Message from Dean Cheryl Healton: Speaking Against Gun Violence

February 23, 2018
Feispic Twitter post

Dean Healton Speaks Out Against Gun Violence

Picture above: Hero’s Welcome, Pia Guerra, Twitter

February 23, 2018

Dear Colleagues:

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit our colleagues at the Boston University School of Public Health to speak about how we might apply lessons learned from the Master Settlement Agreement with Big Tobacco to other industries, addressing epidemics from obesity to opioids to gun violence. 

My talk began at 4:30 p.m., just as the news was being reported that there was another mass shooting, this time in Parkland, Florida, which claimed the lives of 17 students and teachers.  Another mass shooting in another school by a young student with mental health problems and an AR-15 – the same lethal semi-automatic rifle of choice used at Sandy Hook, Aurora, San Bernardino, Santa Monica and Orlando.  

Any 18-year-old without a criminal record can purchase an AR-15 with no waiting period.  You have to be 21 to rent a car or have a glass of wine with dinner, but at 18 you can buy and use an assault weapon.  It makes no sense.

But as the Parkland students who survived are now demonstrating – they can mobilize, they can raise their voices, and they can vote.

Many of us in this field have argued for years that gun violence should be treated as a public health epidemic.  I won’t rehash that debate here – we know it and we likely all agree.

Masked by what appears to be yet another school shooting with no meaningful response from our legislatures, I see something familiar and exhilarating happening this time.  I see high school students becoming activists, telling truth to power and inspiring their peers to get smart and act.  It is too early to say for sure, but this time feels different.  

I’ve seen firsthand what young activists can do to bring an epidemic to its knees, and it’s a wonder to behold.  But it takes a lot of support – they can’t do it alone. 

What can we do? Support these young people in every way possible.  None of us adults have been successful at loosening the NRA’s stranglehold on our elected officials, so let’s give these teens a turn. We can support them by joining the March for Our Lives in cities across the country next month.

In closing, many of you know that I’m a proud Canadian.  I’ve also been very moved this week by their keen perspectives.  First by the cartoon (above), drawn by an artist in Vancouver, that has since gone viral this week on social media.  Simply titled Hero’s Welcome, the image and message couldn’t be more powerful.  

And finally, many cousins of mine reside in Canada – and one submitted this editorial to the New York Times in response to the shooting in Florida.  
I conclude this week with his heartfelt words.

My Dear American Friends:

Hi, I'm your neighbour, living across the border to the North.  I heard about your latest school shooting.  I was saddened, greatly, by the news. 

I'm worried about you all.  A lot of us are; many talk about not visiting you as often.  What can you really do?  

Ah, maybe you can't think clearly; it’s too raw or you’re too close in. We all have similar problems but, America, you cling too much to one thing. 

I have a suggestion - from a friend.  And I guarantee it will save a life. Remember the 'Knotted Gun' and lay down your arms. That's it. Give up the guns in your homes.  Take them down to the recycle depot and demand they be used for anything but a gun.  Let them become, oh, I don't know, tables and chairs, or pruning hooks, anything but.

My American friends, we can't wait for the politicians - another sadness of mine.  A job fuelled by power and prestige makes too many impotent to enact laws for the common good.  Call for action, yes, but take action, too.  Lay down your weapons.

A friend  

 

Cheryl's sig

Cheryl G. Healton, DrPH
Dean