Andrew Pollack's clarity of focus on improving school safety has helped keep everyone on track.
After the tragic loss of his daughter in the Florida School Shooting (where 17 people lost their lives and many others were injured), I have seen one interviewer after another try to lead him down the garden path and make the issue about gun control instead of school safety. But time and time again, Andrew has shown the clarity of his focus and bought them (sometimes shamed them) back to the issue at hand - School Safety.
It is a unique talent. I do not know if I could have done it on my best days - little lone if I had just suffered the tragic loss of a child. And it has delivered results.
On Friday, Gov Rick Scott signed a bill that:
- creates new mental health programs
- establishes an anonymous tip line for reporting threats
- improves communication between schools, law enforcement and state agencies
- raises the minimum age to buy rifles from 18 to 21,
- extends a three-day waiting period for handgun purchases to include long guns
- bans bump stocks, which allow guns to mimic fully automatic fire
- creates a guardian program enabling some teachers and other school employees to carry guns.
This was no small feat when you consider the established interest groups that were only to keen to hijack the tragedy for the benefit of their cause - whether it be the NRA or Gun Control groups.
Kudos to Gov Rick Scott and the Florida legislature who listened to the families of the victims and the broader community and worked together to deliver school safety for the state. I am sure it was not easy and it involved a lot of compromise. The Chicago Tribune gives an example of some compromises:
Scott, who said he is an NRA member and will continue to be one, said he is still "not persuaded" about the guardian program that will let districts authorize staff members to carry handguns if they complete law enforcement training. It is not mandatory.
The bill fell short of achieving the ban on assault-style weapons sought
I hope President Trump and the Congress learn from the Florida example because the legislation includes many of the items I felt Trump could get done federally. I am sure Andrew Pollack and other family members of the Florida School Shooting victims will be there urging them forward.
Lets hope they succeed.
Lets recognize the incredible strength been shown by Andrew Pollack and the family members of victims.
Dood news...& great post..i really love guns..thanks for sharing..dear @ozphil
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