We have an unprecedented public heath epidemic decimating our citizens. Ninety-three are dying each day from this scourge and another 222 are shot but survive adding up to an horrific 33, 945 people dying each year and another 81,030 injured.

Just imagine if we had that number of deaths from a virus, medication, or any other reason. It would be declared a pandemic - an unprecedented emergency. This threat far outweighs any fear of radical Islamic terrorism to our country. We’re killing ourselves and destroying our own country.

Rather than trying to find a solution, we’ve gone to our separate corners and dug in our heels, not listening to each other. We get in our defensive mode and plan our brilliant responses. It’s become a contest – who will win? No one will win. But our children, veterans, ordinary citizens, and our country will surely lose if we don’t find an answer now!

The majority of Americans favor reasonable gun control ideas but Congress is swayed by the money and influence of the NRA and will do nothing. We the people must say enough is enough! We call the shots - not big money.

Both Republicans and Democrats must know that we can’t allow this epidemic to continue unabated. When people at a country music concert can be shot by a sniper with automatic military-style weapons, from a room high in a hotel, like fish in a bowl, this is unacceptable.

Please attend the “Gun Violence Policy; Beyond the Rhetoric” civil dialogue workshop on October 23, 6-8:30 p.m. at The Fountains UMC, 15300 Fountain Hills Blvd. Experts will guide us in techniques for communicating civilly and really hearing what the other side is saying. Let’s at least try to find a mutually acceptable solution.

We need to talk!