Monday, July 23, 2012

Stopping America's Killers



I have great sympathy and compassion for everyone in Colorado who lost someone on Friday. Twelve families had their lives turned upside-down, in the middle of the night, when they found out that a loved one had been shot and killed in, of all places, a movie theater. The victims ranged in age from 6 to 51. As a parent, I can't imagine how horrible it would be to lose a child.


But the movie theater shooting wasn't the only thing that happened on Friday. On the same day:

  • 21 Americans were killed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (primarily aspirin and ibuprofen).

    Source:
    Annals of Internal Medicine.

  • 38 Americans were killed by juvenile diabetes.

    So
    urce: Journal of the American Medical Association (vol 286: pp. 1195-1200).

So... instead of (or in addition to) speaking up with your views about gun control (or lack thereof), please take 60 seconds and give $5.00 to one of the following causes:
  1. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  2. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  3. American Lung Association Of The Upper Midwest
  4. Fisher Center For Alzheimer's Research Foundation
  5. Action on Smoking and Health
  6. Center for Science in the Public Interest
All of the above charities received 4 stars (out of 4) from Charity Navigator, indicating that they maximize the amount of money spent directly on the prevention of suffering, disease and death. If you can't decide, just roll a die (seriously).

While you're at it, please make an appointment to give bloodMore than 12,000 Americans will require a blood transfusion today.

I have several friends who died long before reaching old age. None of them were shot by a stranger in a movie theater. The Aurora shootings are horrific and headline-grabbing. But arguing about how James Holmes bought his guns and ammunition has little effect on the lives of everyday Americans.

I really do feel for the families in Colorado. But there are many more people that are suffering, and they need your help.

Thank you!

Clay

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