Caffeinated Politics

One of Madison’s sound public voices and civic-minded citizens posted a thoughtful and needed statement on Next Door about what can be done to curtail gun violence. Nino Amato wrote what I think every person who cares about this horrific social ill should take the time to read. After his posting, I show from just one day in November why the fight for gun control must be waged with more vigor.

Gun violence is not just about individual acts of rage—it’s a public health epidemic that is killing and traumatizing our children, families, and communities. While each act of violence is complex, the collective impact is devastating—and it demands bold, compassionate, and common-sense action from our school district boards, state legislators, and community leaders.

This is what our elected officials can do—if they show leadership:

• Invest in proven violence-prevention and intervention programs, such as Red Flag Laws.

• Expand access to mental health care in our communities and fund crisis intervention programs in our public high schools.

• Adopt common-sense firearm safety measures—including background checks, waiting periods, secure storage requirements, and prohibiting gun sales to convicted domestic abusers.

• Break the cycle of violence in at-risk neighborhoods by creating youth job programs and expanding economic development opportunities for local businesses.

• Eliminate special legal protections for gun manufacturers and violent video game companies—allowing citizens to file civil suits. At the same time, promote empathy, respect, and civil discourse education in our K–12 schools to change the cultural norms that normalize gun violence.

This is not a cure-all list of solutions—but it is a critical first step toward reducing this epidemic. Real change will only happen when we elect leaders in 2026 who have the courage to stand up to special interests and put public safety above politics.

So let’s raise our voices, organize our communities, and demand common-sense action, accountability, and compassion—because every life lost to gun violence is one too many.

Vote for those candidates in 2026 who value lives over gun manufacturers and lobbyists, children over campaign donations, and public safety over silence and thoughts and prayer dogma.

I wish to underscore the wisdom found in Amato’s words by looking at one day of gun carnage in our land. November 15th. Just a couple of weeks ago. I could have pulled any day from the 365 each year to make the point that what is happening to our communities, and our nation’s children from gun violence simply must stop. Below is what I grabbed from a Google internet search. I want to stress that these were not the only shootings, but the mass shootings, generally defined as incidents in which at least four victims have been shot and either injured or killed, not including any shooter involved.

In Newark, N.J., gunfire killed a 10-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man, and a 21-year-old woman on a street corner; an 11-year-old boy and a 60-year-old man were wounded.

In Mantee, Miss., gunfire broke out at a commercial bonfire event, and five people — including a 14-year-old — were wounded.

In Las Cruces, N.M., a 16-year-old boy was arrested for shooting up a house party, killing a 21-year-old man and wounding three teens.

In Carbondale, Kan., a 22-year-old suspect in a domestic violence episode shot and wounded four police officers who responded to the call as well as his grandfather. Police shot and killed the suspect.

We simply must push every button and use every avenue available to us in our efforts to stop gun violence. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.