Mark White accidentally swallowed his dog whistle with his latest piece in the Daily Memphian. Claiming there is a “disease of undisciplined youth” in Memphis highlights a fundamental issue within our legislature. Tennessee Republicans have overlooked the core responsibility of their positions.
Read MoreBefore an earthquake, massive amounts of pressure build up over the span of years. When the pressure becomes too great it overcomes the natural friction of the tectonic plates holding things in place. What happens next varies - sometimes it just jostles the furniture; other times, it will make the Mississippi run backwards and permanently alter the landscape.
Read MoreMost victims of gun violence survive their assaults. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are left with life-altering injuries and grossly inadequate support to help them move forward. First, according to the Memphis Crime Commission, there is a disturbing increase in the rate of violent crime in Shelby County/Memphis. The murder rate has rightfully gotten a lot of attention. Unfortunately, this only tells part of the story. Left out is the ongoing damage for those that survive.
Read MoreMoms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America work to prevent gun violence. Moms filed an Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag) bill in the TN General Assembly earlier in 2021. 19 states and DC have enacted ERPOs, most since 2018 following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting in Florida. Legislators in those states understood that perpetrators without guns cannot easily kill.
Read MoreEvery week I sit with a group of leaders and law enforcement officials from around our community to discuss the shootings in our city the prior week. We look at each case, each victim, each life forever altered by gun violence. We methodically go through every precinct, every shooting, every injury, every hospital admission, every death. And while we look for patterns, connections, ways to help, ways to serve our heartbroken community, every week it becomes more and more clear - we are fighting not just the COVID-19 pandemic, but a pandemic of gun violence as well.
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