Let's Find a New Hobby

As we continue to struggle to make sense of the December 14 murder of 20 first graders and 6 teachers in Connecticut, the debate over the prevalence of guns in our society once again takes center stage.  Gun proponents return to their mantra that 'guns don't kill people, people kill people.'  Years ago when I was a pastor, I visited a family whose 10-year old son had found his father's loaded pistol and discharged the gun, killing himself.  If it wasn't the gun that killed this little boy, who was it?  Of course guns kill people.  To say that guns kill does not ignore the human factor in killings such as those we saw in Connecticut.  But, the fact is that such a killer would not have been able to carry out such carnage with another object such as a knife, club, or even a bow and arrow.  But debate about limiting guns and/or the type of guns available to citizens has gone on for years and their seems to be little to no movement on the issue.

My view is that we need to find a way to lessen the fascination that so many people have with guns.   Following the massacre on Friday the president of a gun advocacy group in the area where I live was asked why individuals need to own assault rifles.  He admitted that they do not need these weapons, but that these weapons are so 'cool.'  He went on to describe how these assault rifles and handguns are fashioned to look very much like the ones used by the military and that people just love them. He went on to say that they are 'so much fun to shoot.'  "Some people want one of these guns," he said,  "just like other people would want a Ferrari."

For years guns have been romanticized in movies and on television.  But what is depicted now in video games makes Gun Smoke seem innocuous by comparison.  Far too many people, mostly men and boys, are fascinated by lethal weapons.  I dare say that assault rifles are not commonly used by hunters.  In order to get anywhere in curbing gun violence in society, hunters and sportsmen need to start standing up and saying, "we do not need semi-automatic handguns and assault weapons."   Firearms, especially of the sort that have been used in recent mass killings are unfortunately a 'hobby' for too many Americans. On too many occasions these weapons have found their way into the hands of individuals intending harm.   My hope is that an increasing number of gun owners will renounce ownership of assault weapons and semi-automatic firearms of all kinds.


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The Poor Subsidize the Rich!

It is not uncommon to hear middle-class people say something to the effect, “I resent my money being taken from me and given to others,” or “I don’t want to pay for the health care of others,” or “I’ve worked hard to be successful and I shouldn’t have to share what I have with those who haven’t tried as hard.” 

In American society, the life-styles of the middle class and even the rich are actually subsidized by the poor!  That’s right.  The “working poor” provide services for the rest of us and they do so at very low wages that keep them below the poverty level.  They stock the shelves at Wal-Mart, they man the drive-thru at McDonalds, and they clean the rooms at the hotels where we vacation.  The above products and services can be provided to the rest of society at affordable prices because these “working-poor” work for low wages, often with no health care coverage or other benefits.

Such individuals often qualify for government assistance of some kind, whether it be lunches for their children at school, affordable housing, or health care through Medicaid.  Contrary to what is often suggested, they are not people who have neglected to work hard enough.  Some even work multiple jobs.  Because we demand products and services at low prices, they can’t make enough to survive in modern society.

It is ironic then, that middle class people sometimes react indignantly when reminded that these individuals can avail themselves of government services provided through taxes.  These working-poor actually facilitate the lifestyle that the middle class enjoys.  

Isn't it time that the rest of us were more tolerant and understanding? 



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