Something You Can Do Today!

SOMETHING YOU CAN DO TODAY:

I'm sure different people are coming to this blog for different reasons but speaking from my own perspective, this is a vital time for all of us to make our voices heard when it comes to sane, nonviolent, and humane ways to make our schools and communities safer.  There are great articles being written and legislation being proposed based on the recognition that there are tens of thousands of deaths  every year in America due to gun violence.  Other industrial countries with sane gun laws have a tiny fraction of such tragic deaths.  It is time for the forces of peace and sanity in this country to stand up to the pro-gun lobby.  

For the love of our children,

Susie S.

In addition to signing the many petitions which are now circulating, let your voice be heard by your legislators.

Here's how:

1. A simple way to find contact information on your state and U.S. representatives is to go to http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/.  ; All you need to do is type in your address and zip code and you will get contact info on your legislators.  

2.  People can call or write (calls are most effective) and say something to the effect of "Hi, my name is __________, I am a voter in your district.  In light of the recent tragedy I am very concerned about the need for more rigorous gun control (and/or more effective mental health services) and I urge you to take bold and decisive action to support any new legislation in this area".   (You can get specific if you want about things like banning assault weapons and semi-automatic weapons, or increasing waiting periods, or making it eliminating the ability for people to by guns at gun shows which don't enforce normal restrictions, etc).

3. It is important to speak out in opposition to republican legislators such as Richardson who are advocating that the "solution" to making schools safe is to have three volunteers or staff carrying concealed weapons in every school building.

4.***For Oregon Residents*** If you want to support saner gun control laws in Oregon and elsewhere, go to CeaseFireOregon.   They have great information about pending legislation and offer petitions to sign and all kinds of action ideas.  To get email updates from them you can send your email address to ceasefireoregon@gmail.com.