The August Lunch on Common Sense Gun Reform was well attended and was followed by a lively discussion. Gun shootings and gun violence have become a public health problem. Brian Josephson, who is very well informed on current gun issues, spoke to our group. He was one of the organizers of the March for Our Lives Rally in Medford in 2018 that was attended by hundreds of people. He is the current campaign chairperson for the Young Democrats of Oregon.
Brian’s presentation covered many important gun issues including universal background checks and Red Flag Laws. He stated that gun deaths are not just a homicide issue but also a suicide issue. Oregon has a Red Flag law that has been used in many counties including Josephine County. (https://www.doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/victims-resources/other-resources/oregons-red-flag-law/)
But the main takeaway from the presentation was that young people are getting involved and organizing on the “gun issue” and have moved us forward to what is possible. Brian said we can now talk with ease about new ideas like red flag laws and background checks. And for the first time ever organizing is happening against the NRA as they have strayed away from their founding mission of Gun Safety.