Guns Are for Killing

By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Columnist

Today, more than ever, there is constant concern about the anger, hate and uncertainty that now overshadows the lives of “every-day citizens”.

Across the globe, there seems to be a constant undercurrent of hopelessness and anxiety, as the media parades the negatives that are repeatedly becoming a way of life, because of people’s race, religion, gender, political beliefs and vulnerabilities. The sanctity of people’s lives seems to have disappeared.

One important concern is the easy availability and the use of guns, which, on a daily basis, appear in single or mass murders. Lately, even elementary school children are shooting their classmates in schools.

So, how do you respond to the changing times and how do you resist the fear of the future and the negative atmosphere that permeates people’s lives, due to their race, their religion, their neighborhood or their gender?

Do you pretend that you think it is other people’s business to take action?

While we all agree that everyone’s response to any given situation is a personal decision, it would make a great difference if everyone took, even one action, to bring about positive change.

What is needed is for more people of goodwill to show that they want to live in a world with less hate, less anger and less disregard for life.

Consequently, it would be quite helpful if you consider doing, even one of the following:

1. Demand action from your federal MLA or other political decision-makers, regarding the entry of firearms into the country (As a taxpayer you have the right to make demands).
2. Demand school Boards do a better job of preventing guns from entering schools’ premises.
3. Get involved with organizations that are working to build a more civil society; and
4. Remember that silence is not golden.

Peace and goodwill to you all.

In Sisterhood,
Ettie