Monday, February 19, 2018

St. Louis Democrat: Mental illness did not kill those children, bullets did

(From Sen. Jill Schlupp, D-St. Louis)

This week, our nation watched again in horror as another school shooting took the lives of 17 people innocent people. "School" and "shooting" are two words that should never have to be used together, and yet, here we are. Again.

My heart aches for those we have lost, and the families and friends whose lives are forever changed.

As a mother I am heartbroken. As an American, I am horrified. And as a State Senator, I am compelled to act.

It is long past time that we match our thoughts and prayers with action and resolve.

Yes, there are mental health needs in society. And more money, more awareness, and more support are needed to address this.

But mental illness did not kill those children, bullets did.

And until we do something about bullets and the guns that fire them, tragedies from Columbine to Sandy Hook to San Bernadino and Las Vegas, and now to Parkland will surely continue.

I pledge to fight for the families and children of Missouri who are tired of seeing these violent acts play out across our nation, and here, on our streets.

We can protect the constitutional rights of gun owners while still making sure that weapons of the battlefield do not find their way into our classrooms. We can protect a person’s rights to keep and bear arms while still protecting the rights of students to go school without fear of being murdered. Simply put, we can do better than what we’ve done.

There is a common sense path forward. But we must be brave enough to take action. I know I am. Are you ready to join me?

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:00 AM

    Listen to the Chicago PD Scanner... "Shots fired" about every 3rd call and yet they have the toughest gun control laws in the country! How are more laws concerning gun ownership going to help?!?

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  2. Anonymous11:26 AM

    You really are out of touch with reality. Bullets do kill people if the person with the gun pulls the trigger. I've never yet seen a bullet jump off a table and go through somebody's body. You need to decide whether you're going to really be concerned or just fake it and stick to the party line. Even the ACLU believe people have the right of gun ownership.

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  3. Anonymous1:01 PM

    Face a fact. Trump is going to take your assault rifles and we are going to help him do it.

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  4. Anonymous2:10 PM

    Anonymous 11:00: Chicago gun crime proves nothing - Illinois part of "iron triangle" with guns pouring in from surrounding states where the NRA holds sway over legislators. Countries with strict gun laws have fewer homicides - and don't give me the example of Israel where they're in a state of low level war against their Arab population.

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  5. Anonymous3:34 PM

    Criminals will always find a way to have guns.
    I don't think anyone needs to own an assault rifle, however the people who purchase their firearms legally and follow the law will be the only ones without them.
    Criminals/Terrorists always will have them.

    By the way, the school shooters ARE TERRORIST regardless of their affiliation or lack of affiliation with a organized group.

    We need to have swift and lethal punishment for these types of crimes. No more life sentences, instead death sentences to be carried out within 90 days or less.
    We are too lenient.
    These people have no compassion or civility towards their victims.
    Let them work out their repentence with God. We don't need to see their picture on the news and feel sympathy for them. They are evil.

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  6. Desensitized folks will harm others regardless of choice of weapons...respect life but alas it's too easy to blame guns....

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