The gun control issue is so polarizing in the United States, that I almost decided against sharing this post. However, judging from the flood of comments I received when I hinted at writing on this topic, it speaks to the need for the dialogue to continue.
This is not a comprehensive policy proposal; rather, it is a message about one component of the bizarre place we find ourselves in...regardless of which side of the "debate" you fall.
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I am pro-gun ownership.
Let me make that crystal clear. I am pro-gun ownership.
From target practice, to hunting, to feeding one's family or to protection in extreme circumstances, guns are a valuable part of our society.
Our forefathers sent a powerful message about guns and freedom as well...IN 1776!
In Case You Missed It, We Won the Revolutionary War
The message the Founding Fathers sent to all Americans was that we could fight real tyranny (think King George III...aka a foreign power occupying America) and gain our independence. The bravery of those patriots, both men and women is absolutely astonishing.
But the world is a very different place today than it was in colonial times. Our government (regardless of how much the crazies want to claim that it will happen) is not going to turn America into a police state and invade our homes.
It's not going to...so please stop talking about defending yourself from...ourselves.
Machine Guns Are For The Armed Forces
One of the things that surprises me most about the gun control debate (if you can call the choke hold the NRA has on Congress a "debate") is the belief that ordinary citizens need high powered machine guns.
Seriously? It would be funny if it wasn't so pathetically embarrassing for those that believe we need that sort of firepower laying around our homes.
Before any of you head out to do a drive-by and exert your Second Amendment rights, check out this and this or this from the New York Times. Guess what? We're number one in the world!
In gun deaths. Please save the "guns don't kill people excuse"...the other civilized nations of the world don't have the guns we do, and shockingly they have far fewer deaths.
Coincidence? Um, of course not.
How About You
Do you think our forefathers would have been excited to have each and every farmer load up with a row of cannon outside their barns?
The rabid gun advocates should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
Although, I feel sorry for them. They have lost their way...they actually believe we have "control" over the millions of guns in America, and it's just an enforcement issue.
I wonder who they trust to "control" things, or at least have a meaningful discussion about the many layers of this issue? It appears, no discussion is the preferred option.
SMH.
What do you think?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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My recent post on role models highlighted one of my "larger than life" heroes, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I made only a slight reference to the person who introduced me to Dietrich, and who essentially, is the one that moved me down my professional path.
I have dozens of examples as to why I was so influenced by this person. Looking back now, I am not surprised that I have been in leadership roles beginning at a "young" age in both my personal and professional lives. Two brief examples will illustrate his amazing impact.
GET THAT GUN OUT OF MY FACE
Growing up as a boy in Scranton, Pennsylvania during the early 1970s was a turbulent time. The radical 1960s had come to a close, Vietnam was out of control, and racial injustice was alive and well. Always an advocate for those in need, he was approached by a man who was desperately searching for housing. This man had found an apartment, but the landlord was apparently unwilling to rent to him. The landlord was white, and the man in need was black.
Undeterred, my mentor went with the man to confront the landlord. When the two of them arrived and knocked on the landlord's door, and clarified who they were and why there were there, a threat with a hand gun was the response.
Now most folks would accept that perhaps it was time to leave, but not in this case. Viewing this as an opportunity to move social justice forward, my mentor began a dialogue with the landlord. The threat of violence dissipated, and a breakthrough of sorts was achieved. The black man had his apartment.
OUR COMMUNITY IS COMING APART
Two decades later my mentor was working in a new community that saw racial tensions at their highest level in years. Every weekend was a recipe for disaster as clashes between the black community and police became all too commonplace. Following a particularly dangerous weekend, it was time for action.
He called for a series of retreats between the two sides. Facilitated at a beautiful lodge on a lake thirty minutes outside the city, he helped the two parties make incredible progress. The volcano that was ready to erupt quieted once more, and both sides came away with a new found respect and understanding for each other. The result? My mentor received the New York State Bar Association's Humanitarian of the Year Award for his leadership.
THANK YOU
Mentors create not only an example, but energy as well. Their impact can move us in such a profound way that you have no choice but to learn from them. For me, I would simply like to thank my mentor for being such a source of inspiration and driving force in my life.
Thank you Dad.
No Excuses.
