Sticks and Stones...

There is a photo of a woman on the internet holding up a sign. Here’s what it says:

            “If a pre-school child hits another child with a rock…

             The solution is NOT for every child to have a rock!”

I know this is a response to the discussion on gun control. I know that there are those among us who believe fervently that if a bad guy has a gun, then the good guys should have a gun. But I also believe that simplistic view obscures the reality of how childish our reactions are when challenged. And the dangers that view poses for us in the long run.

The more difficult task is understanding the other person. Why do they have a gun and feel it necessary to use it? How do we ease their anxiety and avoid the need for guns in the first place? When are guns truly necessary? How do we ensure the proper use of guns?

Those are difficult questions to answer.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said:

            “We must learn to live together as brothers

             Or perish together as fools.”

Trust is what needs to be learned for us to live as brothers (or sisters). Goodwill toward others is risky. We are exposed to manipulation. Rather than chalking it up to ‘human nature’ and immovable, why don’t we try getting along? Really try?!

Is our nation as childish as a schoolyard? Or are we mature, well-intentioned and generous enough to get to know each other? Can we do this well enough to avoid major pitfalls? And use of guns as a knee jerk reaction?

Think about it over the Holidays. Then write an essay…oops! But maybe do jot down some thoughts and share them with this blog.

Some have said we need to have a serious conversation about guns in American culture. Then let’s have that conversation and see where it takes us?

December 22, 2012