I always remember what Jack Beach, a former IBM colleague of mine once said, “It’s easy to be a leader in good times. You just go along with the flow. The sign of a real leader is seen in difficult times.” Jack was also a Colonel in the Army, having served as a psychologist during Vietnam. So he knows from which he speaks.Courage and Conviction are attributes of a strong leader. People can talk a good game but when it comes down to it, how many really stand up for what they believe – in times of trauma, despite what others think? How many push for real change not just an incremental shift?

I saw these attributes – courage and conviction - this week with my Senator, Chris Murphy. Regardless of where you stand on gun control, it’s clear we need to figure out a compromise between those focused on more guns and protecting their second rights amendments and those concerned about public safety.

Two weeks ago I Marched in Newtown, the next town over from me, for better gun control laws. I was astounded at some of the statistics cited during the speeches. For example, in the U.S. there have been over 100,000 lives lost in the 3 ½ years since Sandy Hook. I was also deeply effected by the stories and statistics highlighted in the documentary Under The Gun. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it.

I don’t consider myself a political person but a person who cares deeply about people. I will fight for causes I believe in and get disheartened with politics and agendas focused only on profits.Creating a safer country is something I am wholeheartedly behind and I want to thank Chris Murphy for being the brave one to not just say it, but act on it. We have had enough. Taking a stand in heated times may divide people. One thing I think we all can agree on: no one wants their brother, mother, sister, daughter, father shot in cold blood.

It takes courage and conviction to effect change when the country is divided. Thank you Chris Murphy for taking a stand.