I WAS devastated to hear about the events last week in Uvalde in Texas in which 19 children and two teachers lost their lives; another school shooting that should never have happened. The fact that there have been 27 school shootings alone and over 200 mass shootings this year in the USA clearly demonstrates the dire need for gun control reform.
This was the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook in 2012. I remember the tragic events of Sandy Hook clearly. There is real anger that no lessons have been learned from this and it has been allowed to happen again. No one should fear going to work or school. Lessons must certainly be learned here and, although the White House has stated Biden can do little without Congress, action needs to be taken to prevent more innocent lives taken in such a tragic way.
The Dunblane massacre in 1996 prompted a change in UK legislation and tight firearm restrictions were introduced. Legislation such as this protects people. Guns, however, do not protect lives, they cost them. No other lives should be lost in this way.
My thoughts go out to all the families and communities affected by these events.
In other news, I would like to congratulate all of those who took part in the Edinburgh Marathon and Edinburgh Half Marathon at the weekend – it is a great effort and achievement for all. I am pleased the weather held out for the annual event and I am sure you all felt a huge sense of relief crossing the finish line. A huge thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for making this happen.
I am sure fellow gardeners were delighted with the weather too! However, a serious warning to all gardeners: gardening is dangerous!
For those of you who have seen me limping around at events, I had a fight with a hedge – and the hedge won. A few more weeks of physio and I will be back to my Olympic best – however, I won’t be running a marathon anytime soon!
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