hat is why we must help create some awareness and provide as much truth and information as we can make available on the issue of firearms and violence. If I could have my way with this health epidemic – this virus with weapons and violence, I would create steps toward banning the manufacture, distribution, importation, sale and possession of guns (primarily handguns and automatic rifles/machine guns) to all citizens. Why are we taking this topic for granted? This stuff is for real! People are really murdered in gang disputes and drive-by shootings in places like North Portland where I was born. I’ve read “gun violence is so pandemic that the Centers for Disease Control have identified it as the nations number one public health problem.” The degree to which our communities and collective population tolerates firearms, has a long lasting effect upon our future and culture. Get this – “every twenty-four hours handgun-wielding assailants rape thirty-three women, rob 575 people and assault 1,116 people.” These kinds of stats blow me away. You can expect your children’s children on and on for generations on to live in a society and world where these kind of statistics are only growing steadily. How many voices must cry out? How much bloodshed must there be? Come on! Those of you who think you need to rifles to hunt, could possibly consider the idea that unless you live as a complete hermit – there are plenty of grocery and market stores to buy meat at. And there are also high-powered bow and arrow equipment, which is as effective in targeting and hunting animals. They’re much less destructive too. And for those of you who think you must have a gun to protect yourself from government overthrow or an outbreak of war, maybe you could try living more in the present than worrying about future events that may not be preventable or controllable. At our current state, the government and our ...
