Fired Up!

Since the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, I've been torn and disgusted that our lawmakers still think, "now is not the time to talk about Common Sense Gun Legislation." As disgusted and appalled as I've been, I have also been encouraged and inspired by the students affected in Parkland, Florida.  They are fired up and ready to fight back on every level.

I've listened to their articulate voices, crying foul to the lawmakers who spew a lot of rhetoric and then do nothing.

I've seen the lies and false propaganda promoted against these teens by those who attempt to silence and then I've watched them: Emma, Cameron, Delaney, Kyle, David and so many others--ignore the stupid and stay focused on their goal--to make sure their voices are heard.

I've watched them stand before lawmakers and speak their minds and not back down even when the lawmakers disappointed them.

I watched them during the CNN Town Hall where they were very bold and courageous, fired up and determined to make their voices heard over all the noise of the naysayers and especially, the NRA. They are awesome and instead of the derision and contempt shown to them by Fox News and others, they should be applauded for having the guts to do, what most adults wouldn't do--stand their ground.

I also watched grieving parents at the "Listening Session" hosted by the White House. I heard a grieving father express just how "pissed off" he was at losing his daughter to gunfire in her school. I also heard his determination to do something--with or without lawmakers or those sitting in the White House.

And then I heard Donald Trump, with a cheat sheet of comments--say, "let's arm the teachers." Obviously, he has no clue that obtaining a permit to conceal and carry a "handgun" with military training--would not stop someone with an assault weapon. There is no way to "conceal an assault weapon" to counter an attack by someone with one. Absurd is the mildest adjective I can use in this forum. Others have been far more succinct in their disgust by this suggestion.

The bottom line to the dilemma in this society is this: Republican lawyers are so bound by blood money from the NRA they will never change their stance and enact Common Sense Gun legislation. And we know from what Dana Loesch said last night, NRA is never going to support a ban on any type of weapon nor do they support raising the age limit to 21. Their consistent argument about the 2nd amendment falls hollow when (as it was pointed out last night by two people), the 2nd amendment dealt with the formation of a "militia to protect and defend states," not as open door for individuals to own any and every type of weapon.  No one needs an assault weapon who is not in the military or law enforcement since their only purpose is to kill people. To use hunting as an excuse for owning an assault weapon is an indicator of someone not knowing that assault weapons "shred the target," just like they shred human targets.

There is a simple solution--one that does not require any background checks, or increase in mental health care or even any money spent--we simply need to #VoteBlue in every election, removing Republicans from the equation and letting Democrats enact the legislation needed to save children and other innocent victims from dying due to gun violence.

The NRA--and all those who support them and their efforts to put guns in the hands of anyone who wants one--should take the time to pray (since they claim they're Christians) and seek God--asking Him to show them the truth about themselves--they lack humanity and compassion and are only interested in profiting from the loss of lives.

I've stated before that I am a legal, responsible gun owner and I believe in all the rights afforded every person based upon our Constitution, but I also believe we must hold lawmakers accountable for their inaction when they have it within their power to change the course of events, but won't because of the money they receive from the empire of evil--the NRA.

The parents and students are right--enough is enough--the time is past for thoughts and prayers--bold, courageous action must be taken before the next school shooting or massacre of anyone in any place. It's time for America to get "Fired Up" and support these teens in their efforts to get the attention of all on Capitol Hill and the White House so they don't have to see others suffer loss of life. It's time for every adult--who is a registered voter to contact lawmakers and let their feelings be known about assault weapons and the deaths of innocent people. And when the lawmakers refuse to listen or act--it's time for Voters to get Fired Up and vote them out of office.

I'm Mary Hall-Rayford and I'm Fired Up and ready to serve all Everyday Americans and to take on the gun lobbyists in Washington. Let's get it done.