Hi John

Americans are 25 times more likely to die from gun violence than residents in peer nations.

It is a sobering statistic that should drive us to make changes. But with NRA-backed politicians still controlling many of our state and federal offices, it is a number that is brushed aside as "rhetoric."

A few days ago, I sat next to one of Arizona's Republican state legislators at a March for Our Lives town hall. His message was that nothing will change in terms of gun safety measures because the solutions are too bold and not realistic.

My counter: We will and we must take bold action because if our peer nations can figure this out, if their governments can move swiftly in the face of mass shootings, so can we.

And if NRA-backed representatives, like Congressman David Schweikert, won't do the right thing now, we'll vote them out next year.

And when it came time to raise our hand if we support a ban on automatic weapons, I raised two hands. I got a little feisty because there is no time for hesitation or weak positions.

Today, we pray for the victims and the communities of Odessa and Midland, but we also offer action.

I won't stop fighting for immediate change and I hope you won't either.

-Anita

***I recommend you read and support the March for Our Lives Peace Plan and support Moms Demand Action's work on Universal Background Checks.