Some Thoughts For Action in the Face of Last Weekend's Tragedies
I knew I would be remiss if I didn't say anything in the wake of the tragic weekend we recently had. I know that the news is talking all about the El Paso and Dayton shootings, but Chicago also had 7 killed, and 52 wounded...the worst weekend Chicago has seen in 2019.However, I didn't know exactly what to say. I didn't want to waste your time or mine simply complaining and moaning. I also didn't want to spend a thousand words railing on the terrible response to the mass shootings given by President Trump, which I think was definitely the worst presidential speech I've witnessed in my lifetime.And as I thought about it, I thought the best I could do was share some information on what you can do in the wake of this weekend to make your community safer.However, let me also go on record as saying the following:
- There are no findings from research that demonstrate a direct connection between people playing violent video games and mass shootings.
- Video games are not causing America's gun problem.
- Hate is not a Mental illness
- Mentall illness is not a risk factor for gun violence
Now, if you want to help decrease gun violence, here are some solid suggestions. Also, if you don't live in Chicago and would like tips for your locale, please ask and I will point you in the right direction, or to the best person to ask. We're all in this together. Also, many thanks to the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence for these suggestions.1) Tell your state senator to vote YES on SB1966 Fix the FOID: We need to close the loopholes in the Illinois FOID system that allow dangerous people to obtain weapons. The Fix the FOID law will expand background checks to all gun sales in Illinois and allow police to remove guns from a person who has their FOID card revoked. This bill is in response to the Aurora massacre and the Mercy Hospital shooting.Click here to tell your state senator to support SB1966 the Fix the FOID bill. 2) Tell Senate Leader Mitch McConnell to call HR8 the Bipartisan Background Checks Bill for a vote: This bill would expand background checks to all gun sales and close the gun show/online sales loophole that allows people to transfer guns without background checks. In Illinois, we are at the mercy of states like Indiana that have lax gun laws and don't require background checks on all gun sales. In fact, federal trace data shows that guns from outside of Illinois account for 60% of guns found at Chicago crime scenes. Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth support this bill, but Senator McConnell refuses to call it for a vote in the US Senate. Make your voice heard by calling Senator McConnell's office today at (202) 224-2541 to tell him to call the bill.3) Join the ILGVP Coalition: The ILGVP Coalition is a statewide advocacy coalition focused on stopping gun violence through policy change and public engagement. ILGVP coalition works with diverse organizations and creates a space for intersectional collaboration. To join the ILGVP Coalition please email info@ichv.org.Right now, letting our voices be heard is the most important thing. 10 minutes out of your day is a small price. Call everyday!Also, educate yourself. Learn the facts, the real facts, behind gun violence. There are a plethora of resources out there...real resources, not NRA bullshit.Well friends, I wish you a wonderful rest of the week, and may life keep you and your loved ones safe. Until next time.