Lynne Honickman

My name is Lynne Honickman. I am a mom (and grandmom) against guns.

When I told my family and friends that I planned to develop a campaign that would ask other women throughout the state of Pennsylvania to get outraged about the number of illegal guns in our state and how they are being used to kill our children—many of them told me that I was "spinning my wheels."

I explained I wasn't asking for money or other funding—it was about voices... thousands of voices that would tell PA lawmakers over and over again that illegal guns must be controlled. A close friend said, "Lynne, gun laws will never change in Pennsylvania. In fact, it's getting worse every day." Others told me it's impossible to get the General Assembly to enact stronger gun-control laws.

So who am I to try to put a dent in this senseless violence and misuse of guns? I am a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and citizen of Pennsylvania. I am a Philadelphian and I am a voter.

I'm a lifelong advocate for children's health, education and a better quality of life. But most important—I am angry and I am scared. I am outraged at the lack of change, and I'm sick that we are not doing a better job of protecting our children. I can't stand by each day and hear about another child killed by gun fire and do nothing. I live in a state where too many children have died. It's that simple. Pennsylvania's high rate of gun violence is a national disgrace. And each time a child pulls the trigger of a gun and kills another child, two families are destroyed.

I've created Moms Against Guns as a force for change and a forum for other women to express their fury. I am not authoring this website to counter our constitutional right to bear arms nor am I interested in putting gun manufacturers and gun store owners out of business. What I am interested in is the welfare of our children and the security of our communities.

I live in a state where too many children have died. It's that simple. Pennsylvania's high rate of gun violence is a national disgrace. And each time a child pulls the trigger of a gun and kills another child, two families are destroyed.

So the answer to my friends and family is: I have to stand up and be counted—now! And I know there must be thousands of other women (and men and youth) who will speak up too if given the space to do it. Martin Luther King, Jr. said "Bad things happen when good people do nothing." I ask you today—don't choose to do nothing.

Join this campaign that will show state lawmakers that we feel Pennsylvania is in a crisis—and they need to hear our voices demanding stronger, common-sense gun laws.

This campaign does not ask for your money. It only asks for a few minutes of your time and your signature, which will remain anonymous on the web but will be reproduced onto a letter or email to your legislator.

As a committed activist for children's issues, I realize that strong gun control laws will not solve all of Pennsylvania's problems—poverty, crime, unemployment, access to healthcare and affordable housing. But if there are fewer illegal guns on not just the city streets but the small town roads and the local schools and playgrounds, we can at least begin to protect our children. We have to work from the inside out, as well as from outside in to take better care of our children. They are the strength of our future.

Thank you for your support,
Lynne Honickman
A Mom (and grandmom) Against Guns


See our videos on the Moms Against Guns YouTube Channel