Of all the voices spattering political on the Uvalde shooting of elementary school kids, it took a movie star born in Uvalde to give it what was needed most — a touch of humanity.

In a statement, Matthew McConaughey said: “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 it 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.”

We applaud his willingness to step up, address this tragedy and pose the very questions that need to be addressed. As Americans, what do we truly value?

Is it OK that parents breathe a sigh of relief when their children get home from schools, merely because they survived another day at what should be a safe place?

Politicians are claiming that this time it is different. Just like they have done every time a mass shooting has tragically occurred.

It is time.

It is time for Republicans and Democrats to pull together to address this. Not one more child should die because Congress fails to act.