May 26, 2022 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 72/ Gun Violence

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We rescheduled today’s planned episode, because honestly, we didn’t feel like we were in the right mental space to honor a guest’s message. Also, as tempting as it is to distract ourselves right now, we owe it to all the families of those who were murdered at Robb Elementary school, Tops Supermarket,  and so many more, to stop numbing out and start taking action. 

Like so many of you, we’ve spent the past day – the past couple weeks, really – alternating between tears, anger, frustration, and fear. Like a lot of you, we feel an overwhelming helplessness. 

Helplessness as we dropped our kids off at their schools and bus stops, knowing we have no control over what happens to them for the next seven hours. 

Helplessness hearing shameful statistics of mass shootings, a uniquely American problem, and knowing that there are 50 senators forming a blockade to change, despite the fact that 70% of Americans support stricter gun laws.

But as we have said many times on the podcast, moms are the key to making change in the world. 

You don’t need a huge platform to make your voice heard. Use your social media. Speak up at wine nights. Wear the T-shirts. Donate the money. Vote. 

Even more, stay at home moms often have the unique advantage of time and schedule flexibility to attend rallies, visit legislators and testify at hearings. We know it is overwhelming – We know you are busy. So many of us want to do something but don’t know what to do or how. Thanks to the amazing organizations who fight for gun reform every day, we have a lot of tips on ways to get started. 

Ways to Take Action on Gun Legislation

• Follow:
  • Moms Demand Action
  • Everytown for Gun Safety
    • Text ACT to 644-33 to join Everytown for Gun Safety. You reply with your zip code and they will send you updates about how to take action to reduce gun violence in your community.
    • Visit Everytown.org to learn where you can donate, find events, take action from home as a calling team, and attend events in your community
  • Feed Our Democracy (while not a gun specific organization, Feed Our Democracy helps “to turn each of us into engaged, active citizens”)

• Know your legislators, and learn where they stand.
  • Nationally, in 2013, Mitch McConnell vowed to shut down any gun control measures that came across his desk after Sandy Hook. 
    • Call him at 202-224-3121 and demand he pass HR8. 
    • Email him. Tweet him. Tell others to do the same. 
• Know about bills that have to do with gun control and ask your legislators where they stand on them:
  • A House-passed bill, HR 1446, backed by Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, would close what’s known as the “Charleston loophole,” which allows some licensed gun sales to go through before a required background check is done. 

• HR 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, would expand background checks for all firearm sales or transfers in the country. Currently, background checks are not required for gun sales and transfers by unlicensed and private sellers.
  • H.R. 8, which passed the House in March 2021, would close loopholes in gun purchases, requiring a background check for all gun sales.
  • Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr criticized the U.S. Senate for failing to vote on background check legislation.

• In Texas, legislators have loosened gun laws, most notably by passing permitless carry in 2021. 

• Tony Gonzalez, the congressman representing Uvalde, Texas proudly tweeted that he voted no on two gun control measures and “will do everything I can to oppose gun grabs from the far left”

• In 2021, Texas lawmakers lowered the age to carry a handgun to 18

• Ted Cruz was the single biggest recipient of money from the pro-gun lobby during his last campaign. 

• Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott will be speaking at the NRA conference in Houston this week

• Find out how your legislators stand with the NRA and how much funding they receive from gun lobbyists. Topping the list, Mitt Romney UT, Richard Burr NC, Roy Blunt MO, Thom Tillis NC, CoryGardner CO, Marco Rubio FL, Joni Ernst IA, Rob Portman OH

• The same people who are saying that gun laws won’t help and that it’s a mental health issue are the same people who are fighting to keep Social and Emotional Learning out of our schools. They cannot have it both ways. 
  • Keep a close eye on school board races and make sure to only support candidates who support SEL. 

We didn’t know how to wrap up this episode. There truly are no words.

Gun and Mass Shooting Statistics for 2022

• Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens.
• Tuesday’s shooting in Uvalde, Texas is the 212th mass shooting of 2022. and 27th school shooting.

It’s tempting to numb out but we need to get involved.

Support Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home and Robb Elementary Families

For an immediate way to help the victims of Tuesday’s shooting, you can help cover funeral expenses for the families. Ask Dr Mom posted a TikTok about Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home in Uvalde providing funeral services for Robb Elementary families. This kindness will come at great cost to Hillcrest. If you would like, you can donate in the name of Robb Elementary Families and help cover these costs: https://www.hillcrestmemorialfuneralhome.com/…/donations