve!
The time is now for everyone to demand some changes. I’m not advocating the elimination of guns in the US, but rather stopping all gun purchases until the owner is fully vetted and the reason for purchase is evaluated. Why did a 19 year old with a history of mental illness need to buy an AR15? One reason…to massacre innocent people at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland…30 miles north of our campus. It’s too close & too often not to do something. All the “thoughts and prayers” are nice, but I don’t see them leading to prevention.
Thank you to all of our brave first responders…you all save lives everyday and I honor you. I hope that in the near future you will never have to respond to a terrible scene like that again in an American school, church or community.
To my students, we are here for you. Come by, call, text or email us. We always will be here to listen, discuss and provide some guidance. Please let this be my last blog on this topic! #neveragain
