Just a short note to remind folks that Thursday December 14th is the ninth anniversary of the mass murder of children at the Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.

Much like when we heard the news of JFK’s murder, I know exactly where I was when the news came out. I was on my way to do a little Christmas shopping with my wife. I pulled the car to the curb and listen to the story in shock. Then we both teared up.

I said to her, “Maybe this is the one that will move enough politicians finally ban these assault rifles and weapons of war in our society.” We then called our daughter. Our grandson is about that age. We shared a brief cry.

We sent some emails to our senators and congress members. I can’t forget Grassley’s response. Two pages to say “I really don’t care. – blah, blah, blah – gun rights – blah, blah, blah.” 

Thanks in great part to the cowardice of gutless politicians like Grassley our children are still targets in what should be a safe place – their schools. Had those children lived they would have been about the age of the children that were murdered in Oxford, Michigan a week ago. 

I hope you will join me in putting Grassley out to pasture. I hope you will support the full second amendment that includes the phrase that “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State.” There is no need for citizens to be armed with weapons of war.

For the memory of those who died at Sandy Hook, please this year, vote for candidates who will join the effort to put this insanity behind us forever. 

My eyes are tearing up even as I write.

Even Ronald Reagan knew an armed society was “ridiculous.”