My letter to President Biden this evening: Dear President Biden and Super Staff, U.S. Flags are at half staff once again because of another mass shooting tragedy. With the rate we are experiencing mass shootings practically daily now, I wonder why the U.S. Flag should ever be raised back to full staff. Why should one mass shooting be considered worthy of flying our flags at half staff and ones that kill one or two fewer people aren't worthy of that recognition? Shouldn't even one child's death by an assault weapon be worthy of this "honor"!
So, here's my suggestion. Declare U.S. Flags at half staff until the U.S. Congress bans assault weapons and their ammunition. Make it a constant reminder to the citizens and to their Congressional Representatives that there is action that can be taken to save lives and let us feel we live in a country worthy of being proud of again.
May 8, 2023·edited May 8, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
On average, we're experiencing almost two mass shootings per day. The NRA represents barely 1% of our population. Their outsized influence has been responsible for much of the insanity and carnage. That must be addressed as well.
Dear Cathy, I thought of you this weekend. I've remembered seeing comments you've posted, and more, that given your 'name,' you likely live in Texas. The tragedy in Allen, Texas is beyond comprehension. Though seems I feel that way, in my mind / heart / body, every time I hear of another assault weapon senseless murder.
I was inclined to send you a note last night, via a 'reply' to one of your recent posts, just to say I was thinking of you. Then hesitated thinking there are likely other Texas community members who I somehow didn't recall, given my failing memory. And truth be told, that which plagues our nation touches us no matter where we may live.
Today I will be participating in the virtual Newtown Action Alliance 'Lunch & Lobby,' when we call offices of lawmakers to act on gun prevention legislation such as the Assault Weapons Ban. It's astounding that this is still a matter of inaction.
Thank you, Cathy, for writing to President Biden as you thoughtfully, wisely, and 'respectfully with great sadness' have done.
A great idea, Cathy. There should be constant awareness drawn to this horror. I'm old, so I think in billboards, but there must be a way to make people face and remember this insanity every day. Any ideas out there? I do think Cathy's is a really good one.
To wit, I encourage everyone to read this NPR report. Do not turn away from the graphic description of the horror caused by an AR-15. It is long overdue for everyone to more fully understand the brutality of these killings. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/07/1174652924/allen-texas-shooting
Definitely worth reading, thanks John. It would be even more effective if there were pictures of the victims but that might be too much for Governor 'Thoughts and Prayers'.
Thank you, Cathy! This was the kick in the butt I needed today to get in the conversation at the White House. I wrote my variation of your letter on the Contact portal at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Please, friends, take a moment to share your thoughts with President Biden. From what I understand, these letters are read daily. Cathy's suggestion is extremely reasoned and reasonable. I think we should all get behind this very visible acknowledgement of our national pain. Murder of innocent civilians with weapons of war cannot be tolerated. Ban Assault Weapons! Thanks, Sheila
Thank-you, Sheila, for sharing this link. I too just wrote President Biden a letter recommending our flags be flown at half mast until Congress bans assault weapons. Living in our current society is like living in an armed encampment with red states and their non-existent gun control laws calling the shots.
Sheila, I wrote a short and sweet note to the White House. Then I sent the address to a bunch of friends. I said they're not reading them but they're tallying them. Send something to President Biden so he has statistics to go on. Thanks for sharing that link, Sheila!
This is my adaptation to President Biden of your letter, Cathy:
"U.S. flags are at half staff once again because of another mass shooting tragedy. With the rate we are experiencing mass shootings practically daily now, let me suggest that you declare U.S. flags be flown at half staff until the U.S. Congress bans assault weapons and their ammunition. Make it be a constant reminder to the citizens and to their Congressional representatives that action must be taken to save lives.
I'm also wondering if there should be an "Emmett Till Movement," with family members agreeing, as did his mother, to share gruesome photos of their murdered loved ones, so that the horror of their deaths might impel people to take action to ban the weapons of war that are killing our innocent citizens, so that we no longer have to fear that no matter where we are, we could be slaughtered."
Mim, I was also thinking about an Emmett Till movement after I sent the letter to show what assault weapons leave of children that requires a DNA test to identify them because what's left isn't even recognizable by the parents! What horror!
I'm sending this to my Congressperson, Senators and the President. It's been past time for action for far too long and one must really wonder what it will take to break the hold of the NRA's money. It's unfortunate that we can't hang a ribbon on our cowardly legislators and turn them into lions, but the man behind the curtain still holds the power.
