From All That Terror Teaches

a few days ago we witnessed another mass killing in our country.  seventeen children and two adults were gunned down and another seventeen were wounded for no reason.  such senseless murders have become commonplace, and those in power do nothing to prevent them.  as many of our elected legislators tell us that more guns are the solution, most of us know that this response is ridiculous.  if more guns ended such killings, we would be the world's safest country.  there are commonsense measures that would reduce the number of such events, and most americans are agreed that these are needed.

we don't understand why anyone needs weapons that are designed only for mass murders.  these weapons are not for self-defense.  they are not for hunting.  they are not for target shooting.  their only purpose is to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible.  we don't understand why an eighteen-year-old should be allowed to legally purchase two such weapons from the same gun store.  we don't understand why background checks and registration are not required for all gun purchases.  we don't understand why mentally unstable and violent people can legally purchase or continue to own guns.  we don't understand why every gun owner shouldn't be required to complete training on gun safety.  we don't understand why a license is not required to own a gun and a national system of licensing and registration is not in place.

we have had such laws in the past but they have been repealed in the name of "second amendment rights."  the seventeen innocent children who were just killed had the right to attend school without fearing for their lives.  their parents had the right to see their children grow into healthy adults.  their teachers had the right to practice their profession safely.  those who decry sensible gun laws ignore the rights of the victims of gun violence.  the national rifle association has evolved from an organization that promoted the legitimate uses of firearms and gun safety into a behemoth that enriches politicians, gun manufacturers, and related businesses.  its members call for turning teachers into armed guards, making schools less safe by limiting the number of exits, and forcing children to attend schools surrounded by armed guards.

may we adopt measures that will make our society safer rather than more dangerous.  may we see the campaign contributions of the gun lobby for what they are:  a successful attempt to buy the loyalty of politicians.  may we see the difference between legitimate ownership of guns and the arming of potential murderers.  may we have more compassion for the rights of victims and be less concerned with the "rights" of gun zealots.  shalom.