To: The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, and President Donald Trump

Take Responsibility for the Death of Children

We have a number of problems:
1. Background checks that either don't happen or fail to identify future problems.
2. Individuals and gun shows selling guns without background checks.
3. An overloaded F.B.I. that can't keep up with the reports of suspected "at risk" individuals.
4. We need to severely limit the 'type' of gun that anyone can buy.
5. Stop pretending that arming teachers isn't a poorly thought out excuse for not enacting gun controls.
6. Don't just waste money on metal detectors and more school security. They are deterrents, but they won't stop a would-be assassin with a weapon and an urge to kill.
7. Stop blaming the mentally ill. There is a huge difference between someone who is truly mentally ill and someone who snaps under pressure. You can't assume who will be the next perpetrator of gun violence.
Prayers and messages of love don't bring back the dead, but 'real' action can save future lives.

Why is this important?

I have been an educator and worked with young people all of my life. There are no words to express my feelings about this slaughter.