Actor Matthew McConaughey was born in Uvalde, Texas where an 18-year-old from the town murdered 19 elementary school children snd two teachers Tuesday in the deadliest school shooting since 2012's Sandy Hook massacre.
Naturally the disaster is particularly personal for the people who live and hail from there. McConaughey penned a heartfelt plea to Americans to "re-evaluate" their stances on gun violence in the aftermath of the shooting.
McConaughey posted his take on what he called a "devastating American reality" on Twitter.
See his statement below.
Uvalde, Texas, USA. pic.twitter.com/0iULRGtREm
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) May 25, 2022
McConaughey began with what many have seen as a subtle but sobering call-out of those who refuse to do anything about gun violence.
"Once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us."
McConaughey then urged Americans to take time to consider the issue head-on, before warning against complacency.
"The true call to action now is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror, and ask ourselves: ‘What is that we truly value?'"
"'How do we repair the problem?'"
"'What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state and neighborhood tomorrow?'"
"We cannot exhale once again, make excuses, and accept these tragic realities as the status quo."
The actor made sure to emphasize that gun violence is a bipartisan issue--a reminder all too many in Washington sadly seem to need already, just barely 24 hours after the Uvalde shooting occurred.
"This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better."
On Twitter, many applauded McConaughey for speaking out and appealing to all sides of the issue.
Thanks for your rationality and humility amidst difficult times and horrible situations. Cool heads needed. Anger and hateful words only lead to more chaos and tragedies. Praying for these families 🙏 Hope citizens in communities will love each other and work together. https://t.co/6NMQCFcVDp
— MarielG (@mtx62) May 25, 2022
The 2nd amendment came to be in 1791.
The bullet came to be in 1847.
I have to believe our forefathers would not be ok with this much gun violence happening in 🇺🇸.
— CaliHats (@calihats) May 25, 2022
You are absolutely right! I’m a school counselor in Texas and the safety of our children should be our number one priority. Bottom line is, “We can do so much better than this!” My heart goes out to the families who will not have their children in their arms.💜🙏
— Kelly Pape-Sims (@PapeSims) May 25, 2022
But many others criticized McConaughey, feeling that his statement was vague and merely danced around the real issues.
This is beautifully written, Sir, but it would really help to include a clear call-to-action. Which policies do you feel a consensus can build around? Which do you most support? Are there gun reform leaders you follow? Folks could benefit from that direction and pursue change.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️⚧️🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) May 25, 2022
Did I miss the word “gun?” https://t.co/ArifTM0fS9
— Erin Schrode (@ErinSchrode) May 25, 2022
Explain how we’re supposed to “cone together” with people who are ok with this happening over and over again.
— Andrea Marie (@DaniPayson) May 25, 2022
Gun is not a four letter word. You are from Texas just freaking say it. There are your people don’t tap dance around it. WE HAVE A GUN PROBLEM. When someone drinks too much you say it. When they’re doing drugs you say say off the heroin. WE HAVE TOO MANY GUNS.
— Sam, the Crazy Cat Lady (@SamALammNC) May 25, 2022
Nice words. And words of comfort are important. Still, you never said the word gun, nor did you demand doing something beyond thinking about doing something.
Doing nothing has NOT worked. We must do something, maybe even try a few things and see what works best, but something.
— Peter Tedeschi (@PeterTedeschi) May 25, 2022
Actors, athletes, musicians and all other entertainers - band together and refuse to work. Do something! Send them a message they'll hear from the likes of you. The "leaders" of our nation ignore our pleas for change. Maybe celebrity voices will be heard.
— KPH (@notdakoda) May 25, 2022
He may as well be talking about seat belts if you didn't know any better.
WHAT. DO YOU WANT. PEOPLE. TO. DO. MATTHEW. https://t.co/46NumBCkbF
— The Call is Coming from Inside the Nash (@Nash076) May 25, 2022
Many compared McConaughey's statement to his short-lived dalliance with running for governor of Texas. McConaughey refused to disclose which party's nomination he would run for, and made public appeals to centrism that upset many liberals.
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