If you are angry and frustrated about mass shootings and the cowardly unwillingness of some elected officials to face the issue of gun violence, know that you are not helpless.
True, the gun lobby and its fanatic supporters have vast amounts of money and passion for their cause, but they are overwhelmingly outnumbered by citizens who understand and accept the concept that rights imply responsibilities.
We can win this fight if we match their persistence with our own passion for saving lives.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Make gun violence prevention a priority in your life. Encourage friends and family to do the same.
2. Join the local chapter of the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility at gunresponsibility.org and work with others in our region to educate people about gun safety and enact reasonable gun legislation.
3. Vote for elected officials who support gun safety and oppose weakening existing gun laws. Challenge those who don’t. Vote for ballot initiatives that improve gun laws.
4. Contact your elected officials and urge their support of stronger gun regulations. Ask family and friends in other parts of the country to do the same.
To reach your member of Congress, call 202-224-3121.
To contact state legislators, call 800-562-6000.
5. Donate to one or more gun violence prevention organization, such as the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Everytown for Gun Safety at everytown.org or Americans for Responsible Solutions at americansforresponsiblesolutions.org.
Gun violence is a uniquely American tragedy.
With commitment and determination, we can prevent it.
Paula Simpson Barnes,
Sequim