Hartzler: Put focus on violence, mental illness, not guns

In the wake of the tragic Newtown, Conn., school shooting, we have heard renewed calls from gun-control advocates for more restrictions on Americans’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. These pleas, some coming from the president of the United States, are filled with the emotion and passion that can only come following a senseless tragedy of the magnitude of Newtown. But we must ensure that any actions we take will actually reduce violence against our children in a meaningful way.

As a former public school teacher and a mother, my heart goes out to the families of those innocent young lives taken much too soon. I can hardly imagine the grief and sorrow they are experiencing, and I pray no parents, brothers or sisters will have to bear this burden in the future. We must take on the reckless excess of violence with actions that will truly help protect our children and grandchildren.

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