Today’s letter honoring the 21 people — 19 of them children — killed in the Uvalde school massacre is written in memory and in honor of Jackie Cazares, age 10. Her cousin, Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, was also killed that fateful day.
My argument today is a short one. The letter is 144 words long and it focuses on the well regulated militia phrase in the Second Amendment. Here’s the heart of what I said:
That concept, that militia idea, is out of control in homes and communities across this county and here in Michigan. It is brutally apparent that this well regulated militia is not well regulated and is, in fact, responsible for suicides, domestic violence killings, and, yes, school massacres.
How ever did we get to the point in this country where assault weapons, body armor, and military vehicles are part and parcel of policing in our communities? Why have we looked the other way as the NRA has sold millions of firearms to people, mostly male, caught up in fear and sold a bills of goods that a weapon (or 10 or 50) in their homes will keep them “safe.”
Putting that aside, I look at this precious photo of Jackie in her First Communion white. God rest her soul.
And may God give us, as a people, the strength to do something.
I’m writing as a part of Project 21 — 21 letters to honor 21 lives.