Sadly, some statistics do not exist, especially when they are inconvenient for the right wing and its support of the NRA gun lobby. My complaint is the lack of accounting for children either being shot in their own homes or community, and the number of individuals wounded by children who gained access to loaded weapons.
The only way for the American people to understand the gravity of these situations is to read local newspapers.
The latest case involves a Florida mother, Jamie Gilt. She is an advocate for gun rights; but remember, she is a Floridian. She once posted on the internet: “Even my 4-year-old gets jacked up to target shoot with the .22.”
While she was on her way to purchase a new colt in her truck and pulling a horse trailer, she was shot in the back by her four-year-old son. Somehow, he had managed to access a .45 caliber pistol.
Ms. Gilt is in serious condition.
What is wrong with America. Gun safety advocates claim that thousands of children are shot, or shoot other children and adults each year. Adults who fail to properly follow gun safety practices should be denied their second amendment rights; they have insufficient intelligence to possess lethal weapons.
Now let’s discuss why gun safety is now ignored by “gun enthusiasts,” although nearly 150 years ago an agency was formed to control the sale and ownership of these weapons, and gun safety was its prime concern.
This agency was named “The National Rifle Association.” For the next century it represented all Americans, gun owners, and non-gun owners alike.
In 1977 it moved towards the despicable agency it is today. Under the guise of “Libertarianism,” the NRA advocated the purchase of guns as an expression of freedom, and protection from a dictatorial government. This is when it became a lobby and now fails to represent the American people, while insuring increased profits for gun manufacturers and gun sellers.
During its first century, the NRA is credited for writing many of the existing federal laws restricting the sale and purchase of these lethal weapons which exist today.
“Historically, the leadership of the NRA was more open-minded about gun control than someone familiar with the modern NRA might imagine,” wrote Adam Winkler, a Second Amendment scholar at U.C.L.A. Law School.
For this situation we must thank the GOP and its support of the NRA lobby, while failing to consider the safety of the majority. As the NRA fills the campaign chests of right-wing politicians, our nation becomes less-safe for most Americans.
America must cease its proclivity to move backwards, and join the rest of the world’s developed nations, moving bravely into the 21st century. We are the only nation in the world which is ‘gun crazy;’ we are the only nation in the world which fails to recognize that freedom for everyone is the most important component of a great country. No longer can the LGBT community, women, or those who believe in faiths other than Christianity be shunned.
Our nation is in the process of allowing a resurgence of racism comparable to the 1960’s. Attempts are underway by multiple ‘red states’ to repeal the gains made during the Civil Rights Movement.
We need intelligence in Washington, not ambitious men and women who seek office for their own personal gain.
While working in a profession when I was in verbal contact with many high school and early college age American youth, I gave this one piece of advice. “If your goal is to be a wealthy American, without a great deal of effort, you have two choices; become a televangelist, or a politician.” That was nearly 30 years ago.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Ken
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