And the Gun Debate Continues

Guns are the subject of much debate these days in America. Some say we need tighter gun registration regulations in order to make acquiring a weapon more time consuming and to allow authorities to better keep track of who the gun owners are. Others say the laws should be made looser so that ordinary citizens can have easier access to gun so they are in a better position to defend themselves from criminals and persons wishing to do harm to others. These are two of the more popular arguments being made. No doubt, this is an important debate to have as it speaks to fundamental ways to make American safer and more livable.   


Unfortunately, while the debate rages, thousands of people each year die as a result of gun violence. According to the federal government, in the United States there is a multiple gun violence incident on the average of once per day. Such a piece of reality goes far behind simply being labeled "tragic." Still, the debate continues. I applaud the attention being given this important issue. What I condone is the manner in which some are conducting themselves in this exchange. Name calling, purposeful exaggerations and outright lies are the strategies of some desperate to influence others to their way of thinking. They are the tragic element here.


Further, the National Rifle Association and several conservative politicians are not worthy of participating in such a serious discussion. That, of course, is too bad since, ideally, their perspectives should be part of this national conversation. Serious topics deserve serious discussion carried out by serious folks. When anything less then that occurs, everyone and everything is diminished. As a result, this debate continues imperfectly and more innocent adults and children continue to die. But the issue is not that we do not communicate perfectly. Rather, it is the fact some purposefully choose not to communicate in good faith.