Kathy Coffey

About the author: Kathy Coffey is a freelance writer and poet.

The shootings at Columbine High School compelled thousands of parents to take action and march in support of gun laws that will prevent further shootings. However, the gun lobby has prevented the passage of such legislation. Gun rights advocates should stop attacking the Million Mom March and other protests and recognize that grieving and fearful parents will not be thwarted in their efforts to protect their children.

She leaves, and I feel the same twinge of fear I have felt every morning since April 20, 1999. She goes gladly. She likes her school, Littleton High, located about 15 miles from Columbine. Her hair is an auburn mantle as she runs into the morning, a clatter of keys, books and backpack. In the...