Guns are now the leading cause of death of children in the United States, where the number killed by gunfire increased 50% between 2019 and 2021 from 1,732 to 2,590. This is an especially stark rise.

Approximately 60% of all Americans support common-sense gun safety laws such as, raising the federal minimum age to buy a firearm from 18 to 21; mandating universal background checks; instituting a reasonable waiting period for all gun purchases; and banning civilian purchases of assault weapons.

Faced with an assault weapon in Uvalde, Texas a year ago, approximately 40 well-armed officers, good guys, failed for over an hour, to confront a lone gunman after he killed 19 students and two teachers. These are not weapons of choice for deer, quail, or skeet shooting. They are, however, weapons of choice for the mass destruction of human beings. The right to self-defense is not an issue.

Bolstered by powerful monied interests and political expediency, a majority of Georgia legislators ended this year’s session again by passing laws that will increase, rather than reduce, the rising tide of gun violence. Meanwhile, there remains a ban on all weapons at the Georgia State Capitol, including pocketknives.

An August 2022 piece in the National Institution of Health revealed that school shootings are at the highest levels in recorded history. Data suggest upward trending. A 2019 article in the Journal of Adolescent Health showed that the United States has had 57 times as many school shootings as all other major industrialized nations combined.

We live in an era where many children (and adults) feel unsafe and are routinely traumatized. A frequent refrain in response to gun violence and fatalities is to deflect to mental illness or point elsewhere. While mental illness is certainly an important aspect in the tragedy of gun violence, unfettered access to weapons is at its core.

To remain apathetic to this national tragedy is unacceptable. Surely, responsible legislators and constituents can rise to the task of forming a more perfect Union by acting to make everyone safe. A responsible electorate can do the same by communicating with lawmakers and voting for candidates who support common sense gun safety laws- anything less is a breach of responsibility and good will.

–Cynthia Ebben

1st Vice Chair, Thomas County Democratic Party