We all make humane choices on a daily basis.
Without humane choices, violence (gun violence in particular), has escalated to previously unimaginable heights in our schools. Yet, here we are wondering how we got to this place.
If you think that it will never happen at your school or in your neighborhood, you are wrong…dead wrong…pun intended.
Gun violence in this country has reached an out of control level and it will continue to rise as long as we continue to think if it as an issue related only to gun control as we continue to debate whether guns kill people or people kill people.
Are guns a humane choice to begin with?
OK, so let’s talk about the guns first.
The gun most often used in recent mass shootings has been the now infamous AR-15. I won’t be posting a picture of it here, but just google it and you will get as many pictures as you need to understand what we are talking about here today.
This weapon was specifically designed as a military grade weapon that is easy to load, has a high capacity for ammunition, easy to load and accurate without a scope. It’s a simple purchase at your local sporting goods store if you are over 18 years of age.
As I said, this is a military grade weapon designed with the specific purpose of killing human beings. It is not for hunting animals or target practice or protecting property.
Is this the type of weapon that should be available to someone without the proper training? Is it the type of weapon that a hunting enthusiast needs to take on a hunting expedition when there are so many other options available?
I don’t see how this is a matter of second amendment rights to bear arms. The real issue here is that the we need a system of managing the process of buying, selling, owning and using guns in this country. Just as we need a license to operate a motor vehicle, we should need a license to own and operate a gun.
Why are humane choices such a difficult concept to understand?
Why is the safety of a nation being put at risk for the sake of the individual?
OK, that being said…let’s go a little deeper and talk about the more complicated issue here…I was scrolling though Facebook a while back and saw a post that said something like this…almost two dozen school shootings since January 1st….by the same generation that eats laundry detergent….and you say that we have a gun control problem?
Exactly…This is an issue that goes way beyond gun control and first amendment rights.
I don’t know that we have the perfect solution to this very complex issue, but we must begin a conversation about even the smallest steps we can take towards a more caring and kinder environment in which future generations can grow and flourish. Now is the time for Humane Education to take its rightful place, not just in our schools, but in our homes and churches and playing fields and almost anywhere human beings are interacting.
We invite you to join in the conversation about how humane education can help us put this country back on solid ground. If you are making the choice today to be part of the solution, contact us for help to get you started on your own journey towards a kinder, gentler and more peaceful existence.
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