Some Thoughts...

Hi All,

I've got some thoughts about all the shootings in our country and violence around the world as well.  I thought I'd jot some down and see if it makes sense.  My heart goes out to the people of San Bernadino and Colorado Springs...and people and communities around the country affected by gun violence.

Typically, we're peace loving people, here in the USA.  We also have rights to buy and own guns.  Many times, people take guns and lash out at other people, the community, etc, with firearms.  So the question is; what can we do about it?  As a nation, as an individual, as a community?

As an individual, what can we do?  Do you know your neighbors - most? any of them?  Can we reach out to neighbors who we don't know?  Can we reach out to people at work, who we don't know...like the person who may seem sad, isolated or angry? What would happen if we showed some of these folks some kindness, compassion, etc?  Would that change things in some small way?  Conversely - when we're at odds with people who are a little different than us; perhaps we don't understand them or agree with them about issues of race, religion, country, and the like.  If we show them hostility because of that, does that solve anything?  Does that make things better in any way?  Or does each side walk away with strengthened resolve?  Could this push someone over the edge? (don't assume that I'm removing personal responsibility from people...just asking some questions).

What is it that drives a person to shoot up a church, a school, a healthcare facility, or to kill anyone?  Hatred, fear, feeling isolated and persecuted, anger, feeling powerless; all of these play a part.  Many of the people who carry out these shootings are mentally ill and need help.

What do you see in your neighborhood?  Keep your eyes open.  People rarely act out in a vacuum.  If you see suspicious activity, report it to the authorities.  Who knows, you could prevent something bad from happening.  It doesn't mean we have to be prying into peoples business - just be aware of your environment.

As communities - we can be alert in our communities as well.  Perhaps we're part of a spiritual community.  We can pray for our neighbors, countries and the world.  Prayer is powerful.

Does the community have a responsibility to help people who suffer from mental illness and don't have the insurance or money to cover it?  Are there resources available in your community? Can we pull together a little bit more as communities and can this prevent tragedy?

How about as a nation?  Can we pass some legislation to address the unfettered access to firearms in this country?  Should we?  Some say yes, some adamantly say we should do nothing.  Unfortunately, here in the US, many of our politicians are beholden to lobbyists and special interests like the National Rifle Association, who are vehemently opposed to any gun legislation - however small.  I was a member of the NRA as a kid.  Back then it was about gun safety and hunting - now it's something much different.  Can we as a nation, continue to have a free society, and balance gun rights with some restrictions that may keep some guns out of the hands of folks who would do harm to others?  It seems to me that there has to be a middle ground, where we don't overreact, where we find some solutions and common sense actions we can take.  Does this mean I oppose people's right to keep and bear arms?  No, of course not.  Does this mean I'm calling for the government to round up the guns?  No - absolutely not.  Should all Americans have access to all the assault rifles and military gear they want; no questions asked?  Does that sound like a good idea?  Not to me.  Does that make me anti-gun rights?  No...of course not.  So can we make changes?  Changes that make sense?  I'd like to think our politicians can put partisan bickering aside and get to work on this.

Now, I'm not removing responsibility from the people carrying out shootings/killings.  People have to be accountable for their actions.  I don't have a pollyanna view of the world, (some will think so).  I'm disturbed by the constant mass shootings in our country that happen every week (sometimes every day).

There's also so much hate speech out there as well.  There's politician suggesting that Muslims should be registered (like sex offenders??).  There was a suggestion that Muslims should have some kind of identifier so they could be identified on sight.  Tell me - does this solve anything?  I feel like this will cause more and more resentment and hard feelings.  We have 15 or 20 million American citizens who are Muslims and how many of these domestic terrorism acts were carried out by them...3 or 4 over the years?  How many mass shootings have we had in this country this year so far?  35.  Think about it.

We've got some issues....we really need cool heads to prevail and we need leaders with the sense and the courage to do what needs to be done.  And again - there are things each of us can do.  Fear and hate are not going to help anything.  We need solutions...and we need to stand on our principles.

I hope and pray that we can pull together in these times, not fall apart.  God bless you all.

Peace and love,

Tom