More Americans have died from gun violence since the Newtown massacre than have died in both the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. That's a fact. Look it up.
You want to change that? Keep reading.
Wayne LaPierre, the Pied Piper for Handguns Inc. (AKA the NRA) has famously claimed
The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun
.
It's easy to forget the fact that several of the victims of the Aurora massacre were active duty military. So what if the shooting scene was so chaotic their situational awareness was fatally compromised. It's probably for the best they weren't armed. How would the "good guys" in that scenario known who the "bad guy" was?
It's easy to forget the fact that during the shooting attack in Tucson where Gabby Giffords was injured and Dallas Green's granddaughter was murdered, it was a an unarmed old lady who wrestled the gun away from the shooter while he was trying to reload.
It's easy to forget the fact that the Fort Hood massacre happened on a military base where lots of people were armed. He still was able to kick the gun out of the hand of one wounded police officer because her weapon malfunctioned. The only reason she survived was his rifle jammed.
It's easy to forget that in this latest incident "good guys with guns" came rushing in only after Antoinette got the gunman to surrender his AK-47.
Have you forgotten that more Americans have died from gun violence since the Newtown massacre than died in BOTH the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq? I am sure I have mentioned that before. I mention it again, because some days it seems like the net is just one big rerun of Short Attention Span Theater.
So -- if you recall that fact, and you recall the facts that undermine LaPierre's crazy claim, but you are having trouble getting the people around to focus on reversing this problem, it is time we introduce them to the woman who single-handedly drove a stake through the heart of Loony LaPierre's crazy claim.
Antoinette Tuff, prevented a catastrophe because she stayed cool, calm, collected and compassionate. She prevailed by treating the gunman with compassion and by being empathetic. Critics will dismiss this and say "She was lucky." They are right, but it was no accident. Antoinette Tuff was lucky to receive the training in non-violent communication that served her so well in that moment of crisis. She was lucky she had the discipline to use her training.
Like most heroes, she eschews the praise and gives "the glory to God" rather than accept it for herself. That is what one would expect of a generous and humble spirit like Antoinette Tuff. But that is not enough. Her example challenges us to step up.
* We -- as a nation -- need to recognize that this woman is a finger pointing the way out of the darkness that engulfs us.
* We -- as a nation -- need to hold her up for all to see as a clear example of what we need to do.
* We -- as a nation -- need to exalt and honor this woman and her compassionate courage in a way that properly recognize this historic act.
Yes, she gets on the TeeVee. But that is just infotainment.
Yes, the president called her to thank her. But that is cheap political theater.
This exceptional woman has delivered the lives of children who would otherwise be dead right now. That is an enduring legacy that will ripple into the future for generations to come.
We -- as a nation -- need to deliver some form of recognition that is as exceptional and as enduring.
This is where you come in. We need to build a campaign with a single goal in mind:
Award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Antoinette Tuff for preventing a catastrophe
You need more information before you pull the trigger? Follow me....
If you follow This link to the White House, it will take you to the following petition:
We petition the Obama administration to:
Award the Presidential Citizens Medal to Antoinette Tuff of Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Atlanta, GA
On August 20, 2013, Antoinette Tuff calmly and bravely talked down a gunman who had made his way into the halls of Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, a Pre-K through 5th grade school. There is no way to know how many lives Ms. Tuff saved, but it is certain that she heroically averted what could have become another awful tragedy brought upon our nation's children by gun violence.
For this administration to continue its stand against gun violence, it must not only fight for gun control, but also honor its citizens who have found themselves in danger and stood resolute to protect our citizens, our children. Please, recognize Antoinette Tuff for the heroic citizen that she is, and allow her strength of character to stand as example for all the people of this nation. Thank you
If you want to help change the debate, go there, sign it, tell your friends and remind them to bring their friends. If we can't pull together 100,000 signatures from this site on this issue, then we really need to re-evaluate the effectiveness of this site.
Did I mention this woman single-handedly drove a stake through the heart of Wayne LaPierre's crazy claim "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun"? She did it by staying calm, cool, collected and compassionate. Unlike Wayne LaPierre, she didn't treat the guy like a thing. And that made all the difference. Now it's your turn.
Signing this petition and telling everyone we know to do the same is the best way to shine a bright light on this woman, her deeds, and a powerful alternative to the narrative of fear and violence that has gripped this nation.
You want more? Police came rushing in AFTER she got him to surrender his AK-47.