Open Letter to the Kids in the U.S.
* originally written after the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas
Dearest Children,
I am so sorry your country is failing you. Time and time again.
Yesterday, my son told me he felt like no one cared about changing the gun violence problem in this country. It broke my heart. I care very much about making sure you all can go to school without any fear. There are days I fear he is correct.
It does seem like a lot of people do not care. They fight about it, mostly hiding online behind their keyboards. Name-calling without using their real names. Crying “FREEDOM” and “DON’T TREAD ON ME”.
This “freedom” they care about so much has cost far too many people their lives. Innocent children in their classrooms. People of color in the grocery store. Or worshipping at church.
Maybe, you’ve seen Ted Cruz in the news. He takes a lot of money from the National Rifle Association. They control what he says. He’s a small man, full of fear. Don’t be like Ted. He doesn’t think of other people before himself.
Maybe, you’ve heard of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He cares more about banning books than banning guns. New ideas that challenge old ways of thinking scare him. Don’t be like Greg. He has a hard time doing what’s right.
And I know you have heard of former President Trump. He also takes a lot of money from the NRA. He says all kinds of vile things about people of color, women, and really anyone who challenges him. He’s a tiny man, full of ego. Don’t be like Don. He doesn’t think of anyone but himself.
Those people waving their racist flags and invoking the Second Amendment do not represent me, or anyone I know. Statistics tell us that 90% of Americans want common-sense gun legislation to keep you safe. Nine people out of ten care deeply about you. Want you to be safe, to go to school without fear.
So let me tell you about the people I am looking to for hope and guidance.
David Hogg. A young man who survived a horrific school shooting and has gone on to stand up to bullies and politicians and the NRA. He knows there is a better way. He doesn’t give up. He keeps fighting for you. Be like David, tenacious and fearless.
Chris Murphy is a senator and father from Connecticut. He staged one of the longest filibusters in U.S. History regarding gun control. He promises to work every minute of every day fighting to keep you safe. Be like Chris, someone who doesn’t give up.
Shannon Watts went onto Facebook the day after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Connecticut, starting an online conversation that turned into a movement of over 8 million people. Moms Demand Action is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country, working to pass stronger common-sense gun laws to keep you safe. Be like Shannon, start a conversation.
After Lucy McBath’s son was murdered, she became an outspoken advocate for gun control. In 2018 and 2020, she ran for the House of Representatives in Georgia because she wants the government to do more to prevent gun violence. She has committed to spending the rest of her life preventing other parents from the heartbreak of losing a child, and keeping you safe. Be like Lucy, do whatever you can to make a difference.
Manuel and Patricia Oliver’s son was murdered in Parkland, Florida. They created “Change the Ref” to honor their son Joaquin with the goal of giving survivors a voice to disrupt and lead to change. Using non-violent creative confrontation and art they empower young people to make an impact on their future. Be like Manny and Patricia, creative and peaceful.
And then there is Gabby Giffords. She is a gun control advocate who survived an assassination attempt. After being shot in the head, she was forced to retire from her position as a US Representative, but that hasn’t stopped her from taking action. She and her husband launched a non-profit to promote gun control. Gabby urges people to fight for the country the way she fought to recover. At the Democratic National Convention in 2020, Gabby spoke about the need for action, after working with a speech therapist for months. She says “I struggle to speak. But I have not lost my voice.” Be like Gabby, do not take your voice for granted. It’s important.
You might think “I’m a kid, I can’t do anything.” That’s not true! You can participate in protests and marches, write your representative, send postcards to voters, make art and so much more! Your voice matters. Don’t stop fighting for the things you care about. We can do hard things.
Onward.
-Maegan Blackwell
