After the recent attack at Orlando's Pulse nightclub, it's clearer than ever that we need more than thoughts and prayers from our elected leaders when it comes to gun safety. As a retired soldier and mother of two, I expect action from my elected leaders when it comes to common-sense proposals that will protect my family.
No one law will stop every crime, but there's no excuse for our Congress to drag its feet on closing dangerous loopholes in our current gun laws. Right now, for instance, these loopholes make it possible for people to legally buy a gun despite being a suspected terrorist.
In the wake of the shooting in Orlando, our Congress has the chance to act on proposals that would close this dangerous gap — and a chance to require criminal background checks on all gun sales.
I am asking our Maryland senators to stand up to the gun lobby and stand up for the safety of families like mine. Across the country, a growing movement of mothers and other people are doing the same thing. There is one reason we in the U.S. have 20 times more mass shootings than any other developed country in the world: because we make it far too easy for dangerous people and criminals to get their hands on guns.
As a volunteer with the Maryland state chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, this is critically important to me.
Moms are letting our leaders know that we're watching. They have an opportunity to stand up for our safety, and if they won't, we'll find someone who will.
Bridget McCullough
Mount Airy