Perhaps Texas should be removed from the Union. I say that in jest, but not really. My suggestion is to pulverize the NRA by making every gun owner in the nation register their weapons at $250 apiece. If we can register our cars, we can get these guns too under a law that also requires them to take out insurance policies for liability. Gun shops must turn over their information on every item they sell and to whom. They also should be expected to be audited, inspected several times a year for any improprieties. If they are in business to sell AK’s and AR’s, they, along with the manufacturer, will be held responsible if one or more of their clients kills or maims any one person. See, they are all dirty and the only thing they understand is anything dirtier than they are. We cannot wait another day, another month, or another second to drive a nail in the Republicans coffins!
Tomorrow will be interesting for the E Jean Carroll trial. The jury might not go the way we want it to but I hope I am wrong. If he is found to be guilty of rape, then whatever Fani has on him plus what Bragg will present, will be the icing on the cake. The real frosting, however, will be Jack Smith’s investigation.
All good ideas, Marlene. Some might be problematic to enforce. I would add a tax on guns and ammunition. A very high tax. It would take a while for existing caches of bullets to be exhausted. But at least it would be something with an inevitable timeline.
I also like "buy back" programs. So many gun injuries are not "mass" events. Let's just try to reduce the total number of WMDs in America.
Anything and everything we do will become political - "They are coming to take our guns away! It's unconstitutional!" Yes, we are. And no, it's not. "Be part of the solution to saving lives or be an accessory to national murder". We are witnessing a very long drawn out holocaust.
Thank you, Robert, for helping us see clearly once again. It's easy to despair about the never-ending carnage of gun violence caused by the GOP & NRA. Mass shootings are horrific but comprise under 2% of all gun deaths (49,000 in 2021). Suicides make up 63% of all gun deaths, 8 out of 10 school shooters got the gun from home, and 5 million kids live in homes with unlocked guns.
Safe storage protects children, prevents suicide, and reduces crime. A gun is stolen every 90 seconds in the US. Each year, 1/4 million guns are stolen, mostly from cars--enough for every crime committed with a gun annually.
Strong gun laws work but in their absence we can all preach about safe storage like MADD did for eliminating drunk driving. Please post this on your social media:
Safe storage saves lives: Request a FREE gun lock mailed to your home by emailing: Gloria.Lewis@VA.gov.
One might start with the terribly destructive ammo of AR-15s, ammo that’s incredibly more destructive than any other small arms ammo.
Much as Emmett Till’s mother insisted that the world see what his murderers did to him, by opening his casket, relatives of those slain by AR-15-style weapons might authorize and encourage publication of photos of their slain loved ones, and media should publish them.
“ Perhaps Texas should be removed from the Union. I say that in jest, but not really. ” —
One result would be that Gov. Abbott, *alone*, would have to deal with the majority of the migrants, since most cross the Rio Grande (including at Brownsville and El Paso). That could be a delicious dream (except thinking of inhumane measures Abbott might take).
Once again, thanks for providing excellent supporting material for the anti gun lobby. I can count only one person who I have partially converted to an anti weapon stance, but I think your idea of defeating just one politician like Sen.Ted Cruz on this issue would indeed send a powerful message.
I agree that focusing on defeating Ted Cruz is a very good idea. I don't live in Texas, but I'd sure like Texas and America to have an upstanding man like Colin Allred in the Senate instead of a self-serving, parasitic coward like Ted Cruz. To that end, I just contributed to Colin Allred's campaign for the Senate to replace Ted Cruz. https://colinallred.com/
Representative Allred would be a great Senator, especially when compared to Rafael Edward "Ted" (no spine, no morals, no conscience) Cruz, Jr.
In the linked article, Lawrence Tribe says: "Mr. Biden must tell Congress in no uncertain terms — and as soon as possible, before it’s too late to avert a financial crisis — that the United States will pay all its bills as they come due, even if the Treasury Department must borrow more than Congress has said it can." I'm for that. Tribe notes Abraham Lincoln's override of the Habeas Corpus law to save the Union in 1861 and explaining to Congress, “Are all the laws, but one, to go unexecuted, and the government itself go to pieces, lest that one be violated?” I will cite Andrew Jackson's decision to withdraw all federal deposits from the Bank of the United States in 1832. He was censured by the Senate for that action which he took intending to protect the financial security of the United States.
