When I was in high school, motor vehicle collisions were the No. 1 cause of death in children. Interventions in my Texas hometown included events similar to the “Every 15 Minutes” program at LCHS. By staging a graphic depiction of the results of drunken driving, the message was clear: drunken and reckless driving was a public health crisis, requiring a community response. As a result, childhood deaths from motor vehicle collisions have been cut in half.
Few responded, “Kids who want to drink and drive will find a way to drink and drive.” Instead, doctors shared their experiences treating injuries. Religious leaders cautioned against excess and community centers planned safe alternatives to unsupervised parties. Political leaders acted upon their authority to make the community safe, even when making a Texas county “dry” was unpopular.
Now, the No. 1 killer of kids is gun violence. For decades, when the threat of drug overdose or drunken driving threatened our children, we responded with unity. Now? If you are a parent like me, you probably feel powerless. The gun lobby and those politicians beholden to it refuse to do anything. Letters like this won’t change minds, in fact it is likely to cause some who read it to speak of me derisively.
But imagine if we, as people who value what we do for our children, find a way to speak with one voice. We offer the best in education and opportunities. What does our best look like in response to gun violence?
Rev. Kyle Sears
La Cañada Flintridge
First published in the April 20 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
