Child Murder on Autopilot
May 19, 2018
I received an email from my daughter's school yesterday acknowledging the tragedy at a Texas high school where yet another student went on a shooting rampage, killing at least 8 people. The email referred to an attachment, which it noted was "the same one you received last time," about how to talk to children about tragedy. The tone was almost ho-hum, as if the school administrator just hit "resend" on the obligatory missive before taking off for the weekend.
She'll send the same attachment the next time a child with a gun murders other children, I suppose, and the next. Because the response to the Parkland shooting didn't change the game after all. Not yet, at least.
So what can we do? Don't despair. Change Congress. Actively support pro-gun control candidates in districts where they need the help. Help make sure the midterms are a referendum on guns and the NRA and this country's commitment to its children.
And then make a commitment to yourself. To speak up, not just about guns, but about everything that matters to you. Don't let the Sean Hannitys of the world be the only ones who get to pontificate.
There's a reason I work with women to help them embrace their power. Because if the vast majority of leaders in this country were women, we would not allow this kind of nonsense to continue. So stop being intimidated at work. Stop doubting yourself. Stop second guessing. The world needs you. And it needs you now. Embrace your empathetic warrior self, get in the game, and lead. Our children's lives depend on it.