YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT is a series of frank interviews with passionate men and women who are leaders, activists and influencers. Some have been my teachers, champions and support system on this very complicated and emotional journey and some I have admired from afar for their bravery, audacity and indomitable commitment to their work. Although our backgrounds, experiences and the challenges we face in our work are as complex as the causes and the solutions to the gun violence epidemic, all have shown me in different ways that there is more that can be done to end this senseless loss of human life.
I am proud to introduce you to them and to share their insights into how each of us can be a part of the solution to Raise The Caliber of our communities. -Jessica Mindich
Name: Chris Murphy
Occupation/Title: U.S. Senator of Connecticut
Age: 43
Race/Nationality: White
Where do you live? Cheshire, CT
What quote do you live by?
"There is no substitute for hard work." Thomas Edison
What are you most proud of about your work/life?
My two sons, Owen and Rider. And the chance to serve Connecticut residents in the U.S. Senate.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Partisan gridlock blocking meaningful action that the vast majority of Americans cares about, like preventing gun violence.
Why do you think we have such a problem with gun violence in America?
I think it boils down to one problem: Our country is awash in guns. Our gun laws are riddled with loopholes, making it too easy for dangerous people to access dangerous weapons.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about why we have such a problem with gun violence in America?
Too many people blame the problem of gun violence on those who suffer from serious mental illness. After the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, many Republicans in Congress said we didn't need new gun laws, but instead we needed to reform our mental health system. The reality is people with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence, and equating mental illness with violence only perpetuates a dangerous stigma around mental health.
Do you think there a law that the government could enact that would make a difference in reducing gun violence and building safe communities?
Absolutely. The gun industry is doing everything it can to protect and expand dangerous loopholes in our gun laws. Fixing our background check system, cracking down on illegal gun trafficking and straw purchasers, and prohibiting high-capacity magazines and military-style assault weapons would save countless lives. While there is no one law or regulation that will prevent every incident of gun violence, commonsense reforms will make a difference in making our communities safer.
What are three things the average American citizen can do to "Raise The Caliber" of their community?
- First, tell your elected officials and local leaders that this issue matters to you.
- Second, get involved in local or national organizations that work to make our communities safer.
- Third, if you have personally been affected by gun violence or know someone who has, share your story. Your story will go a long way in telling the story of the devastation gun violence causes in communities across our country.
Is there a book or article on this topic that has educated and inspired you?
I read "Ghettoside" by Jill Leovy last year. It's a must read to understand the psychology involved in living in violence-ridden neighborhoods.
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About the Editor: Jessica Mindich began the Caliber Collection® in January 2012 as a collaboration with the Mayor of Newark, NJ, Cory Booker, as a way to turn illegal and unwanted guns from our cities’ streets into jewelry. Their vision was to create a virtuous cycle by funding gun buyback and amnesty programs from the proceeds of the sales from the Caliber Collection. The jewelry is made with the serial numbers from illegal guns and the metal from shell casings. The Caliber Collection donates 20% of the net proceeds to fund voluntary gun buyback and amnesty programs in some of the toughest cities in America. To date, they have taken over 2,500 illegal guns off the streets and have raised over $165,000 for police departments in Newark, Hartford, the San Francisco Bay Area, Miami and Detroit from the sale of Caliber products to customers in over 87 countries.
From the success of the Caliber Collection, Jessica created The Caliber Foundation, which offers support to victims, families and communities devastated by illegal gun violence. The Caliber Foundation is the proud recipient of grants from MTV, Shepard Fairey/Obey Giant and the Serena Williams Foundation. Jessica is also the founder of the Raise The Caliber® initiative, a National advocacy campaign. Proceeds from partnerships under Raise The Caliber are donated to the Caliber Foundation.