The headlines screamed: 10 dead in mass shooting at Buffalo supermarket – ABC News, May 14, 2022 - 21 killed at Uvalde elementary in Texas’ deadliest school shooting ever – Texas Tribune, May 24, 2022 - At least 4 people were killed in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, hospital campus shooting, police say – CNN News, June 2, 2022. In as many weeks, three tragic mass shootings controlled the news narrative hour after hour, numbing the senses of multiplied thousands.
These words are repeated time and again across the country as violence boils over in our streets. Authorities race from one incident to the next as 911 calls demand their assistance. Realizing a problem exists is not difficult. However, finding a suitable, long-lasting solution has not proved straightforward and uncomplicated.
On one side of the political aisle, guns are the problem. The legislation would solve it. A few more restrictions, another ban on a model or magazine size, or guns entirely, would cure the ill that ails the U.S.
However, people are the problem according to the other side of the aisle. Mental illness and convicted felonies rank high on their list. Yet, politicians worry over constitutional rights that would likely get trampled by the actions of their congressional counterparts.
The problem is apparent. The answer is just as precise. However, few are seeking the answer, but rather a solution. Much like placing a band-aid on cancer, politicians chase a surface-level application rather than address the heart of the matter. (Hold this thought, we’ll come back.)
On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee held an emergency meeting to enact gun control legislation in response to the “outrage” over gun violence. I took the opportunity to watch as congressmen and congresswomen debated the pros and cons of gun control and Second Amendment rights. Should you want to hear what the governing body of this nation thinks, here’s the link. It’s quite long, but I suggest you listen. It’s very informative and might affect your vote come November.
The legislation H.R. 7910 consisted of six gun control bills brought together under the umbrella name “Protecting Our Kids Act.” The individual bills include; Raise the age, Prevent gun trafficking, Untraceable firearms, Safe storage, Closing the bump stock loop and Keep Americans safe. Several amendments were presented. Some might have bettered the bill; nearly all were discounted as unusable and unsuitable for various “reasons.”
Judging from the bill's title, one would presume something inside would address school safety. Especially since the Uvalde, Texas massacre was “reportedly” what prompted the emergency meeting. Unfortunately, there’s no solitary word about school safety in the bill. It is plain and simple gun control legislation motivated by the Uvalde crisis.
What’s the point? Congress, be honest! Don’t label legislation to suit what you think the American people will accept! If it’s gun control, call it that! If it’s billions poised to prop-up foreign governments, say so! Don’t lie to the American people! Although, if you call it what it is, it’s even more unlikely to pass.
While I listened to the bulk of the nine and a half hours of debate, I was amazed at the callous disregard for the American people, the abject lack of concern for the Constitution and the appalling disrespect for human life.
I watched grown adults squabble and bicker, interrupting one another like three-year-olds. I witnessed congress members hand-out ultimatums on what they would do and refuse to allow colleagues the right to express an opinion. I listened as congresswomen used their femininity to woo colleagues toward their political viewpoint while discussing the culture of death that seemingly reigns supreme in this nation. With the amount of disrespect I witnessed, it is no wonder the citizens disrespect and disregard each other. I was horrified and enraged!
The relegalization of hypocrisy and disrespect in the nation's ruling body turned my stomach! The topic of gun violence, the protection of children and the citizenry brought the congresswomen to the forefront. They insisted the other side of the aisle had no feeling, no heart. They questioned if they loved children or grandchildren. All the while demanded they move from their Second Amendment stance, do the right thing and put gun control in place.
One congresswoman commented about the Republican's Second Amendment focus. She questioned what happened to the First Amendment rights of those students or grocery store patrons whose right to life was extinguished. As I listened, I realized that these are some of the same women who, less than six weeks ago, insisted on “my body, my choice.” When the Roe v. Wade opinion leak occurred, the child in the womb had no rights! Now they are declaring the rights of the child. Really? I’m sorry, but you can’t HAVE your cake and EAT your cake too! Either the child has rights, or it doesn’t! Which is it? Because it sure it’s both! Culture may tell us we live in a “both/and” world. In some cases, that is true. However, this isn’t one of them.
On the one hand, the callous disregard for human life and the overwhelming care and concern for human life, on the other, is hypothetical. Therein lies the problem in America. It’s not guns. It’s hearts! The hearts of Congress and bureaucrats, the hearts of criminals, and the hearts of individual Americans. And those hearts need regeneration. Remember I said to hold that thought?
Solutions are sought, but the answer will change the outcome eternally. Guns do not harm people unless another person is involved. If the person with the weapon has an evil heart, then evil is what transpires. If the gun were not involved, it would only change the method. Evil and death would still occur.
The remedy for an evil heart is the saving grace of Jesus Christ. But unfortunately, that fact has long been overlooked; it's thought unnecessary, viewed as a crutch, scoffed at, and mocked by many in positions of power and prestige. Yet, the evidence is clear: the bloodshed in our streets only increased since prayer was legislated from our schools in 1962.
If the answer were sought, the need for a solution would soon disappear. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he may be found.” Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except by me" (John 14:6, KJV).
תגובות