I submit that you could insert "Guns" for "War." The attempted murder of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the accomplished murder of six others constitute an unconscionable tragedy. I wish I had an answer. I think I know what the answer isn't and I know there are many who would disagree with me. The solution isn't more guns for us all. The answer isn't pack 'n carry. That soon can turn into vigilante justice which, I fear, would lead to anarchy--every man for himself. Imagine the scenario if every person within 50 yards of that shooting scene was carrying a weapon and unloaded their gun in the direction of the person(s) they thought had opened fire initially. Have you ever reacted in panic, only seconds later to realize your clouded judgment in that state of mind? Have you ever impulsively responded in anger or rage, only to regret the outcome of your actions? Imagine the consequences with a Glock 9mm in your hand.
The answer isn't more weapons in the hands of more people. I don't understand the logic of that position. That option frightens me rather than reassures me. I think it was former President Jimmy Carter who said, "War does not beget peace; war begets other wars." I would opine that guns do not beget peace; more weapons of violence beget more violence.
How do we restore civility in the media, in the government, in our conversations and interactions with each other? If we don't figure this out, there will be very few left to ponder the problem. In a scene from Fiddler on the Roof the villager demands revenge and justice.
Villager: An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth!
Tevye: Very good. That way the whole world will be blind and toothless.
God, have mercy on us all. God, have mercy on those today who are burying people they have loved and lost. Caress their hearts and comfort their homes. God, give us grace to bestow grace toward those with whom we differ.
5 comments:
Hi Steve,
Yes indeed. What a senseless tragedy in the shooting of Gabby Giffords and the murder of six other innocents. Not sure what the 22-year old shooter's motive was yet. God have mercy on the victims and on us all.
I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion concerning the armament of a nation.
Unfortunately most don't agree
I haven't been close to any news sites to know what actually happened but in my eyes any murder with or without a gun is a tragedy.
It's sad for everyone involved...And it's sad that it's happening more and more....I don't think at least for me ,it matters what the motive was...it just matters that it happened, and that it didn't need to happen...obviously something went very wrong somewhere...I'm very sad for the ones who were injured and or killed..for their families that are hurting..also for the shooters family...everyone involved will have permanent scars...everyone involved has been hurt....and the saddest part to me....is that it will happen again...another person the shooter...another person the victim...just a different town..a different name...
I totally agree with you, Steve. I would just like to add that poorly provided mental health treatment has a lot to do with the big picture. The shooter was a paranoid rambling psychotic, age 22. His paranoid schizophrenia was probably just manifesting itself, considering his age. He was told to leave his college and not return until he got mental health treatment. Our culture does not value those on the fringe in our society. We don't provide mental health treatment and when we do, it is not regulated. This guy should have not been on the streets. He wasn't angry, he was psychotic.
Hopefully, each of us can provide a gentle, respectful presence in our respective communities and relationships. I appreciate the spirit in which each of you has communicated.
Post a Comment