I grew up in Western Pennsylvania where hunting is a religion. My uncles, my Dad, my Grandfather, and my cousins thought deer season was the High Holy Days and anticipated the time every year. To be honest, I tried it once and I just didn't get hooked, but I do understand and appreciate the love of hunting, guns and sport. I am proud of the fact that one of my cousin's kids is still hunting with my Dad's rifle. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out how any intelligent person can justify the wild array of semi-automatic weapons which are available on the open market today. Does anyone in a civilized society really need an AK-47? Blast a buck with one of those babies and see how much venison you have to bring home. And please, can someone explain to me why it is perfectly legal to carry a rifle in a public park? You can't carry an "open container" in Shain Park, but you can openly carry a rifle. Why would any sane person think that was a good idea and why do we allow such lunacy in the State of Michigan? I even saw a church on Facebook which is posting a sign that invites people to carry concealed weapons and use them if necessary. God have mercy!
Now this weekend we face another tragedy in the attack on a Sikh Temple. There is, of course, another issue here about respect for all religions in this country and what will probably turn out to be a racist motive, but without the details, can we just say that once again we are seeing the tragedy of a nation in love with too many weapons? And regrettably none of our representatives, congressmen or even presidential candidates are willing to take on the task of sensible, responsible gun legislation.
We will all feel the sorrow and share the tragedy of a congregation in a Sikh Temple in the same way we felt the pain of a Colorado movie theater, but can't we do something in advance of the next killing spree? If it can happen in Milwaukee, it can happen here and if it can happen in a Sikh Temple, it can happen in a Methodist Church. Isn't it time to place more importance on the value of human life than the freedom to carry a weapon?
_______________________________________________________________________
|
