We’ll come right to the point.
1. Call your U.S. Senators and ask DEMAND that they confirm Steve Dettelbach, President Biden’s nominee to lead the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). His hearing starts Wednesday, May 25, at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
2. Also ask DEMAND that your Senator work to pass the federal law on universal background checks that you and 90 percent of your fellow citizens want. Then, set yourself a reminder to call again next week. And the week after that. And the week after that.
3. VOTE. Vote as if gun violence prevention in this country depended on you. Because from now on, it does. If you live near San Diego, consult our GVP Voter Guide. Candidates need to know that you care about this.
4. Also if you live near San Diego, attend a candlelight vigil at Waterfront Park on Wednesday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m. Bring candles, wear a mask and stick together.
5. California legislators have advanced a number of gun-safety bills out of their committees. These life-saving bills now head to the California House and Senate floors. Call your California Assemblymember and Senator, or sign Brady’s email petition to tell them to vote YES on four important bills.
6. In the half-hour that I’ve been writing this, three new volunteers have signed up to work with us — staffing tables, attending community events and generally making it known that they want to help end gun violence. You can be volunteer number four today.
7. We meet every month. Join us for our annual Wear Orange/Gun Violence Awareness event on Saturday, June 11, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. Contact us at sd4gvp@gmail.com for details. Come and see what the movement to end gun violence in San Diego looks like. We think you’ll want to get involved even more.
Finally, “for God’s sake,” as President Biden said at least five times tonight — DON’T JUST SIT THERE. Too many people have been doing that for too long. This is our open invitation for you to not be one of them anymore.
John White is a volunteer with SD4GVP.