Dear Editor,
The nation is focused on the attempt by a 20-year-old to assassinate a candidate for president of the United States.
So far in 2024, the nation has experienced (approximately) 300 mass shootings (four or more people shot or killed, excluding the shooter). We could experience 500 by year’s end.
In Georgia, (approximately) 1,900 die and 5,000 are wounded by guns every year (including suicide, homicide, and accidents – Ed.). Gun violence is the biggest killer of children in Georgia.
Between 2013 and 2022, gun violence in Georgia is up 56%. Mass killings occur at schools, churches, hospitals, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and on our streets.
We have contacted our congressman, state representative, state senator, and all members of the majority party in the Georgia legislature and the House of Representatives.
We provided the horrendous statistics on gun injury and death in our state and nation and information on measures to reduce gun violence. They refuse to support any of those measures.
Why? Because they simply do not care.
We can and must elect members of the state legislature, and Congress committed to action to end the massacre of the innocents.
Shocked by the assassination attempt at a political rally? Don’t be. You are far safer at a presidential rally than your children are at school or you are at your place of worship.
It is long past time to elect members of the state legislature and Congress who are committed to attacking this endless cycle of murder and mayhem.
Bruce Menke, Athens