Submitted by Dr. Stephanie Paulmeno, CEO: Global Health Systems Consultants
I watched the news this weekend as I normally do, and I could not help but respond to the sentiment being expressed on channel after channel that, because of the very wrong and despicable threat on the life of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, that IMMEDIATE action must be taken to enact laws to protect this group of people. Senator Mitch McConnell immediately called for this, which indicates that such swift action flying through the House and Senate is indeed feasible and would and should be bipartisan.
This caused me to wonder, however; are the lives and safety of our children, our seniors, and people living across the U.S. less important or of lesser value than the life of Brett Kavanaugh or any justice or judge regardless of their political affinity? I most vehemently think not, as should, I propose, any of our elected or appointed lawmakers.
I feel that if a truly comprehensive and protective law was created and passed through both the House and Senate to protect Kavanaugh and other judges before an effective law to do the same to prevent gun deaths and the mass shootings of our children and others, this would be a national disgrace of the highest order.
My comments are not intended as a political statement, but rather as an apolitical statement looking only at why this one group of bipartisan privileged people’s lives are of greater worth than those of our beloved and voiceless children who also represent bipartisan families.
In 2022 alone, there have been 96 incidents of gunfire on school grounds resulting in 40 deaths and 78 injuries. As of June 1, 2022 a total of 686 children have died from gun violence, and 1,700 more have been injured by gunshot.
I propose that our children and citizenry deserve protection before those who make, influence & rule on our laws. I proposed that a bipartisan law with meaningful changes such as those that were included in the House bill be passed into law before any laws to protect legislators or justices, because the safety of our children must reign supreme.
Since writing that piece on Sunday morning, a grossly watered-down version of the House bill has been approved by the Senate. I’m proud of the legislators on both sides of the aisle who were able to move us baby-steps closer to something meaningful, but this compromise bill is a pathetic ghost of the changes needed.
Let’s see if Congress’ efforts to protect judges and justices is equally pitiful and impotent.