When ‘just say no’ might just work

I agree with everything John Meyer said in his April 22 letter (“Congress Must Address Gun Violence”)—except for one statement: “ … they (Republicans in Congress) are the only ones who can do anything … ”

We must all act, including contacting your representatives to let them know you are fed up with gun violence and need them to act, too.

Fearing that message will continue to fall on the deaf ears and frozen hearts, however, I suggest we also follow the National Rifle Association’s (yes, the NRA!) gun safety program for children:

“Stop! Don’t touch — A firearm that is not touched or disturbed is unlikely to be fired and endanger a child or others.”

“Run away. This removes the temptation to touch a firearm as well as the danger that another person may negligently cause it to fire.”

Their essential message is that not touching, not accessing, not having a firearm is your best bet to stay safe from gun violence.

The first intervention in assisting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts with intent is to prevent access to firearms. Lock up the guns, make sure there is a safety lock on guns, separate ammunition from guns, and best of all, remove the guns altogether.

The single-most effective and immediate way to be safe from gun violence is to not have a gun.

Carol Hagen

Decorah, Iowa