In recent days ordinary citizens have shown extraordinary courage; the teachers who risked their lives to save their students, the children who helped others before themselves, the parent who so eloquently spoke about his daughter and asked us to not let this incident define us as a people, the responders who in spite of horrific circumstances continued to do their jobs. These people stepped forward.
Now is the time for the rest of us to do the same.
If you support a total ban on gun ownership, then step forward and find common ground with gun owners where meaningful progress can be made. Step forward, without judgment, but try for understanding of how they feel. Step forward.
If you believe that there should be no restrictions on gun ownership including military type weapons, then step forward and try to understand those against such weapons. Step forward and find common ground. Step forward.
Elected officials? In some cases your job will be in jeopardy if you try to find common ground with those that hold views opposite from those of your voters that elected you. The powerful NRA can and will ruin careers. Step forward anyway.
Longtime friends might shun those that step forward. Step forward anyway.
We need meaningful dialogue, not spurious arguments, tired slogans, and name calling. There will be common ground, but it will take courage to find it.
Find that courage. Step forward.