You seem to have fallen for the belief that there are two sides to every argument. No – to *some* arguments there is only one respectable, reasonable side.
➡️The problem is guns. But it is also those politicians who are willing to trade the deaths of their constituents for votes⬅️
As gun violence escalates in my community, my FL Rep sponsored a bill allowing 18-year-olds to own assault rifles. NO ONE I spoke with in the community was aware and the local paper did not cover. Please research gun legislation in your state and who sponsors/ supports. Also let’s message about the true “ grooming” of children with Wee1Tactical’s JR 15/ junior assault rifle.
We have now seen two weekends in a row here in Texas where gun violence has taken the lives of Texans, including young children. Saturday, May 6, at least nine more lost their lives tragically in a shooting at a shopping mall in Allen, TX. Several more remain hospitalized after being injured; at least four of those are listed in critical condition.
Following the shooting, Governor Abbott once again offered a statement asking for prayers for the victims and their families. Out of respect for our Governor, I decided to have a short, private conversation with God this morning asking for his help in ending these tragic mass shootings. Here is the answer he asked me to share.
“You are a foolish people. I gave you a few simple rules, including ‘Thou shalt not kill,’ and asking that you love your neighbor. Were those rules hard to understand or confusing? I gave you the power of free will allowing you to choose how to live and act toward others. Instead of acting responsibly, you chose not only to allow irresponsible and dangerous people access to dangerous weapons, but you continue to make it easier for those people to get guns without restrictions and openly carry them in public. What did you think was going to happen? Now you come to me asking for me to end a problem you caused and continue to make worse?”
“Have you not heard that ‘God helps those who help themselves?’ I gave you the power of free will. You can make better choices. You have the power to end these yourselves. Use your power of free will I gave to you and make better choices.”
Thank you for asking us all to do what we can to fight for more sanity with regard to guns. I did make a donation to Brady. But I do want to point out that Brady has a three-star rating as a charity and Giffords, where I make donations sometimes but which you didn't mention, has a four star rating. I am sure they are both excellent organizations and worthy of contributions. But for whatever it's worth, I wanted to mention that.
Thank you, Robert, for helping us see clearly once again. It's easy to despair about the never-ending carnage of gun violence caused by the GOP & NRA. Mass shootings are horrific but comprise under 2% of all gun deaths (49,000 in 2021). Suicides make up 63% of all gun deaths, 8 out of 10 school shooters got the gun from home, and 5 million kids live in homes with unlocked guns.
Safe storage protects children, prevents suicide, and reduces crime. A gun is stolen every 90 seconds in the US. Each year, 1/4 million guns are stolen, mostly from cars--enough for every crime committed with a gun annually.
Strong gun laws work but in their absence we can all preach about safe storage like MADD did for eliminating drunk driving. Please post this on your social media:
Safe storage saves lives: Request a FREE gun lock mailed to your home by emailing: Gloria.Lewis@VA.gov. Together, we can save some lives. Thank you!
I don't have much confidence in Giffords since they endorsed a NJ GOP rep (Chris Smith) who's "moderate" because he only votes with the party something like 90% of the time - but has taken an extreme global role in blocking family planning funding. I think that supporting candidates (or more broadly progressive groups) is a better bet that supporting single-issue groups.
Giffords stated reason for endorsing Smith in 2020 was because Smith had “ shown the courage and bipartisan commitment to stand up for gun safety and oppose the NRA’s agenda.” That's a pretty amazing stance for any Republican currently in office in recent history. https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/giffords-endorses-chris-smith-re-election/
I'm not disputing or agreeing with your comment about supporting progressive groups instead of single-issue groups. Just wanted to make Gifford's position a little clearer based on reporting.
I did not know that about Giffords and I am very grateful to you for pointing that out. I will definitely consider that in making future decisions about where to contribute. Thank you again.
What was it that led Jim Brady to turn against guns? When suffering and death cease to be abstractions, that is when hearts and minds begin to focus. Same story, essentialy, with LGBT acceptance.
It is time to ask the hard questions. In honor of NBA playoffs: what is the difference between a Euro step and a travel? What is the difference between a neo-Nazi and a moderate *Republican*?
Right after I finished digesting your letter, I moved on to Joyce Vance's Civil Discourse. What she lays out is truly frightening. As Robert says, we MUST defeat MAGA.
