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What can I do for gun reform? 5 steps you can take today

What can I do for gun reform? 5 steps you can take today

catherinemryan

I haven’t been quiet about commonsense gun reform on this blog. The mass shooting in Parkland, Florida two  weeks ago is heartbreaking—and, shockingly, commonplace in our country. It is appalling that there is so little political will to do anything about it. I find myself asking, what can I do for gun reform?

Chances are, you want tighter gun control too, as does most of the country. According to a poll taken on February 20:

  • 97% of Americans want universal background checks
  • 67% of Americans want a nationwide ban on assault-style rifles, like the one used in the Parkland shooting
  • 83% of Americans want a mandatory waiting period to buy a gun

Want to turn these commonsense reforms into reality? Still wondering what you can do for gun reform? Read on. Read more →

Spark a fire for gun reform: 4 things you can do to stop gun violence

catherinemryan

Days like yesterday, I just want to burn shit down.

I, like so many, woke up to news about dozens dead and hundreds injured after an angry man opened fire on a sea of strangers in Las Vegas. And then I went through what many of us have experienced so often before: Shock. Anger. Sadness. Frustration.

The terror, then grief, thrust upon hundreds is absolutely needless—and preventable. That’s why I am so furious: Because events like those in Las Vegas (and Orlando, and Sandy Hook, and San Bernadino, and Aurora, and many more) are predictable. They will keep happening—unless we as a country do something about it.

Inspirational quote: You can't start a fire without a spark. Actions to take to end gun violence. Ten Thousand Hour Mama Read more →

Do good every day: My New Year resolution

catherinemryan

“It’s so easy to dismiss the opportunity to do something good because you’re hoping to do something great.

Don’t wait. If you have something to give, give it now.”

—Mark Bezos, Ted Radio Hour, Giving It Away

I’m usually not huge into New Year’s resolutions—I prefer writing gratitude lists and making incremental changes that don’t overwhelm me (or disappoint when I don’t follow through). But in 2017, I wanted to do a kind of resolution that feels imperative: to do good every day.

Sure, I could resolve to exercise every day or cut out sugar or lose just enough weight so I feel comfortable in jeans again. But this year I need to put my values into action and make the world a little better.

Some New Year's resolutions can change the world. I'm resolving to do good every day. Ten Thousand Hour Mama Read more →

Feeling my Pulse

catherinemryan
Love Conquers Hate Pulse shooting
image from Human Rights Campaign

I’ve hesitated to write this post. It feels as if all the heartbreak, anger and confusion about the recent mass shooting of the Pulse night club in Orlando has already been better expressed than I could attempt. But I can’t get the Pulse shooting out of my mind. Read more →