Once Again – Message From the CEO
August 15, 2019Over the past ten years, I have written a number of messages about gun violence, particularly after mass killings. And, like many others, I have called on our elected representatives to pass legislation that will begin to curb the national epidemic of domestic terrorism that has led to so many needless deaths. After Sandy Hook. After Charleston. After Las Vegas. After Parkland. After the Tree of Life synagogue. And now, after Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton. And still, no action.
This is not a debate on the Second Amendment. This is about addressing a national public health issue. Human service agencies in communities across the country are tired of dealing with the trauma caused by this gun violence. It is a problem, and solutions are within our control. This is not a mental health problem; it is about the growth and incitement of hate and the ease with which it is weaponized.
We must demand stronger and uniform background checks with no exceptions for private, internet, and gun show sales. We must demand the reinstitution of an assault weapon ban. And, we should go further and put in place strategies for removing guns from those who should not own them. Not after the next attack – now.
Lee Sherman, President & CEO