It's Up to Us

Since the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, there have been a lot of posts about a variety of related issues. I believe in conversation and debate and that starts with people being honest and saying what they think, so thank you if you’ve been part of those conversations, whether we agree or not. I certainly don't have all the answers, or maybe any of the answers, but there are several things that have been said or implied lately that I think lead us down the wrong path.

Please don't believe...that prevention of mass shootings is all about guns, mental health, or any one issue. Those are all important but complex problems are solved with multifaceted solutions and take years.

Please don't believe…that it's only up to lawmakers to fix things. Are there businesses selling products that you believe contribute to this problem? Boycott them now, voice your support for those making good decisions, and look at where your retirement and other funds are invested. We can start affecting this issue now.

Please don't believe…that mentally ill people are always violent and that violent people are always mentally ill. Mentally ill people are much more likely to be victims of violence because of their differences or turn their anguish on themselves.

Please don't believe...that we can slash community and school mental health resources that educate, prevent, and treat with no consequences. There are thousands of parents with kids who they know have serious problems but the way our system is structured means they usually can’t get needed, long-term residential treatment until the kid hurts someone.

Please don't believe...that prayer doesn't exist in schools. The Constitution guarantees kids' rights to pray, wear religious clothing or jewelry, form faith-based organizations, and otherwise exercise their faith. Prayer in school exists, but only if we teach our children to do it.

Please don't believe...that only sweeping, large-scale solutions count. We can all help prevent feelings of alienation in others by reaching out to those who are different, who are struggling, or who we don’t understand and let them know we care or that they are not alone.