Every day, seventeen children lose their lives due to gun violence in the United States, amounting to roughly 6,000 deaths annually. This staggering number far exceeds the fatalities during the peak of the polio outbreak, which claimed around 3,000 lives each year in the 1950s. Despite the grave impact of gun-related deaths on children today, society has not responded with the same urgency and mobilization as it did against polio.

In his book "Sources of Strength," author Jimmy Carter raises a vital question about our societal response to the gun violence epidemic. He emphasizes the need for a strong and collective action to address this crisis, much like the concerted efforts seen in combating polio. The stark comparison highlights the discrepancy in how we tackle public health challenges, prompting reflection on why we do not prioritize the safety of children from gun violence with the same vigor.