My heart is so heavy thinking of all the lives lost advocating for freedom and fighting for our rights. So many lives have been lost. We must do better for it to be in vain.
Importance of Compromise
My extremely conservative grandfather, who served in two wars, told me: always vote against war; it’s a terrible nightmare. I think about that often and wonder why violence is ever something we resort to in this day and age. My heart breaks for all those sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, partners, and friends who sacrificed their lives.
We must do better for it not to be in vain. It starts small, like taking the time to listen to someone whose opinion isn’t the same as yours and thinking about how we can find a compromise.
Let me be clear: there is no compromise on human rights and equality. My grandfather grew up in a place and time when his beliefs led me to call him a racist at family dinner when I was 13 years old. But he listened and learned. And his last presidential vote was for a Black man: the one he thought would end the war.
We can find compromise on things like common-sense gun safety laws, taxes, and how much we invest in our economy. But there is NO compromise for treating all humans with respect and dignity.
Safety and Wellness for All
It’s not a coincidence things are getting worse. Which is faster: navigating our healthcare system or buying a gun?
Here’s the thing… we can compromise on gun control. My stance might come as a surprise to you, but I was raised around guns. I have hunters in my family. I was taught gun safety as a child, so I wouldn’t hurt myself or someone else. We can support common-sense gun laws and still have guns. We can have both.
But gun responsibility isn’t enough. We have major issues with mental and social programs that shown by research and science to reduce negative outcomes. It’s not enough to focus on one solution to a multifaceted problem.
Continued Support For Uvaulde
As a mom, it is shattering to think of sending your children to school, a place where they should be safe, and have something like this happen. If you’re looking for a way to help the families impacted, here are a few places to start:
Gofundme: These fundraisers are all orchestrated by those who personally know the families impacted by the shooting and all proceeds go directly to the families. Consider donating if you can.
VictimsFirst: VictimsFirst is a network of families of the deceased and survivors from previous mass shootings. They have started a fund to ensure that 100% of what’s collected goes directly to the victim base so the victims’ families and those injured are protected from fraud and exploitation.
Blood and Tissue Donation: South Texas Blood and Tissue Centers are asking anyone in accessible areas to donate blood at one of the emergency centers. If you live in the area, check in with your local blood center for information directly serving Uvalde.
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