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Abstract
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Guns and Abortion, the two most inflammatory issues in American culture, one, centered in religion, a study in government intrusion; the other a study in laissez faire usually discussed with violent passion in Second Amendment terms. Here is incoming National Rifle Association (NRA) president Jim Porter at his investiture:
“… the very reason that they started the National Rifle Association, was to teach and train the civilian in the use of the standard military firearm. And I am one who still feels very strongly that that is one of our most greatest charges that we can have today, is to train the civilian in the use of the standard military firearm, so that when they have to fight for their country they're ready to do it. Also, when they're ready to fight tyranny, they're ready to do it. Also, when they're ready to fight tyranny, they have the wherewithal and the weapons to do it.”1
Porter coming into office spoke from what he saw as a position of power. His side had just prevailed in April, when the Senate voted down background checks, even though as white House Press Secretary Jay Carney noted, “90 percent of the American people support expanded background checks. Americans wanted this.”2
I want to put all that aside and discuss guns in terms of national wellness. This shift in perspective, I believe, will make it clear that we are facing an epidemic that is known but not acknowledged, and therefore unaddressed. Like all epidemics it is defined by numbers. An epidemic is an epidemic because of numbers....
Language: en |