In the context of the most recent tragic and absolutely preventable school shooting in America, I recall students in the Capital and Smyrna school districts bringing guns to school. As a clergy member, my comments are guided by the core of my faith: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength.”
From my heart: My grandfather was murdered with a handgun; my grandmother was shot in the head as a child, playing with a gun; and my friend was shot dead by her husband after years of abuse. I know the toll these events have taken.
From my mind: About 4.6 million American children live in a home with at least one loaded and unlocked gun; such access contributes to an American child accidentally shooting themselves or others almost daily; and 80% of firearms used at schools come from the shooter’s home or that of a relative or friend.
We can better protect our children. Delaware’s secure-storage law charges those who “recklessly or intentionally” allow a loaded gun into a child’s possession or into the possession of a person who is prohibited from owning a gun. Moms Demand Action offers “Be SMART,” including secure gun-storage guidance. A permit-to-purchase bill, requiring secure-storage training, can prevent children and prohibited persons from acquiring guns.
From my soul: Soul means conscience, and I cannot, in good conscience, remain silent in the face of this pointless risk to our children.
From my strength: Strength means having the resources to do something. I use my voice and financial resources to reduce gun violence. In particular, I call upon the Capital and Smyrna school districts to develop a policy of educating parents and students about secure gun storage.
Charles S. Weiss
Dover
