Life Is Not Simple

Our news has been dominated lately with headlines of shootings, mostly the school shooting in Omaha and the violence in Tuscon.  I, like many others, have been stunned and horrified by these events.

Oddly, the shootings themselves did not prompt this literary outpouring.  Instead it was a status update from one of my Facebook acquaintances which said "Instead of sending 'prayers and condolences' to the victims  we should demand tougher gun laws from our representatives who are supported by the NRA or who are opposed to tougher regulations."  This was followed by a large amount of agreeing and cheers from many others.  Folks do you REALLY think it's that simple?!

I had unlimited access to shotguns for the first 18 years of my life.  My Dad hunted and the gun cabinet was never locked, but I never tried to borrow one and practice my aim on anyone.  The individuals that commit these horrible acts are not mentally stable and the gun usage is a symptom, not the root of the problem.  The kid that opened fire in the Omaha school was the son of a police officer and he helped himself to his Dad's gun.  How would tougher regulations have helped in that situation? If you really want a gun, you will find a gun.

I'm not a secret member of the NRA--I'm not a fan of guns in the least. My parents actually accuse me of being a "flaming liberal" despite the conservative upbringing they provided me. It's really easy to say tougher gun control is the answer because you're looking for someone to blame.  Instead of playing the blame game, perhaps we should pay more attention to the people around us and notice when someone is in trouble before they do something that causes this kind of tragedy.

For my part I appreciate the "prayers and condolences" that others send to the victims and their families. I think it's appropriate and heartfelt--oh wait maybe some of my conservative upbringing DID stick.