JCPA: 3075 Since Newtown
That was the message last week at the White House where President Obama, surrounded by mothers of children killed by firearms, spoke powerfully about the need for meaningful gun violence prevention legislation. The President challenged us all to remember the victims and their families, to remember the hurt and heartbreak that propelled this conversation to the political forefront, and remember the 3075 people killed by guns since Newtown. That is why the JCPA has launched a campaign to end gun violence -- Zichronam Livracha, "for their memory as a blessing". We will continue to remember those that were lost from gun violence. However, just remembering them is not enough; it is our responsibility to make meaningful change to prevent these types of tragedies. At the White House event last week, JCPA Washington Director Jared Feldman spoke with leading advocates on gun violence legislation on political strategy and some of the unresolved policy issues. Negotiations are at an uncertain point. We must show the Senate that there is a broad constituency demanding action on this issue. To that end, if you haven't already, we urge you to write to your Senators in support of a comprehensive approach to prevent gun violence and share the petition with others. So far, thousands have written, and we hope to double that by the time the Senate begins debate on a package of legislation on April 8th. Our campaign is about translating loss into the action, and now is the time to act. |