This is what thoughts and prayers feels like

By Jonathan Dickman, MD, PhD

Previously I wrote how “thoughts and prayers” were not enough for gun violence prevention. After the Annunciation Catholic Church school shooting on August 27th, we now have many politicians telling our community that their “thoughts and prayers” are with us. We are now on the receiving end of leaders trying to comfort us with their words while trying to avoid making any change to fix the real problem. Words are not enough. We need action. “Thoughts and prayers” are what politicians say to avoid passing gun violence prevention legislation. There are no words or speeches that will prevent the next gun violence event. How can we reassure our children who are worried that schools are not safe? 

This election year we need to ask politicians about their concrete plans for gun violence prevention. Your vote and voice can impact whether politicians actually want to do something to keep us safe. Reach out to your local representative and demand action. To determine which politician you should contact, check online under “Who represents me” (www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts). Consider joining and participating in a group that works in gun violence prevention such as Mom’s Demand Action or Everytown for Gun Safety. Now is the time to take action as we try to keep our children and families safe!