OWNING A GUN OF ANY KIND IS A RESPONSIBILITY, AS ADULTS WE ARE HERE TO 'PROTECT' THE CHILDREN ... GUNS KILL ...

My life was blessed with two sons, Eddie and Jason.

Eddie was born May 1, 1968 - in 1999 Eddie became a father.

Jason was born July 28, 1973 -- in 1987, Jason became a handgun victim.

Jason was killed while playing at his Father's home. A 38 caliber handgun left loaded and accessible. We've all read the all to familiar stories in the newspapers.

Jason's father and I were divorced and Jason was left "alone" at his father's home where his stepmother collected handguns, and apparently left them loaded and unsecured. I've never dealt much with guns, I was a pacifist in the '60's, and never allowed my sons to play with "toy" guns! It just never occurred to me that my sons would be exposed to weapons elsewhere! I now warn every parent I meet, please ask the questions..."Do you have guns in your home, are they secured?

It has been 13 years now, (1987 to 2000), I've spoken to civic groups, been on national television (CNN). I made a PBS "safety announcement" about the "responsibility" of handguns in the home. I've demonstrated how you CAN secure the weapons in the home, I used a simple "padlock" and key in the trigger hole, its inexpensive and simple to use.

I joined Handgun Control, Inc., Georgian's Against Gun Violence (GAGV) and the Million Mom March (http://millionmommarch.com) to attempt to stop this madness.

I've begged, pled with and argued with the Georgia legislature about a "Bill" to protect children in Georgia and punish people who don't take gun ownership seriously... to no avail. The owner of the gun that killed my son was never punished or even reprimanded, and the guns are still there in her house, loaded and accessible to "anyone"...she, like many gun owners never think of the consequences of their carelessness.

I will continue my crusade to "educate" America about the RESPONSIBILITY of gun ownership, I will continue to HONOR Jason's memory by telling his story, and I will continue to PRAY that we stop killing our children with carelessness and ignorance.

My message to the world at large:

If you own guns, secure them with trigger locks, lock-boxes, put the ammunition somewhere else, GUNS KILL, don't let the next person who finds/uses your handgun be someone's CHILD, maybe even your own!!! TAKE THE TIME TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.

On Mother's Day, May 14,2000, President Clinton, Mrs. Clinton, Rosie O'Donnell and thousands of Mothers, Fathers...families will march in Washington DC to let some of the politicians that debate gun laws see the faces of those we have lost, and share the pain of losing a child, hopefully then Congress will act to protect the future children.

Email Judy T. Harper (Jason's Mom)
Judy Harper (Jason's Mom)
Georgia TEAM
Million Mom March

Jason's Honor Page:http://www.webhealing.com/hon/judy.html
My HOME Page: http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Lights/2173/
http://www.SagePlace.Com/on_the_death_of_a_child.htm
Website: http:/www.millionmommarch.com

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. ­ Margaret Meade