It's Time to Talk About Guns

I have worked very hard for many years on this blog to be apolitical.

I always remind my readers that voting is a duty, but I never ask them to vote for my preferred candidate.

I try to celebrate diversity without including the long list of those who we consciously or carelessly discriminate against. I am done with subtlety. I am done with only offering prayers. My grandchildren, your grandchildren, are in increasing danger from assassins whose only goals are hate, pain and destruction. It is time for me to talk about guns.

Assault rifles are defined by their very name, assault. They are not for sport hunting. They are for people hunting. Shooters consumed by their own demons have access to these weapons and to many more. They are used for one purpose, to inflict misery. That’s why the military employs them. But, they are used by non-military (even though they may pretend they’re military) criminals on non-military targets – schools, playgrounds, stores. Prayers do not help. They don’t prevent church shootings or the fatal attack last March in a Christian school.

Our laws are flimsy at best and unenforceable because they differ so much from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This is our problem. These are our children. Most parents and grandparents would lie down in front of a speeding car to protect their children. But, too many refuse to speak up and vote their fear and disgust over the screaming lies of the gun lobby.

Be a grown-up. Be a parent. Be a grandparent. Protect your family. Let your legislators know that bowed heads and sorrow are no longer acceptable. Action is the only course forward. You may want to restrict gun ownership. You may want to ban some guns altogether. Here are some ideas for getting involved.

Do something. Tomorrow may be too late.