It isn't a secret that one of my fears is getting shot in a public place by someone who is crazed. My fear usually perks up in places where there can be irrational outbursts of anger (DMV, hospitals, McDonald's...). To deal with it I go into those places very rarely, if ever. I know it is irrational. I know my chances of getting shot by someone who is angry for being fired the day before is something that probably will never happen. I know this.
And yet, in light of the shootings in Arizona of the peaceful people meeting with their representative in a Safeway parking lot it all comes to clearly to me. That kind of senseless act is what drives my fear. Because people really do shoot other people. People who don't deserve to be shot.
To the people who are pro-gun, I say have your weapons. Hell, fill up an entire shed with them, but do not take them out in public... unless you are shooting ANIMALS... and even then be careful someone might get in the way.
To people like Sarah Palin who put cross hairs on people and say that those folks should be taken out - shame on you. Sure, you are probably just trying to prove a point, but there are angry unstable people who take you verbatim. We have to be careful with what we say.
The only good thing that can come from something like this is that we learn (relearn) to treat each other with respect and care. That we learn that our words matter. That we have an open discussion not just about rhetoric, but about gun laws. That we start to take responsibility for our actions and our words. That better happen or I am just going to have to lock myself in my house.
Photo Credit: Min-BakingProject
