Dear Esteemed Members of Congress,
I’m reaching out to you today in response to the distressing news of yet another mass shooting, this time in Roseburg, Oregon, where ten innocent lives were tragically lost and many more injured.
As a survivor of such an event, I wish to share my personal experience with you. In December 2007, I witnessed the unimaginable horror of a mass shooting at a church that claimed the lives of my twin sister, Emma, and my younger sister, Lily, and left my father seriously injured. I write this letter not just to recount the tragedy, but to spark a necessary conversation about gun violence in our nation.
I want to clarify that I am not entirely against firearms. My perspective is shaped by a distinct experience; three years ago, I pursued a conceal-carry permit, motivated by a deep-seated fear after becoming a victim of gun violence. The memories still haunt me, and I often wake up from nightmares about such incidents. I believed that having a permit was essential for my safety.
However, upon completing the training, I faced a haunting realization. What if I had to use my weapon? The thought of pulling the trigger was overwhelming. I recalled Emma’s face just after she was shot and how Lily appeared lifeless outside our family car. At that moment, I understood that I could never harm another person, regardless of their actions. Retaliating against a shooter would only perpetuate the cycle of violence and inflict pain on another family.
This epiphany led me to forgo the conceal-carry permit. While some argue that I could use it for protection against wildlife during my hikes, I couldn’t ignore the possibility of harming another human being. As such, I decided that I would not carry a weapon.
I share my story not to criticize the concept of conceal-carry but to illuminate my thought process. What troubles me is the lack of accountability surrounding gun ownership, both among individuals and our government. Many states do not require thorough background checks for those applying for conceal-carry permits or purchasing firearms.
Why is this the case when we know that guns are often involved in violent crimes? Critics of gun control argue that it is not the weapon but the individual that poses a threat. However, without a proper system to vet these individuals, the guns become part of the problem.
Congress, I urge you to reflect on the profound implications of gun ownership. It is vital to understand the responsibility that comes with it and to implement adequate regulations. The current lack of oversight has led many to feel that they must arm themselves against potential threats, unaware that this may lead to further loss of life.
I am not advocating for the repeal of the Second Amendment or for the confiscation of firearms. Rather, I implore you to recognize your duty to protect the citizens of this country. Just as I contemplated my duty to uphold human dignity by choosing not to carry, I ask you to consider your obligations regarding gun legislation. We must foster a dialogue that centers on the human aspect of this issue.
As the Scriptures remind us, “Come, let us reason together.” Let’s ensure this discussion remains rooted in our shared humanity. Please, think of me and the countless others who have endured the aftermath of such violence. I ask you to find ways to prevent these tragedies so that no one else has to endure the agony of witnessing a loved one being shot.
Put yourself in my situation and understand the terror of surviving such an event. I urge you to take meaningful action to end this cycle of violence.
Sincerely,
A Survivor of Gun Violence