Missouri 'stand your ground' bill is dangerous

[SecularMotion]

Nearly 3 1/2 years ago, I found myself on a path I did not choose, fighting a battle I did not start, advocating to change dangerous gun laws I never knew existed.

My son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed at a Jacksonville, Fla., gas station on Nov. 23, 2012, in what has been deemed the nation’s “loud music case.” My son died senselessly, shot by a man empowered by lax gun policies — like SB 656, currently being considered in the Missouri Legislature — that encourage armed vigilantism by ordinary citizens. In that moment when Jordan was shot and killed, I became a member of the club that no one wants to join.

Each time I learn of another shooting and each time I meet another family that has been torn apart by gun violence, I’m brought back to the heartache, the tears and the sorrow, which never go away. And I’m reminded once again of the phone call I received about my son’s death. Too many other mothers and fathers have received that same phone call. It’s every parent’s worst fear.

And each time I learn about another legislature putting special interests ahead of public safety, each time I learn about another bill — like SB 656, which encourages individuals to shoot first and ask questions later — I’m brought back to the reasons why I have dedicated my life to advocating for sensible gun laws. And I am reminded of why my fight for Jordan is never over.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/missouri-stand-your-ground-bill-is-dangerous/article_99deb23c-0bbb-5c52-b526-4a4e1ed09d52.html