I join in mourning the senseless loss of 19 children and two teachers who were killed yesterday in Uvalde, Texas. There is a huge sense of helplessness and frustration among many that given the current state of the body politic in this country nothing will be done, either with respect to a ban on assault weapons or the proper funding of mental health services and the removal of the associated stigma on those who suffer. If we are to remain citizens in a democracy we must overcome these feelings of helplessness and frustration and take actions--even if the impact of such actions takes years to be felt. In 1867 John Stuart Mill gave an address at the University of St. Andrews in which he said: "Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends than that good men should look on and do nothing." I do not and have never owned a gun. The second amendment of our Constitution states that I have the right to 'keep and bear arms,' but I choose not to. I suppose that makes me 'woke' but it started long before that term came into vogue--likely as a result of my father having seen enough of guns and carnage during his service in World War II and hoping, in vain as it turns out, that his children and grandchildren might live in a better world than the one in which he did. What can we as individuals do to change the frustrating course on which we find ourselves? Obviously, not provide political, social or financial support to those who refuse to reach compromises that make these issues at least incrementally better--that applies to those on both the 'right' and the 'left.' There are states that will not allow financial firms that will not provide financing to firms that produce assault weapons or to people who purchase them to underwrite municipal bonds in their states. You do not have to hold the municipal bonds of such states or subdivisions thereof in your portfolio and you can write to the investment advisors of your pension or 401K account and encourage them not to hold such securities either. You can decide whether you will patronize those institutions that sell such weapons or provide such financing. None of this will bring back all the lives that have been senselessly lost but eventually we may get to a better place. It is not clear to me how we can live with ourselves if we do not continue to try. As ever, the above are an expression of personal opinion.
John, as always you are thoughtful, poignant and on the mark. I will reach out to my financial advisors and do exactly as you suggest. I also have family members that provide service to our country, but now and in historic military actions. I have family members that own guns for personal protection and family members that hunt. None believe that the atrocities that occur far too often in this country should continue to be allowed to occur without action to end this senseless horror.
John Thank you for your expression of mourning and frustration. This senseless killing will not stop unless together , left and right, demand our so called " leadership" to ban the useless sale of automatic weapons . As a supporter of the second amendment and card carrying owner of a shotgun, assault weapons are not for "sport" but for maiming and killing people! We must demand change. Thanks again for your thoughtful words. Dave
Spot on John. Thank you for having the courage to share your sensible perspective. How about everyone calling their Representatives and Senators asking for legislation requiring background checks? Nothing more. It won’t eliminate all of these senseless tragedies but it might save a life and will at least demonstrate that we can take sensible actions to reduce these horrific events from occurring! If they disagree, ask what Senator Murphy said yesterday. Why are you in these roles?
Thank you. I’ve been exchanging emails with friends much of the day discussing what we can do. My view is that nothing short of reinstating an assault weapons ban will make enough of a difference. As you learn of the many non-trivial ESG ways the business world can act in the interim please keep sharing them. Happy to attend meetings on this subject.
John, thanks for this thoughtful post. I hope more people take small actions such as the ones you suggested. It is a uniquely American tragedy that we have had to repeatedly and helplessly watch tiny children gunned down in their classrooms. No it is not just about mental illness. Mental illness happens globally, innocent children don't die in classrooms anywhere like in the United States.
Well said John. It seems $$ is the only thing that matters- to the politicians and manufacturers. I blame both. 90% of the country agrees with background checks!
Good on you John. Well stated. Doing nothing at all is not an option.
Thank you John. Extremely well said.
Chief Credit & Market Risk Officer at NAB
1yJohn, thoughtful comments as always. From so far away ‘down under’ it is difficult and probably unfair to comment, but as my country and yours share so much history, fellowship and similar values, I frankly find it incomprehensible that your national leaders are unable or unwilling to do anything about it. Such a tragedy for the families involved