Thank you, Robert, for helping us see clearly once again. It's easy to despair about the never-ending carnage of gun violence caused by the GOP & NRA. Mass shootings are horrific but comprise under 2% of all gun deaths (49,000 in 2021). Suicides make up 63% of all gun deaths, 8 out of 10 school shooters got the gun from home, and 5 million kids live in homes with unlocked guns.
Safe storage protects children, prevents suicide, and reduces crime. A gun is stolen every 90 seconds in the US. Each year, 1/4 million guns are stolen, mostly from cars--enough for every crime committed with a gun annually.
Strong gun laws work but in their absence we can all preach about safe storage like MADD did for eliminating drunk driving. Please post this on your social media:
Safe storage saves lives: Request a FREE gun lock mailed to your home by emailing: Gloria.Lewis@VA.gov.
My letter to President Biden this evening: Dear President Biden and Super Staff, U.S. Flags are at half staff once again because of another mass shooting tragedy. With the rate we are experiencing mass shootings practically daily now, I wonder why the U.S. Flag should ever be raised back to full staff. Why should one mass shooting be considered worthy of flying our flags at half staff and ones that kill one or two fewer people aren't worthy of that recognition? Shouldn't even one child's death by an assault weapon be worthy of this "honor"!
So, here's my suggestion. Declare U.S. Flags at half staff until the U.S. Congress bans assault weapons and their ammunition. Make it a constant reminder to the citizens and to their Congressional Representatives that there is action that can be taken to save lives and let us feel we live in a country worthy of being proud of again.
Respectfully with great sadness.
On average, we're experiencing almost two mass shootings per day. The NRA represents barely 1% of our population. Their outsized influence has been responsible for much of the insanity and carnage. That must be addressed as well.
Dear Cathy, I thought of you this weekend. I've remembered seeing comments you've posted, and more, that given your 'name,' you likely live in Texas. The tragedy in Allen, Texas is beyond comprehension. Though seems I feel that way, in my mind / heart / body, every time I hear of another assault weapon senseless murder.
I was inclined to send you a note last night, via a 'reply' to one of your recent posts, just to say I was thinking of you. Then hesitated thinking there are likely other Texas community members who I somehow didn't recall, given my failing memory. And truth be told, that which plagues our nation touches us no matter where we may live.
Today I will be participating in the virtual Newtown Action Alliance 'Lunch & Lobby,' when we call offices of lawmakers to act on gun prevention legislation such as the Assault Weapons Ban. It's astounding that this is still a matter of inaction.
Thank you, Cathy, for writing to President Biden as you thoughtfully, wisely, and 'respectfully with great sadness' have done.
A great idea, Cathy. There should be constant awareness drawn to this horror. I'm old, so I think in billboards, but there must be a way to make people face and remember this insanity every day. Any ideas out there? I do think Cathy's is a really good one.
To wit, I encourage everyone to read this NPR report. Do not turn away from the graphic description of the horror caused by an AR-15. It is long overdue for everyone to more fully understand the brutality of these killings. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/07/1174652924/allen-texas-shooting
Definitely worth reading, thanks John. It would be even more effective if there were pictures of the victims but that might be too much for Governor 'Thoughts and Prayers'.
Is there a link to the NPR report John?
Darn, I hate it when that happens. I had actually copied the link and then forgot to include it. Thanks.
Been there and done that, more often than I'd like to admit.
Thank you, Cathy! This was the kick in the butt I needed today to get in the conversation at the White House. I wrote my variation of your letter on the Contact portal at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Please, friends, take a moment to share your thoughts with President Biden. From what I understand, these letters are read daily. Cathy's suggestion is extremely reasoned and reasonable. I think we should all get behind this very visible acknowledgement of our national pain. Murder of innocent civilians with weapons of war cannot be tolerated. Ban Assault Weapons! Thanks, Sheila
Thank-you, Sheila, for sharing this link. I too just wrote President Biden a letter recommending our flags be flown at half mast until Congress bans assault weapons. Living in our current society is like living in an armed encampment with red states and their non-existent gun control laws calling the shots.
Sheila, I wrote a short and sweet note to the White House. Then I sent the address to a bunch of friends. I said they're not reading them but they're tallying them. Send something to President Biden so he has statistics to go on. Thanks for sharing that link, Sheila!
Thank you, Cathy. I echo everything you’ve said.
This is my adaptation to President Biden of your letter, Cathy:
"U.S. flags are at half staff once again because of another mass shooting tragedy. With the rate we are experiencing mass shootings practically daily now, let me suggest that you declare U.S. flags be flown at half staff until the U.S. Congress bans assault weapons and their ammunition. Make it be a constant reminder to the citizens and to their Congressional representatives that action must be taken to save lives.
