To the Editor:
In America, one out of three homes with children has a gun, and nearly 1.7 million children live in a home with a loaded, unlocked gun. Every year thousands of kids are killed and injured as a result. The stunning truth is there are so many guns in the U.S. that toddlers fatally shoot more Americans than do terrorists.
Parents ask all sorts of questions before their children visit other homes. They ask about pets, internet access and hopefully supervision. The ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Campaign encourages parents to add one more question to this conversation: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?” It’s a simple question, but it has the power to save a child’s life. Every parent cares about the safety of their children. The ASK Campaign has successfully inspired 19 million households to ask if there are guns where their children play.
The ASK Campaign is a collaboration between the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the American Academy of Pediatrics. On June 21, organizations and individuals around the country will celebrate National ASK Day. Held annually on the first day of summer, a season when children spend more time in other homes, ASK Day reminds parents about the importance of ASKing if there are unlocked guns in the homes where their children play. To learn more, visit http://actions. bradycampaign.org
Then come see the film “Making a Killing, Guns, Greed and the NRA” on Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. at The Canticle, 841 13th Ave. N., Clinton. The film exposes how the powerful gun companies and the NRA are resisting responsible legislation for the sake of profit — and thereby putting people in danger.
For more information go to Clinton Franciscans.com.
Lori Freudenberg
Community Outreach Director