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The “Boulder Bubble” has Burst.

March 22, 2021-another horrific day of senseless violence that didn’t need to happen. And this time, it occurred in the community that I have called home for the past 20 years. I’m shocked, sad and upset but mostly I’m angry. Once again, this was a direct result of someone with mental health issues who was allowed to purchase an assault weapon.

We don’t have any more information at this point in time as to why this shooter chose the grocery store in Boulder or why his family did not get him the help that he clearly needed -and we may never have the answers. We do now know that he passed the background check at the shop where he purchased the gun, which confirms for me that the background check is not thorough, accurate or at all effective.

The end result is that the lives of 10 innocent people are gone and their families are shattered. And the Boulder community will never be the same.

Boulder has always been considered a safe community- an idyllic, scenic “college town” with great hiking, biking and all things outdoor. The “Boulder Bubble” has it’s share of increasing challenges that we see all over the country and have come to expect-homeless problems, expensive housing, increasing traffic issues and ongoing construction. But for the most part, the residents felt safe. In the 20 years we have lived there, I have always felt safe. I have been to the grocery store where the tragedy occurred on occasion and never once looked over my shoulder or was concerned for my safety. But now, the Boulder Bubble has burst and I feel differently.

And that’s part of my anger-I shouldn’t have to feel concerned for my safety or for the safety of my family and friends and yet, this one put me on notice. It made me realize even more how your life can change in a split second, even when you are at the grocery store, or at school or at a dance club.

I’m angry because as these senseless tragedies continue to occur all over the country, NOTHING EVER CHANGES.

Not after Columbine, Sandy Hook, Aurora, Parkland, etc.-the list goes on and on-NOTHING CHANGED.

I’m angry because some people in our country feel that the Second Amendment allows for everyday citizens to carry assault weapons. There is NO reason that a citizen needs an assault weapon..ever.

Yet I realize that my anger alone does not lead to a positive outcome. So, what do we do about it?

I want to feel safe again in my community and in our country so it’s time I did more to help.

Here’s what I’m doing to get more involved:

I am supporting groups such as Everytown for Gun Safety www.everytown.org

I will attend live events for gun control once it is safe to do so. I will attend upcoming virtual events as well.

I will continue to send messages and letters to our senators and Congressmen/women urging them to sign gun control laws.

I will educate myself more about ways to help people with mental health issues.

And I will stay strong, as part of the Boulder community.

What will you do?