LJ/DW Idol: Week 8: All Hat no Cattle

[adoptedwriter]

 Week 9: All Hat no Cattle

 

Dear Members of Congress,

 

A few voices cannot make a difference. Many voices are often powerless, but the collective voices of state and federal senators and representatives are definitely influential. You have power and privilege that most of your voters will never have. This is why we rely on you to promote our wishes and needs.

 

Most urgently, our country requires significantly increased gun/weapon control. I know we have the Second Amendment, but the problem is that this right is being abused by retailers who seek to profit from sales, owners who have too few restrictions plus proper training, and also political interest organizations that happen to support citizens wanting to possess firearms which are also are contributing financially to political campaigns. Unfortunately when running for office, congresspeople and their respective parties have relied on and accepted their generous monetary offers and have ignored the concerns of citizens who are asking for increased protection from the aforementioned weaponry. 

 

Sounds like a conflict of interest.

 

We have reached a time in history when certain topics must be readdressed, and the issue with firearms, especially the automatic and semi-automatic ones is out of control. A freedom created for a brand new country in the late 1700s is due for modification because our society has changed greatly. Powered weaponry hadn’t even been invented 240 or so years ago.

 

Citizens in the United States are no longer satisfied with sending thoughts and prayers or putting up yard signs to show support when mass shooting tragedies occur. Your citizens want reform but do not have the power to bring about changes alone, however, a combination of your power backed by voters does.

 

It is challenging but imperative that you understand that our current gun use and ownership regulations need a serious reassessment applicable to modern times. I have almost 40 years in education at many levels. I am a parent and grandparent. I am not just asking but demanding weapon reform so that my students and younger family members can continue to have the privilege and right to safely attend schools in person in the buildings funded by our tax dollars and or tuition, free from fear of being randomly and senselessly attacked by maniacal shooters. After the January 6th, 2021 incident at our US Capitol, wouldn’t you realize that we need better safety and regulation of power weapons? Sadly, anything can happen in public places, but increased preventative measures could possibly make a difference and are worth trying. Citizens insist on your support!

 

This is a growing crisis in our country, and is is just as concerning as “the war on drugs”, illegal immigration, and racial tensions. It’s a “silent” crisis unless it happens in your own sphere of life. We need to think beyond our own spheres or bubbles and look forward. Violent school / public place intrusions and shootings can no longer be tolerated!

 

Suggestions:

 

1- Take the NRA completely out of politics. (Or just quit accepting their donations to political campaigns.)

2- Train and equip law enforcement, including the suburban police officers, in effective ways they can “compete” against an active shooter (and cohorts) that often has/have more sophisticated arms than the actual officers.

3- Adjust the “right to bear arms” to reflect contemporary times containing advanced technologies. (Or create a new amendment.)

4- Direct more funding toward strict mental health and cognitive assessment requirements prior to purchasing potentially lethal weapons.

 

I ask and pray that the voices of private citizens whom you represent be elevated and heard by those who have the power and authority to take real action in the weapon control crisis in the United States. We love our freedom in this nation, but with freedom comes responsibility, and part of that responsibility falls upon you as servants of our government, when certain members of society abuse their rights by curtailing the right to life, liberty and happiness of others.