Some believe we should eliminate gun free zones because someone clearly insane has sense enough to only attack people in gun free zones. Some believe if everyone was armed, crime would be deterred, yet gun violence is highest among gangs where nearly everyone is armed. Some believe the 53% of Americans who don't own guns are afraid of guns versus accepting many of the 47% own guns only because they are afraid. Some believe the constitution affords them the right to own guns to protect themselves, yet the constitution doesn't protect them from those guns. Some take comfort hiding behind the mantra "Guns don't kill people, people kill people". I suggest things will begin to improve when we all live by the mantra "Guns don't protect people, people protect people".
There is no right or left to the issue of gun violence, there is only life or death and it touches everyone. We can align ourselves with one side or the other and take comfort from those who side with us. We know from experience that if we look the other way long enough the pain, anger and sorrow will subside at least until we're shocked again by a horrific tragedy. Or we can decide it is time "people begin protecting people" by coming together to create solutions to lessen these horrific tragedies.
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