By Carole Gehrig
It is hard to believe, but it is that time of year again. Days grow shorter, nights grow cooler, and thoughts turn to “back to school.” In my nearly 48 years as an educator, many concerns kept me awake, before the opening of school, not one of them was about shootings.
Today with the proliferation of guns and the fetishizing of gun ownership and dangerous weapons by the Republican Party, parents and students, teachers and administrators, and school personnel have those thoughts front of mind. Kids wearing bullet proof backpacks and schools practicing active shooter drills are the norm.
Republican politicians, Elise Stefanik and Brandon Williams are vocal in support of gun ownership with little or no restrictions. They support their party’s interpretation of the 2nd Amendment and are anti-sensible gun safety measures. They do nothing to stem the flow of weapons on our streets and around our school yards. They continue to vote NO on any legislation that limits the sale and distribution of bump stocks and assault weapons.
Schools in NYS open in days, we can expect to see social media awash with 1st day of school photos; Moms and Dads proudly sending off their kids. Kids proudly showing off first day of school smiles and gear.
We can stop the expected photos of death, carnage and grief stricken parents that will come!
I’m all for joyful happy photos. I urge you to examine the voting records of Republicans. Send our Democratic candidates to Washington, Harris/Walz, Paula Collins, John Mannion.
