During a recent intruder drill at my elementary school, I had a third-grade student ask me: Which is more likely, an earthquake or a person with a gun? For the record, I lied to your children. I told them neither was very likely and that we do trainings, just like we do for fires, so we are prepared. But I added a few instructions, because I fear for your children. I told them that if we had an intruder, they should do whatever their teacher tells them to do.
Today, after 19 elementary children were gunned down at school, this seems like a responsibility none of us signed up for. Today I think every American needs to ask themselves why they are accepting this as normal. This is not normal, we are the only country where this happens. I am certain our Founding fathers did not have this in mind when they spoke of the right to bear arms. This cannot continue.
I grew up with drills involving nuclear bombs being dropped and I remember they were very scary. There is one big difference, we did not have weekly nuclear bombs being dropped.
To date we have had 27 school shootings this year. Your children are aware of this very real danger. Where is our outrage over this life and death matter? We have the power to change this.
Sarah Buck, Salt Lake City
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