Guest Commentary: Sticks and stones (and your AR-15)

Guest Commentary: Sticks and stones (and your AR-15)

Words matter. So practice actions. A former city official and gun violence survivor urges public officials to speak carefully—and human action decisively—to prevent gun violence

Aug. 08, 2019

That old children's "Sticks & Stones" aphorism is wrong. And if we don't learn that lesson as responsible adults, besides many of our children may non alive long enough to learn it themselves.

Y'all don't take to exist a Lincoln, Churchill, Kennedy or Dr. King to know that words matter. What we say and how we say it is oft the critical aspect of whatsoever conversation or relationship. Words tin can build, tear down or just set the tone. Leaders, especially, know that words matter. Whether you are articulating a vision, bringing a squad together, driving your team to action or but sharing important information, the quality of your words will make up one's mind whether you communicate conspicuously and successfully.

Leaders should also know that there is a small percentage of the population that is on the fringe, and an even smaller percentage of that group that is capable of hurting themselves or others. Some people are cleaved. Through some experience, circumstance or condition, they unfortunately have trouble with a mental wellness event. Far likewise oft, it is unrecognized and undiagnosed; sometimes, in that location are clear signs that must be heeded to foreclose the potential for harm.

Despite the temptation to put this squarely in the lap of a President who has used words to divide united states of america and who clearly has emboldened the madness of white nationalism across the country, the truth is that all of our leaders have failed to pb on this event.

Those few broken citizens should not exist emboldened past the wrong words to take mean action. They need to get help—non be inflamed with dangerous rhetoric. They demand support—not to exist immune to exist heavily armed with weapons of war so they can maximize the danger to themselves as well every bit the general danger and damage they can inflict on society. They need to be influenced to seek aid and closeness with their friends and loved ones—not to become even more separate and isolated into the internet of their own potentially dangerous ideas.

We've seen information technology in some of the most recent attacks of the last few days and months: The El Paso mass shooting in a Walmart that killed 20; the shooting at a music festival in Gilroy, California that killed three, including a 6 year old girl; and the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue assault that killed eleven people were all perpetrated by disturbed individuals espousing a kinship or connection with a political leader (the El Paso shooter felt a bizarre connection to Trump, even posting a type of manifesto and arranging his guns to spell out the President's name), or a philosophy (some twisted version of "America First" or white nationalism) as a reason for their deportment.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, in the last twelvemonth, extremist- related murders have spiked 35 per centum, all of them committed by individuals categorized as "correct-wing" extremists. In the last 18 months, some 65 murders take been committed by "white-extremists." These are hate-filled acts inspired by an ideology of "u.s. versus them."

When you continuously dehumanize an entire grade of people, Latinos and immigrants, we cannot be surprised when they are targeted. When you continuously provide cover for bad actors (like the President calling them "fine people" in Charlottesville) you empower them.

But despite the temptation to put this squarely in the lap of a President who has used words to divide the states and who clearly has emboldened the madness of white nationalism across the country, the truth is that all of our leaders have failed to lead on this outcome.

Ruby-red flag bills don't but prevent homicides of the kind that plague Philadelphia, or the mass shootings that happen as well ofttimes: Almost two-thirds of Pennsylvania's 1,636 gun deaths terminal twelvemonth were suicides.

From Congressional leaders who sit on their hands in silence while Americans bleed, to local leaders who neglect to provide treatment or to address the socio-economic root causes of violence while giving us empty words and asking for our vote, all have a role to play on this issue. Too many of our leaders are far too irresponsible with their words. The incorrect words? Sure, that plain happens—that plays out everyday on Twitter. But also the empty words of caring and change and how this fourth dimension things will exist different. Then they are not. They may not directly incite violence, but their words attempt to shift the conversation away from responsible gun reform to talk of video games, rap music or a lack of prayer in schools. Empty words—no real activeness.

Yes, too many Republicans are beholden to the NRA instead of prioritizing our prophylactic. Democrats, though slightly longer on policy, fall equally short on action. As a Democrat, it pained me to watch last week's debates. In that location was more than time spent on the 1994 Crime Nib, as candidates tried to tear each other downwardly, than about the current threat of gun violence that we all face everyday. Let'south see if the September debates are different now, or whether El Paso volition be a distant memory by then. I for i hope our leaders are more than careful with their words. That those words showtime a different conversation that moves all of us forward.

The fact is at that place are things we can practise. People with very real mental health issues demand our collective help and support. Their friends, family, teachers and co-workers need to take action to assistance continue them safe for their own benefit as well equally everyone else'southward. And they need to be kept away from guns—all guns merely especially guns that can kill scores of people.

That is why so-chosen "red flag laws" are such a good idea. In many mass shootings, family members or friends could accept noticed warning signs that shooters were at adventure of harming themselves or others. Obvious red flags often precede horrific events. Threats, isolation, a scary browser history, the stockpiling of weapons and ammunition coupled with an increment in extremist rhetoric that embraces the potential for violence are just a few.

Equally a Democrat, it pained me to watch last week's debates. In that location was more than time spent on the 1994 Crime Bill, as candidates tried to tear each other down, than about the current threat of gun violence that nosotros all face everyday.

In response, 17 states (and Washington, D.C.) have passed laws allowing for Extreme Risk Protection Orders, which empower families, household members, constabulary enforcement officers and sometimes other authorities to petition to temporarily remove a person's access to firearms earlier they commit violence—like to a temporary restraining order. In Pennsylvania, a like bill failed to brand it out of commission in the Firm last twelvemonth; legislation is again awaiting in both the Senate and the Firm, supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle. Meanwhile, a bipartisan bill—sponsored by Republican Sen. Linsday Graham and Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal—making its way through the Senate would pay states to enact red flag laws.

This is not only considering it might forestall homicides of the kind that plague Philadelphia, or the mass shootings that happen likewise oftentimes: Every bit supporters of the bill pointed out to WHYY in the spring, nigh two-thirds of Pennsylvania's 1,636 gun deaths terminal twelvemonth were suicides.

Let'south accept a real effort around mental health in this country. Let's laissez passer common sense red flag laws to empower families. Let's pass obvious gun reforms to make usa safer, like universal background checks for every gun sale, an assault weapons ban and laws that foreclose the sale of extended high capacity magazines. An overwhelming number of Americans support those efforts. Our leaders should, too.

And let's be more careful with our words. All of usa.

Because today, information technology's not sticks and stones that will break your bones; it'south an American denizen armed with an assault weapon (extended clip sold separately) and inspired by dangerous words that will hurt you.

Rich Negrin is a gun violence survivor, former Philly City Managing director & Deputy Mayor, and a one-time prosecutor and candidate for District Attorney. He is a one-time Lath Member of CeasefirePA and an advocate for mutual sense gun reform.You tin follow him on twitter @RichNegrin.

Photograph via Flickr

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Source: https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/guest-commentary-sticks-and-stones-and-your-ar-15/

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