Another mass shooting, this time in Maine, resulting in 18 dead and 13 more injured.  Innocent people murdered, while enjoying a night of bowling and socializing with family and friends in their small town.  Thousands more were locked down in their own homes, while authorities conducted a manhunt across southern Maine.  Like so many of these horrors, the perpetrator killed himself, ending days of shock and dread, but avoiding justice for the victims and the community.

Thoughts and prayers are not enough.  We have a huge problem in this country, one that has been growing across the decades and results in headlines and tragic outcomes.  Firearms of all types are easy to obtain.  Long wait times for accessing appointments for emotional and mental health counseling are common.  One’s ability to be resilient to significant, or even small, life changes is tested.  A resilient person can bounce back, and most do.  It’s those who can’t that need focus, assistance, and resources – health providers, law enforcement and the legal system, the faith community, work colleagues, family, and friends.  All can have a role in supporting those in crisis to get help.

Thoughts and prayers after someone shoots up a bar, a bowling alley, or a school may provide momentary solace, but will not solve the problem.  Existing gun laws, and new common sense gun laws, which will require legislation at every level of government, must be implemented and enforced.  Mental health counselors are leaving the profession because they are exhausted by the demands of the job and the lack of insurance company support for counseling services.  We need more, not fewer, trained professionals, to reduce the workload, and repair a broken health insurance system.  Social media and 24-hour news cycles bombard our devices with information that often doesn’t inform us; it just raises the boiling point and provides a platform for snarky anonymous attacks and more disinformation.  

Resolving the challenges is not easy; that’s already been proven.  Action is necessary, and both Congress and state legislatures need to act.  The new Virginia General Assembly members will take their seats in January, and constituents must demand action – common sense firearms laws, more investment in mental health services, and health insurance reform.  No more Maines, no more Sandy Hooks, no more Virginia Techs, no more!

Early in-person voting continues this week at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, and the Thomas Jefferson Branch Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd. in Falls Church.  Any registered voter in Fairfax County may cast an early ballot at these satellite locations: weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 4, from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.  Early in-person voting ends on November 4; if you have not voted by then, you may vote at your regular precinct polling place on Election Day, November 7, 2023, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Local elected officials make more decisions that affect your everyday life than at any other level of government.  VOTE!

Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.