I have spent my whole life trying to remain on the “fringe”. The “outside”. To NOT be part of the process. Hell, I spent nearly five years in a different country trying to run away from the rights and responsibilities I am lucky enough to experience as an American citizen. NO LONGER! The news on Monday morning has left me devastated.
The time has come for me, and hopefully so many others who might feel inadequate or unable or unmotivated or undeserving of a voice or just simply too damn tired or overwhelmed most of the time, to step up and add voices, purposeful voices, to the direction and discourse this country will pursue now and in the future. This is the beginning of my contribution.
“My right to defend my family exceeds your need to feel safe in your fantasy world without guns.” These words were printed upon a photo of a mother (presumably) holding an assault rifle.
I agree with this statement wholeheartedly. What I now question is the ability of any assault rifle to offer any “protection” to any member of any person’s own family. The events that happened in Las Vegas this past Sunday night should cause every one of our traditional thought patterns about guns, gun violence and gun regulations to be challenged.
Whether or not you own an assault rifle, or any gun for that matter, if you or your family member were a part of the crowd listening to some country music this past Sunday, there was imminent danger. The worst part, there was nothing you or anyone else could do, independent of whether you had a gun or not. The shooting that happened this past Sunday night was different. It was extremely well thought-out and strategically executed and designed solely to create the most amount of chaos and damage in the shortest amount of time. And it was ONLY possible with guns that simulated the actions of an attack rifle.
EVERYONE in that crowd was in danger. Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Sisters, Brothers, Lovers… EVERYONE! It seems to me, if we TRULY care about our families, our friends, those we love the most and those with whom we share this country, it is time to think differently about assault rifles. Whatever “protection” assault rifles might offer those who buy them has been challenged. Is the “protection” these guns and accessories offer worth the “risks?”
Our families, our friends, our citizens were attacked by a man with access to guns and accessories that are capable of simulating the actions and results of assault rifles. There was no “protection” that could have been offered. I might be wrong, but it seems the more of these guns and accessories there are on the streets, the more danger our families, friends and fellow citizens face.
The events that happened on Sunday night should leave every one of us devastated. They should also leave us motivated. Take a stand. Raise your voice. Contribute. Be a part of the process. Make this world a better place.
A Grateful Life 