Philadelphia is in a state of shock as we deal with the latest barrage of gun violence plaguing our city. There is no doubt that we have a problem that has eaten away at the very fabric of this city for the better part of my teenage and adult life.
Twenty years ago, after a cousin and several friends were murdered, I founded the organization PeaceNotGuns as a way to help prevent the hideous wickedness that gun violence brings to families and neighborhoods.
How often have I asked myself, who are the people who bring guns into our neighborhoods? Who are these gun dealers? I can't help but think about the many people who are dead, imprisoned, or in wheelchairs.
We have to do something more. I refuse to let this great city and my district be known more for bloodshed than for its history and culture, its renowned universities and world-class institutions.
I believe that the state legislature is misguided. There are people in Harrisburg backing a bill (House Bill 1523) that would effectively impose heavy financial penalties on municipalities and counties that adopt or enforce reasonable regulations of firearms.
In response, I introduced a Council resolution this week urging the House Judiciary Committee to reject H.B. 1523, so that Philadelphia can continue its efforts to regulate firearms for the health, safety, and welfare of its people.
I am also in the process of organizing the PeaceNotGuns Task Force, to help curb gun violence throughout the city.
I will employ the help of the Department of Human Services, Family Court, the Philadelphia School District, and various community leaders to address youth gun violence. This epidemic speaks to more than just our city, but to a lost generation. How can children be our future, if they can't live to see it?
No one person, or legislature, or organization can solve this problem. An entire community must work together to take control of gun control.
We could go with more legislation and restrictions. That approach would be politically convenient and psychologically satisfying - especially after the violent month of January. But is that really the answer?
