Take the Target Off Our Backs

I shared this on Instagram and Facebook the other day, but I wanted to share it here too. I can’t believe this is something I wrote. Or ever even had to think about. Our reality is so absurd that I have a hard time coming to terms with it.

On May 25th, the day after the mass school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX, I wrote to my U.S. senators @scottforflorida and @marcorubio to let them know that our right to life should take priority over a right to own an AR-15. Do you really think practically unencumbered access to assault weapons used to slaughter people in school, church, at the movies or the grocery store is the “well regulated militia” the second amendment is looking to protect. The very real possibility of being murdered while you shop, enjoy entertainment, get an education, or participate in organized religion, isn’t freedom.

As an educator, I shouldn’t have to attend regular active shooter trainings and have office supplies and décor items earmarked as potential weapons in case I can’t run, hide, or jump out of my second story office before I need to fight back. And that’s just me, an adult, working in higher education.

I can remember how terrifying it was when there were bomb threats in high school, and we had to walk down to a city park to wait for a bomb squad to clear the building. I cannot even imagine being in elementary school doing drills or God forbid being present during an active shooter situation.

The priorities of our country are so fucked. The fact that we’ve had 27 SCHOOL SHOOTINGS and more mass shootings than days this year should make you beyond angry.

If you aren’t fucking livid, you aren’t fucking paying attention.