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| Photo: Ryan Kang, AP. Words: F LoBuono |
And, what have we done about it?
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
Perhaps, we have witnessed so many of these atrocities that we just don't care as much anymore. . .
I know that, for me, it's not that I don't care. I do, deeply, for those lost. It's just that the details don't seem to matter - in the end, they all lead to the same intolerable conclusion: we live in a society that worships guns and violence.
So, we will hold candle light vigils for the victims. We will morn the loss of innocence. We will point fingers of blame in all the wrong places - again. We will hear the gun lobby's mantra guns don't kill people, people kill people. And, I will answer, what trite nonsense!
While it may be true that the people committing this heinous crimes are mentally disturbed, we must put that in perspective. First, NO ONE in their RIGHT MIND could even CONCEIVE of perpetrating such acts of violence. So, that's a given. Second, as a Country, we are no more or less mentally deficient that any of the other industrialized nations of the world that don't suffer from these horrible mass shootings like we do!
OK. So, what then IS the variable?
It is our love affair not only with guns, but with the violent use of them. I say this because, in fairness, many other countries have high amounts of gun ownership without the same violence we associate with ours. They don't see guns in the same light that we do. In many European cultures, guns are used almost exclusively to hunt and are rarely associated with violent crime. Here, one just need turn on the TV or go to a popular movie to see that almost every conflict is settled at the barrel of a gun. Violence has become part of our reality and we have allowed it to seep into our consciousness. Even great, socially conscious actors like Denzel Washington can be seen in ultra-violent movie roles. Gun violence is pervasive in our daily lives - if we realize it or not.
Most of the people that I know who own weapons are responsible owners. They have obtained them legally and store them properly. All that I know are also for RESPONSIBLE legislation that would help to prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands. Although NO legislation will guarantee 100% responsible use of a firearm, virtually ALL experts agree that a NATIONAL POLICY of background checks would go a long way in preventing many of these acts from occuring. No one that I know is for confiscating anyone's guns. No one. That genie is long out of the bottle - and, she ain't going back!
So, why can't we get this done?
Three simple initials will suffice as an explanation: NRA.
The National Rifle Association has grown from a small group of enthusiasts, interested mostly in promoting gun safety, to the largest, most insidious lobbying entity in the Country. They can - and DO - block ANY piece of legislation that THEY deem as potentially harmful to their policy of completely unfettered gun ownership. Through their use of enormous amounts of money that they raise through their members, they virtually OWN congressmen and, therefore, Congress. They throw tons of money at politicians who walk the NRA's line and take it away from any who oppose them. They hide behind the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution while blunting any discussion as to its interpretation (a subject of MUCH debate). They ARE the 500 lb. gorilla!
This is NOT a NEW discussion. You and I have had it before, my friends. So much so that I would be damned pleased if I never had to write about it again! But, unless we stand up and CHANGE what needs to be changed, we are doomed to repeat it. If you are a member of the NRA renounce your membership until the organization shows its willingness to DO THE RIGHT THING - support reasonable gun legislation. If you are a responsible gun owner, write your Congressperson to do the right thing and PASS that legislation, And, REJECT violence in all its forms!!!
Otherwise, I fear that we will be having this discussion again - and again - and again.
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