An open letter to POTUS on mass shooting in US schools

May 25, 2022

Dear POTUS,?

As a teacher of thousands of children going to schools in various parts of the US, my thoughts and prayers go to the families who lost their children in the shooting at Robb Elementary School, Uvalde, Texas. No words will ever be enough to ease the pain of their loss. Every step that we take here onward will be a tribute to those who lost their lives.?

Mr. President, there are countries in the world that are, unfortunately, afflicted with crises such as terrorism, civil strife, communal riots, and more, leading to mass shootings, but even in those countries when parents send their children to schools, they do not fear for their life. On the other hand, the US, one of the safest places on the planet, is the only country where parents need to fear when their children leave for school. I am sure this fact should make everyone angry, including those in the gun lobby. Rationalization has its limits.

Mr. President, Japan has virtually eliminated shooting deaths in its country, thanks to the very strict gun laws. Anyone firing using a handgun in Japan is held accountable and punishable by 3 different crimes - for holding a handgun, possessing bullets, and firing.?

In the US, however, the right of people to keep and bear arms is granted and protected by the second amendment. Unfortunately, this British-era amendment has become too strong to be contained. There are more guns in the US than people - 120 guns per 100 people.

There are a number of measures recommended by experts - passing stricter gun laws; preparing every school in the country to handle such incidents better; ensuring better mental health, wellness, and counseling of students with priority.?

But, the following three specific measures that I propose will have faster and more effective outcomes.

1. Increase the age to license firearms from 18 to 21. This way those who possess and operate guns are, at least, a few more years away from school. It will reduce the chances of them looking back at schools.?
2. Mandate that Extreme Risk Protection Order Law (ERPO) that allows family, household members, and police to obtain a court order when there is demonstrated evidence that a person poses a significant danger is passed in each state in the US. This way firearms could be quickly confiscated, averting disasters, and saving lives.
3. Hold friends, family members, and relatives of the culprit accountable if they are found guilty and lacking in their duty, such as lending firearms, not ensuring safe storage of arms in their homes, or not using ERPO when the signs were clear.??

Praying that such incidents never occur again. Hoping to see a time when the minds of US parents are free from fear when sending their children to school.??

Best Regards,

Prof Ved

Chief Education Officer,

Vedx, Delaware, US

www.vedx.us