I'm also wondering if there should be an "Emmett Till Movement," with family members agreeing, as did his mother, to share gruesome photos of their murdered loved ones, so that the horror of their deaths might impel people to take action to ban the weapons of war that are killing our innocent citizens, so that we no longer have to fear that no matter where we are, we could be slaughtered."
Mim, I was also thinking about an Emmett Till movement after I sent the letter to show what assault weapons leave of children that requires a DNA test to identify them because what's left isn't even recognizable by the parents! What horror!
Yes, and the fact that it seems to have become an accepted way of life—or death—makes it all the more horrible.
I'm sending this to my Congressperson, Senators and the President. It's been past time for action for far too long and one must really wonder what it will take to break the hold of the NRA's money. It's unfortunate that we can't hang a ribbon on our cowardly legislators and turn them into lions, but the man behind the curtain still holds the power.
I think your suggestion is valid.
Perhaps Texas should be removed from the Union. I say that in jest, but not really. My suggestion is to pulverize the NRA by making every gun owner in the nation register their weapons at $250 apiece. If we can register our cars, we can get these guns too under a law that also requires them to take out insurance policies for liability. Gun shops must turn over their information on every item they sell and to whom. They also should be expected to be audited, inspected several times a year for any improprieties. If they are in business to sell AK’s and AR’s, they, along with the manufacturer, will be held responsible if one or more of their clients kills or maims any one person. See, they are all dirty and the only thing they understand is anything dirtier than they are. We cannot wait another day, another month, or another second to drive a nail in the Republicans coffins!
Tomorrow will be interesting for the E Jean Carroll trial. The jury might not go the way we want it to but I hope I am wrong. If he is found to be guilty of rape, then whatever Fani has on him plus what Bragg will present, will be the icing on the cake. The real frosting, however, will be Jack Smith’s investigation.
Let’s deal with guns first.
All good ideas, Marlene. Some might be problematic to enforce. I would add a tax on guns and ammunition. A very high tax. It would take a while for existing caches of bullets to be exhausted. But at least it would be something with an inevitable timeline.
I also like "buy back" programs. So many gun injuries are not "mass" events. Let's just try to reduce the total number of WMDs in America.
Anything and everything we do will become political - "They are coming to take our guns away! It's unconstitutional!" Yes, we are. And no, it's not. "Be part of the solution to saving lives or be an accessory to national murder". We are witnessing a very long drawn out holocaust.
Thank you, Robert, for helping us see clearly once again. It's easy to despair about the never-ending carnage of gun violence caused by the GOP & NRA. Mass shootings are horrific but comprise under 2% of all gun deaths (49,000 in 2021). Suicides make up 63% of all gun deaths, 8 out of 10 school shooters got the gun from home, and 5 million kids live in homes with unlocked guns.
Safe storage protects children, prevents suicide, and reduces crime. A gun is stolen every 90 seconds in the US. Each year, 1/4 million guns are stolen, mostly from cars--enough for every crime committed with a gun annually.
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23691442/gun-violence-secure-storage-laws-suicides-unintentional-shootings
Strong gun laws work but in their absence we can all preach about safe storage like MADD did for eliminating drunk driving. Please post this on your social media:
Safe storage saves lives: Request a FREE gun lock mailed to your home by emailing: Gloria.Lewis@VA.gov.
Together, we can save some lives. Thank you!
One might start with the terribly destructive ammo of AR-15s, ammo that’s incredibly more destructive than any other small arms ammo.
Much as Emmett Till’s mother insisted that the world see what his murderers did to him, by opening his casket, relatives of those slain by AR-15-style weapons might authorize and encourage publication of photos of their slain loved ones, and media should publish them.
“ Perhaps Texas should be removed from the Union. I say that in jest, but not really. ” —
One result would be that Gov. Abbott, *alone*, would have to deal with the majority of the migrants, since most cross the Rio Grande (including at Brownsville and El Paso). That could be a delicious dream (except thinking of inhumane measures Abbott might take).
Once again, thanks for providing excellent supporting material for the anti gun lobby. I can count only one person who I have partially converted to an anti weapon stance, but I think your idea of defeating just one politician like Sen.Ted Cruz on this issue would indeed send a powerful message.
