We’ve tolerated this insanity in our country for too long. And it's driven by a relatively small but very loud minority of our citizens. They have no interest in compromise and no interest in improving the situation. As a comedian said recently, their position boils down to “screw you I love my guns”. It's time to move them out of the way and for the rest of us to get busy fixing this problem. It's time to boldly get off the sidelines and engage in the fight.
I’ve spent the last two days being angry and engaging in the occasional pointless debate about guns, race, etc. on Facebook. It's taking that long to sit down and try to organize my thoughts into some coherent fashion.
We always see the calls to prayer when things like this happen. Prayer is great. I prayed this week for each of the victims (Rev. Clementa Pickney, Cynthia Hurd, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Tywanza Sanders, Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Depayne Middleton Doctor, Rev. Daniel Simmons, Myra Thompson), and their families. Truthfully, I can't find it in my heart to pray for the shooter or his family yet. That kind of hatred doesn't just happen in a 21-year-old kid. They are a product of their environment. And to the degree that his parents enabled him to get his hands on the weapon, they are culpable in this slaughter just as he is. Reports of the victims’ families forgiving the shooter came out yesterday. They are much better people than I.
We pray after Charleston, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Columbine, Aurora, Oak Creek, and on and on and on…
But as much as we all pray, nothing ever changes. Nothing. Ever. We can dial back the clock as far as you want. The rate of deadly gun violence only increases. Praying isn't enough. And I don't think God intends for us to pray and then sit on our collective asses and wait for something to happen. And it's not about waiting for the President, or other elected leaders, or a church, or some other organization to do something. The action has to start with each of us individually. Although, as an aside, I don't accept that there's nothing the President can do. He will be in office for another 19 months. He has the powers of the executive order and the bully pulpit, among others, which are enormous.
So what am I going to do? Here goes.
First, I'm going to attend an AME church service to show solidarity to my brothers and sisters and to try to increase my own understanding. Though, it's a little presumptuous to assume they want me there. I've had the opportunity to visit a couple of black churches, both in New York and Atlanta over the last year, not to mention a synagogue. I've always been graciously welcomed. I have to wonder if next time they will be as welcoming. Will they want the middle aged white guy with the backpack traveling alone to join them? Not long ago when I went to Harlem for a Wednesday evening church service, I asked a pastor friend of mine in New York if it was safe to be up there after dark. Looks like the residents should have more been more worried about me than I needed to be about them.
Next, I'm going to act with my dollars. I filled my last gas tank and prescription at Kroger. I won't be spending any more money at Home Depot either. Both of these companies allowed themselves to be dragged into the national debate by the gun lobby and refused to stand up to them. I don't know where I will shop, but it won't be there. Also, I read a great article by a college professor the other day who said if anybody came into any establishment armed that you simply get up and leave. Restaurants, grocery stores, doctors offices, parks, soccer games, etc. Whatever I am, when I see it, I'm out of there. I'll let the owners and managers know. It's time for businesses and individuals to take a side in this debate. Trying to stand in the middle and appeal to both sides should not be an option.
Finally, I'm going to work politically. I'll financially support and support with my hands and feet organizations that work to improve relations between the races and that fight gun violence. At the state level, our current crop of legislators have proven they are part of the problem. Not only do they do nothing to stem the tide, they pass broadening gun laws over the will of their constituents. It's time to identify, recruit and support candidates who will be part of the solution.
We’ve tolerated this insanity in our country for too long. And it's driven by a relatively small but very loud minority of our citizens. They have no interest in compromise and no interest in improving the situation. As a comedian said recently, their position boils down to “screw you I love my guns”. It's time to move them out of the way and for the rest of us to get busy fixing this problem. It's time to boldly get off the sidelines and engage in the fight.