Firearm Safety Expo

What am I doing at a Firearm Safety Expo? Having consistently opposed the possession of guns, except as needed by government, law enforcement and hunters, I initially felt out of place at an event designed for manufactures to promote gun safety products. 

I was one of five members of Seventh Generation Interfaith, a socially responsible investing group, attending the Firearm Safety Expo at the Milwaukee Area Technical College on January 16, sponsored by Common Ground, Do Not Stand Idly By and several other local groups. As Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, and Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber spoke, it was clear that the purpose of this gathering of legislators, law enforcement, medical and health leaders and investors was to educate us about the emerging field of firearm-relate safety technologies in hopes of a future of far few suicides, accidental deaths and injuries caused by use or theft of firearms. 

I understood then that in the current political climate around gun control, this is an approach that is already gaining widespread support. The government is the largest purchaser of guns at 40%. Their united support for gun-safety technology, along with support from medical leaders and investors concerned about gun control, can push gun companies to engage in research and development on smart guns and other safety products. This is a good first step. 

Religious communities of women have already gained recognition for their wins on gun safety proposals, notably with a victory in convincing shareholder of American Outdoor Brands, formerly known as Smith & Wesson, to require the company to report on what it’s doing to advance gun safety. 

You never know what you might learn at a firearm safety expo.