Statement on Gun Violence in America

I woke up this morning to news of another mass shooting, this time in Dayton, Ohio. This is just 13 hours after the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. This just 6 days after a little boy was shot and killed attending a festival with his parents in Gilroy, California. 28 days prior to that 13 people were slaughtered in Virginia Beach.

I think you’re getting my point.

I haven’t really been silent about these tragedies, and the overall epidemic that is gun violence in America. But this morning I have to give and interview, and then interview someone myself for the podcast, and I don’t see how I can go on the air without addressing these events. I have a duty, and a platform, and I am going to use it. Below is my statement I am going to read in advance of this week’s OnEducation.

Before we get started I’d like to say a few words about the shootings over the last few days. As a Canadian I struggle to wrap my head around mass shootings. I don’t understand how a nation that holds itself out as a symbol of freedom and democracy can also be the standard bearer for gun violence, citizen incarceration, and lack what many other countries see as basic needs such universal health care. The reality is the best nation in the world should be the safest, and have the healthiest and best educated citizens. America has none of those things right now. We’ve never shy’d away from these topics and we won’t today either. My heart breaks for the families of those lost in El Paso and Dayton. My heart breaks for the families of those lost in Las Vegas, Parkland, Dallas and everywhere else there has been a mass shooting. About 250 of them this year by the way. Hearts breaking though needs to turn in to action. I’d encourage you to call your members of Congress and tell them you’ve had enough. Tell them you have a voice and in 15 months your voice is going to be heard. If you or someone you know is experiencing pain or trauma related to gun violence The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Hotline provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Contact the hotline by phone at 800-985-5990. We’ll be right back.