Dear Members of Congress,
I write to you today in the wake of yet another tragic mass shooting, this one in Roseburg, Oregon, where ten lives were lost and many others were irrevocably altered by violence. As a survivor of a similar tragedy, I feel compelled to share my story and engage you in a crucial dialogue about the impact of gun violence in our nation.
In December 2007, my life changed forever when I witnessed the horror of a mass shooting at New Life Church. That day, I lost my twin sister, Emma, and my younger sister, Lily, while my father was severely injured. The trauma of that experience is something I carry with me every day, and it drives my passion for addressing the issue of gun violence.
I want to clarify that I am not inherently against gun ownership. My journey has led me to a unique perspective on this issue. A few years after the shooting, I enrolled in a class to obtain a conceal-carry permit. My fear of encountering gun violence again propelled me to seek methods of self-protection. However, after completing the course, I grappled with a profound question: if faced with the unimaginable choice of having to use a gun, could I pull the trigger?
The memories of my sisters’ faces flooded my mind. I realized that shooting someone, even a perpetrator, would mean perpetuating the cycle of violence. The individual behind the gun, no matter their actions, is still a human being with loved ones. I could not reconcile taking another life, even in self-defense. This internal conflict led me to decline the permit altogether. While some argue that carrying a gun could protect me from threats, the mere possibility of harming another person is a burden I refuse to bear.
What I aim to highlight is not a condemnation of conceal carry, but rather the lack of serious consideration surrounding gun ownership. Congress, we must acknowledge that many individuals are obtaining guns without proper background checks. How can we discuss the issue of gun violence while ignoring the fact that we lack sufficient systems to vet those who purchase firearms?
It is crucial to recognize that the issue isn’t solely about the weapons; it’s about the individuals wielding them. Without a reliable method of identifying who can responsibly own a gun, we cannot dismiss the potential dangers posed by firearms.
I urge you to reflect deeply on the responsibility that comes with gun ownership. It is clear that the current regulations are insufficient, leading to a societal climate where individuals feel compelled to arm themselves due to fear of violence. The role of government is to protect its citizens, yet we find ourselves in a situation where people feel they must take protection into their own hands, often with devastating consequences.
I am not calling for the repeal of the Second Amendment or the confiscation of firearms. Instead, I implore you to consider the moral obligation you have to the citizens of this country. Reflect on my choice to forgo carrying a weapon out of respect for human dignity, and contemplate what actions can be taken to ensure the safety of all Americans.
Let us engage in a meaningful dialogue about this issue, to truly understand the human experiences behind the statistics. I ask you to see my face as a survivor and to recognize the faces of gun owners who feel they must protect themselves. As the Scriptures say, “Come, let us reason together.” It’s time we make this discussion about humanity again.
Consider my plea, not just for myself, but for all those who have survived similar horrors. We must work together to prevent future tragedies, so that no one else has to endure the pain of witnessing a loved one die from gun violence.
With sincere hope,
A Survivor of Gun Violence