As the country reels from the attempted assassination of former President Trump, the debate over gun control intensifies, further polarizing an already divided nation. EL’ona Kearney, a gubernatorial candidate campaigning on the platform of Removing Labels since 2023, seeks to address this issue from a different angle. As a Democrat, NRA member, and veteran, Kearney believes that the focus should be on mental health rather than the superficial dichotomy of gun control vs. gun rights.
"Rather than uniting on issues, we are being divided by our differences," Kearney asserts. "We all want safe communities and better people, but our discussions are disingenuous, placing the burden on responsible gun owners for the actions of those who disregard consequences." She highlights that countries with stringent gun laws, like Brazil, Mexico, and India, had an increase in gun violence, suggesting that guns are not the sole common denominator in these tragedies.
Kearney’s campaign emphasizes mental health as the root issue. The common thread in many violent incidents is not the weapon used but the mental state of the individuals involved—often marked by bullying, fear, and lack of support. By providing better mental health resources and support systems, Kearney argues that we can address the underlying issues that lead to gun violence.
Kearney holds both political parties accountable for contributing to the polarization and misinformation that fuel extremism. She argues that when votes are not genuinely earned through honest engagement, the voices of the people are effectively silenced. She notes that labeling opponents as racist, or pedophiles if they vote for a candidate only deepens divisions and endangers lives. "Both parties scream that the other is taking away your democracy while working together to undermine it, putting everyday people's lives in danger," she says.
In the wake of the recent assassination attempt on Trump, Kearney points out that the continued spread of hateful rhetoric and misinformation by media figures and politicians only exacerbates the problem. She calls for a unified approach to addressing mental health and responsible gun ownership, urging leaders and citizens alike to move beyond divisive labels and work towards real solutions for a safer, more inclusive society.
About EL'ona Kearney:
EL'ona Kearney is a dedicated community advocate, military intelligence veteran, wife of a union worker, and gubernatorial candidate committed to unifying communities and removing harmful labels. Her campaign focuses on truth, transparency, and addressing mental health, unhoused, and reduced recidivism.
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