From CeaseFirePA (http://www.ceasefirepa.org):
We’re raising a generation in a warzone. That’s the stunning finding from our new survey: about half of Pittsburgh youth has witnessed gun violence. 1
That toll is one of blood and tears and families torn apart forever. And it’s not just in Pittsburgh. The findings match a similar survey we conducted in Philadelphia–and match what we know is happening in other cities across Pennsylvania.
And they called out many elected officials for doing nothing about it. Go to https://act.ceasefirepa.org/a/youthsurvey to join them by signing our petition demanding the General Assembly act to put kids first.
We heard the same story when sitting down with a dozen teenagers in West Philadelphia. They talked about trying to save enough for a car, so they didn’t have to walk anymore and risk being shot in the street. Staying indoors during a beautiful summer day because they wanted to make sure they made it to next summer. And, each of them lost a close friend to gun violence.
It starts with sadness. And then comes the anger.
They’ve watched the Republican leadership blame kids and blame culture. Anything short of taking responsibility for the simple fact that legislators’ refuse to act made this situation inevitable.
We don’t believe it as a matter of faith. We know it is true because we’ve seen it work elsewhere. Securing guns will ensure a kid can’t grab a gun and unintentionally shoot a friend. Going after the handful of gun dealers flooding communities with crime guns, will prevent the next shooting.
Before CeaseFirePA conducts the next survey, we must force legislators to act. And give kids hope that they might no longer live in a warzone. Together,we can create a safer future for our children.
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