Just so we're clear: in 2015, gun violence will be the leading cause of death among young people under the age of 25.
We're killing our collective future.
Gun-violence has become a a national health epidemic. There is simply no other way to understand it. And, in fact, several organizations are beginning to discuss it in precisely this way. And new discussions lead to new solutions.
But one fact remains indisputable and should concern all Americans: of the 32 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the U.S. claims 90% of the firearm homicides, but only 30% of the population.
America has a violence problem. Period. And we don't know how to handle firearms. Period. The two elements, violence and incompetency, combine to yield these horrific numbers.
But it gets worse. Much of this gun-violence is located within the younger community. Look at this video released by Generation Progress. It's brief, to the point, and heart-breaking.
You can help. Have a look at Generation Progress and their current work on gun-violence prevention. Or contact me through this blog in the comment section, and I will be happy to connect you to the gun-violence prevention organization that most fits your own needs and aspirations. The work done to foster gun-violence prevention doesn't stream from a single, monolithic organization, but instead is a grass-roots movement that comes at the problem from every angle and uses every approach: legislation, awareness-raising, nonviolence education, petition circulation, data-analysis, blogging, canvassing, marching —you name it, there's an organization that will suit you.
Together, we will remove this national stain from the American character.