However the constant bombardment of postings is just too much for me to keep quiet about. I am sure I will offend, upset and perhaps even be "unfriended" or "unfollowed" by the end of this blog, but saying everyone needs to carry a gun, arm our teacher's and even the most ridiculous of allowing kids to bring weapons to protect themselves is just absurd. In the same sense blaming video games, movies, or the abominable snowman or whatever the scapegoat is this specific day, are the cause of this evil that one individual chose to carry out.
Do I believe we have a gun problem in the United States? Yes!! As someone who grew up in Montana, I understand the right to bear arms. I personally own a couple guns. But owning a firearm also comes with certain responsibility. Just like in everything else Education is key in teaching gun safety. I also believe that this right requires knowing and assuring they are kept locked and out of the wrong hands. As much as I respect everyone's right to own a weapon, I draw the line at any civilian ever needing an assault rifle. There is not one good reason you can give me why anyone under God's green grace needs to have one of these in their possession.
Many have claimed that video games and movies give kids these ideas, and desensitizes them to violence and the understanding that dead is dead!! Once again I throw this reasoning out the window. A normal person knows the difference between right an wrong, and blaming these for the epidemic that seems to be sweeping our nation is just wrong.
I do think we all have a part and a responsibility in making sure tragedies like what happened last Friday never happen again. How do we do that? By stopping pointing fingers and actually doing something!!
I believe the media needs to stop airing every second of these types of events. Giving this much attention to evil only attracts more evil. Yes as much as we all want to know details, rushing to be the first with the story, even if it means printing inaccurate details does nothing to help the situation. During this tragedy in Connecticut, I made an active choice NOT to watch any coverage on TV. While I read stories, and saw pictures, I wasn't overwhelmed with images, music and a production on someones worst day. We have families that are just starting to bury their loved ones. There is no need to run these stories of these poor families in their worst time. Let them grieve in private!!
If you own firearms, not only do you make sure yours are secure, but how about volunteering in teaching gun safety or donating some gun locks to your local law enforcement agency to help distribute. How about working positively in making sure EVERY firearm in the U.S. is registered and does not fall into the wrong hands.
If you think video games and violent movies are the downfall of a generation, how about becoming a volunteer at a youth center, or become a big brother or sister. Lets help mentor the next generation and get them active and motivated in something that truly will benefit our community.
We have a serious issue of mental health in this country. Yes this time of year around the holidays, always seems to increase depression. That in conjunction with a bad economy with so many people facing hard times elevates it even more.
The word Obamacare stirs raw emotion in this country, and I do not want to go down that road, however somehow, someway we need to make it easier and more accessible for folks who need help to get help!!
As I try to wrap this up, I really hope you take a look at what you say, or post. Instead of just passing on some easily shared picture, get involved and become part of the solution. Show some compassion for your fellow being and lets work together to solve problems. Despite whatever differences we all may have, we need to figure out how to get along and live in harmony.
I leave you with Matthew 25: 40 "The King will reply 'Truly I tell you , whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
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