Yesterday a man decided to use a gun to show everyone he was upset about something. He was killed by police after he killed 12 innocent people, 11 who work for the city of Virginia Beach and a contractor just there to get a permit for a project he was working on. He used a gun to voice his dismay about a problem, not his words!
Virginian-Pilot article
My sister called from New Jersey this morning. We grew up in the inner city of Cleveland. And I spent some of my teenage years in North Philadelphi. The times of our youth were when gun violence was not unusual Those shootings usually involved drugs or criminals. Usually the death count was one or two. One of the things we talked about was how too many people today lack coping skills. They turn to using a gun as a solution too often.
One of the victims is the son of a pastor of a large church. I know him and his family is devastated. I am sure each family involved in this massacre is too.
If you are upset about something picking up a gun and shooting people does not resolve the problem. It only amplifies the problem and creates more problems, for you and whoever you shoot.
Tolerence and coping skills are sorely needed in this world. Using a gun is the coward’s way out, in my opinion. Yes, gun laws are not being enforced and lax. And self-control is a skill too many people do not have. So we had mass shooting number 150 in Virginia Beach yesterday.
If you live in or near Virginia Beach and need help coping with yesterday’s tragedy please call the Virginia Beach Counseling Center anytime day or night at (757) 233-1500. Someone will be there for you.
Let’s find a way to work on this and prevent more lives from being lost.
Hippen for VA SD 07
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