Putney Friends Meeting

“Our attention this morning is focused on Orlando…”

“Our attention this morning is focused on Las Vegas…”

Who among us doesn’t hold his or her breath when

turning on the TV or radio and hearing a story that leads with those words? Tragically, Monday morning was such a morning.

To people who lost loved ones in the Las Vegas massacre, to witnesses traumatized by the violence, to first responders who had to deal with unimaginable scenes, to the injured whose wounds may never fully heal, we are sending strength.

To the politicians who stand by, shooting after shooting, doing nothing to effect change, we are sending the message:

We should not have to live in fear every time we or our loved ones leave the house for school, for a concert, for a movie, for work.

Even if our US Senators and Representatives are supportive of gun violence prevention measures, they still need to hear from you.

Please contact your elected officials today with the message:

“Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We are counting on you to address this public health crisis and keep guns out of the wrong hands.”

Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott has long held that Vermont’s extremely lax gun laws are adequate. We urge Vermont residents to contact Governor Scott with the message:

“Vermont is not an island. We are part of a nation that is experiencing an unprecedented public health crisis in the form of gun violence. We must do our part by passing universal background check legislation in Vermont now.”

Please also consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. A simple letter summarizing your reaction to this tragedy and encouraging legislative action can send a powerful message to lawmakers and fellow Vermonters.

It is easy at times like this to feel utterly defeated, but we owe it to all those who suffer to keep fighting for common sense gun legislation. GunSense Vermont continues to champion the much needed goal of background checks for every gun sold in our state.

Thank you for joining us in the fight.

-Your GunSense VT Leadership Team

p.s.–If you are looking for a way to directly support those impacted by the violence in Las Vegas, we suggest:

The National Compassion Fund (directly distributes donations from the public to victims of mass crime)

Elissa Pine, GunSenseVT
http://www.gunsensevt.org/