I agree that focusing on defeating Ted Cruz is a very good idea. I don't live in Texas, but I'd sure like Texas and America to have an upstanding man like Colin Allred in the Senate instead of a self-serving, parasitic coward like Ted Cruz. To that end, I just contributed to Colin Allred's campaign for the Senate to replace Ted Cruz. https://colinallred.com/
Representative Allred would be a great Senator, especially when compared to Rafael Edward "Ted" (no spine, no morals, no conscience) Cruz, Jr.
GO COLIN!
… and there are many additional reasons for defeating Cruz.
In the linked article, Lawrence Tribe says: "Mr. Biden must tell Congress in no uncertain terms — and as soon as possible, before it’s too late to avert a financial crisis — that the United States will pay all its bills as they come due, even if the Treasury Department must borrow more than Congress has said it can." I'm for that. Tribe notes Abraham Lincoln's override of the Habeas Corpus law to save the Union in 1861 and explaining to Congress, “Are all the laws, but one, to go unexecuted, and the government itself go to pieces, lest that one be violated?” I will cite Andrew Jackson's decision to withdraw all federal deposits from the Bank of the United States in 1832. He was censured by the Senate for that action which he took intending to protect the financial security of the United States.
No question it is an option but only after he has exhausted all reasonable efforts at a settlement.
What would be “reasonable”?
You seem to have fallen for the belief that there are two sides to every argument. No – to *some* arguments there is only one respectable, reasonable side.
Why?
➡️The problem is guns. But it is also those politicians who are willing to trade the deaths of their constituents for votes⬅️
As gun violence escalates in my community, my FL Rep sponsored a bill allowing 18-year-olds to own assault rifles. NO ONE I spoke with in the community was aware and the local paper did not cover. Please research gun legislation in your state and who sponsors/ supports. Also let’s message about the true “ grooming” of children with Wee1Tactical’s JR 15/ junior assault rifle.
https://wee1tactical.com/
God’s Answer to Thoughts and Prayers
We have now seen two weekends in a row here in Texas where gun violence has taken the lives of Texans, including young children. Saturday, May 6, at least nine more lost their lives tragically in a shooting at a shopping mall in Allen, TX. Several more remain hospitalized after being injured; at least four of those are listed in critical condition.
Following the shooting, Governor Abbott once again offered a statement asking for prayers for the victims and their families. Out of respect for our Governor, I decided to have a short, private conversation with God this morning asking for his help in ending these tragic mass shootings. Here is the answer he asked me to share.
“You are a foolish people. I gave you a few simple rules, including ‘Thou shalt not kill,’ and asking that you love your neighbor. Were those rules hard to understand or confusing? I gave you the power of free will allowing you to choose how to live and act toward others. Instead of acting responsibly, you chose not only to allow irresponsible and dangerous people access to dangerous weapons, but you continue to make it easier for those people to get guns without restrictions and openly carry them in public. What did you think was going to happen? Now you come to me asking for me to end a problem you caused and continue to make worse?”
“Have you not heard that ‘God helps those who help themselves?’ I gave you the power of free will. You can make better choices. You have the power to end these yourselves. Use your power of free will I gave to you and make better choices.”
THANK YOU. This is brilliant.
The whole post was good. But your last paragraph was the best for focusing our attention on a singular powerful action. Get rid of Ted Cruz.
Thank you for asking us all to do what we can to fight for more sanity with regard to guns. I did make a donation to Brady. But I do want to point out that Brady has a three-star rating as a charity and Giffords, where I make donations sometimes but which you didn't mention, has a four star rating. I am sure they are both excellent organizations and worthy of contributions. But for whatever it's worth, I wanted to mention that.
Thank you, Robert, for helping us see clearly once again. It's easy to despair about the never-ending carnage of gun violence caused by the GOP & NRA. Mass shootings are horrific but comprise under 2% of all gun deaths (49,000 in 2021). Suicides make up 63% of all gun deaths, 8 out of 10 school shooters got the gun from home, and 5 million kids live in homes with unlocked guns.
Safe storage protects children, prevents suicide, and reduces crime. A gun is stolen every 90 seconds in the US. Each year, 1/4 million guns are stolen, mostly from cars--enough for every crime committed with a gun annually.
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23691442/gun-violence-secure-storage-laws-suicides-unintentional-shootings
Strong gun laws work but in their absence we can all preach about safe storage like MADD did for eliminating drunk driving. Please post this on your social media:
Safe storage saves lives: Request a FREE gun lock mailed to your home by emailing: Gloria.Lewis@VA.gov. Together, we can save some lives. Thank you!
