In a recent op-ed, a Fresno County Supervisor defended the Board’s “Resolution in Support of the Second Amendment” as a proud affirmation of Central Valley values. But for many of us, especially those grieving loved ones lost to suicide, intimate partner violence or accidental shootings, this resolution feels like a hollow gesture at best and dangerous political theater at worst.

Yes, constitutional rights matter. But so does the reality of gun violence here in Fresno County. Our county has one of the highest firearm suicide rates in California. In 2022, over 70% of all suicides in Fresno involved a firearm. Gun-related homicides are also concentrated in specific ZIP codes where community violence and poverty overlap, further deepening trauma in already marginalized communities.

The resolution, while cloaked in language about “freedom” and “self-reliance,” fails to address any of this. It sends a message to Sacramento, but not to the families who’ve lost children, the ER doctors trying to save lives or the teachers helping students process grief. It is symbolic leadership at a time when we need substantive action.

Wise people urge leaders to pursue truth, balance and the common good. Not blind allegiance to tradition. No one is asking to remove lawful gun ownership. What we are asking for is accountability, compassion and a real commitment to public safety.

We need to invest in suicide prevention and gun safety education, more accessible and culturally relevant mental health care in rural and high-risk areas, more community-based violence prevention and trauma support for all people. These are not anti-Second Amendment ideas. They are pro-safety and pro-community.

Fresno deserves leadership that sees beyond gestures and soundbites. Gun violence and suicide are not abstract issues. They are daily, preventable tragedies. If we truly care about our way of life in the Central Valley, we must begin by protecting lives.

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Jason Williams of Fresno is executive director of Brain Wise Solutions, which provides training and consultation to businesses using neuro-informed methods to promote healing from trauma.