I should have said that's out of four stars.
I don't have much confidence in Giffords since they endorsed a NJ GOP rep (Chris Smith) who's "moderate" because he only votes with the party something like 90% of the time - but has taken an extreme global role in blocking family planning funding. I think that supporting candidates (or more broadly progressive groups) is a better bet that supporting single-issue groups.
Giffords stated reason for endorsing Smith in 2020 was because Smith had “ shown the courage and bipartisan commitment to stand up for gun safety and oppose the NRA’s agenda.” That's a pretty amazing stance for any Republican currently in office in recent history. https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/giffords-endorses-chris-smith-re-election/
I'm not disputing or agreeing with your comment about supporting progressive groups instead of single-issue groups. Just wanted to make Gifford's position a little clearer based on reporting.
I am also grateful to you, CC, for making Giffords's position clearer
I did not know that about Giffords and I am very grateful to you for pointing that out. I will definitely consider that in making future decisions about where to contribute. Thank you again.
Repeal the second amendment.
Thoughts and prayers are about as effective as bandaids on bulletholes. It's way past time to rip off the bandaid.
Jessica Craven opened her Sunday newsletter with this quote from the Talmud in her Sunday and I have to share (as a Heather reader did too):
"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief.
Do justly NOW.
Love mercy NOW.
Walk humbly NOW.
You are not obligated to complete the work but neither are you free to abandon it."
Oops typo, sorry should be:
Jessica Craven opened her Sunday newsletter with this quote from the Talmud and I have to share (as a Heather reader did too):
Lol yes, that was me, gmta! 👍
What was it that led Jim Brady to turn against guns? When suffering and death cease to be abstractions, that is when hearts and minds begin to focus. Same story, essentialy, with LGBT acceptance.
It is time to ask the hard questions. In honor of NBA playoffs: what is the difference between a Euro step and a travel? What is the difference between a neo-Nazi and a moderate *Republican*?
Thanks for the always thoughtful Today's Edition. Sharing a link to our Markers For Democracy newsletter. https://mailchi.mp/8b469a8221ad/mfd-news-57-blue-tennessee-launch-meet-kaiman-liu-and-grace-meng-civics-center-training We have a bunch of events coming up including a training with The Civics Center on Tuesday at 11 am ET https://www.mobilize.us/markersfordemocracy/event/560782/, an evening event with Rep. Grace Meng to support local candidates running in 2023 in Nassau County (where we hope to flip NY-03 back to blue in 2024) https://www.mobilize.us/markersfordemocracy/event/562194/, and an event to launch Blue Tennessee with David Pepper, Jess Piper, Kate Craig, and Jessica Craven. https://www.mobilize.us/markersfordemocracy/event/562674/ And, as always, lots of postcards!
will promote tonight!
Thank you!
Hi, Ellen. I’ve attended a couple of your Zoom events. What is the best way to sign up to get all your newsletter updates?
Hi Annette: You can sign up to get our newsletter using this form. We usually send it out every other Sunday, with occasional emails for special events in between our regular newsletters. https://markersfordemocracy.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d5fd96e36d548227bcb7555ff&id=dfa32b30aa
Right after I finished digesting your letter, I moved on to Joyce Vance's Civil Discourse. What she lays out is truly frightening. As Robert says, we MUST defeat MAGA.
https://open.substack.com/pub/joycevance/p/the-week-ahead-d2e?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android
Thank you, Robert, for helping us see clearly once again. It's easy to despair about the never-ending carnage of gun violence caused by the GOP & NRA. Mass shootings are horrific but comprise under 2% of all gun deaths (49,000 in 2021). Suicides make up 63% of all gun deaths, 8 out of 10 school shooters got the gun from home, and 5 million kids live in homes with unlocked guns.
Safe storage protects children, prevents suicide, and reduces crime. A gun is stolen every 90 seconds in the US. Each year, 1/4 million guns are stolen, mostly from cars--enough for every crime committed with a gun annually.
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23691442/gun-violence-secure-storage-laws-suicides-unintentional-shootings
Strong gun laws work but in their absence we can all preach about safe storage like MADD did for eliminating drunk driving. Please post this on your social media:
Safe storage saves lives: Request a FREE gun lock mailed to your home by emailing: Gloria.Lewis@VA.gov.
Together, we can save some lives. Thank you!