I must begin this week’s column with an explanation.
In order for my column to appear in Saturday’s edition,
it is written and submitted Wednesday or Thursday afternoon
at the latest.
Last week my column title and content reflected an upbeat,
happy attitude announcing the number of shopping days left
before Christmas. I ridiculed the frenzy of shopping on Black
Friday after Thanksgiving. Little did I know the blackest Friday
our country would ever experience was to take place.
It
was hard for me to conceive such a despicable event could
unfold in such a beautiful place. I have been there before;
before most people had ever heard of Newtown, before the
beautiful soccer fields became a backdrop for anxious reporters
waiting
for news updates on the horrible actions that had just
taken place. I have family that lives nearby in Fairfield
and I
attended a soccer playoff game my grandson played in on
one of Newtown’s
soccer fields. Yes, I’ve been there in the past but
will now sadly remember the latest settings etched in my
mind forever.
A
few weeks ago I asked, “Why — no matter where
you look, little value is placed on human lives.” What
can we do to gain control of our own actions? I support
the rights we have to defend ourselves and protect our
families.
In all respect to our constitution; at the time the bill
of rights was drafted by our forefathers, no assault
weapons of
mass destruction were available. The intent of the second
amendment law surely was not to protect the rights of
future killers.
I
cannot fathom a reason why anyone needs an assault weapon
or magazines that can hold 30 rounds of shells
or “cop
killer” shells. None of these items were even heard of
when the “rights” many hide behind were
added to our constitution.
I’m hopeful no one thought me “heartless” with
my talk of a “Jolly” Christmas. I am the father
of four girls, grandfather of six and I’ve always loved
the children. I’m often entertained at gatherings
when the little ones giggle and laugh in such an
infectious way
we all begin to smile and laugh with them.
One of my granddaughters is in a Masters program at Wayne State
studying Art Therapy. She wants to send information to the
President on how her future profession may help those who are
challenged and ask that a greater focus be placed on helping
our less fortunate, many unable to help themselves, by providing
support for needed programs.
Last
week as I watched in horror the story unfold my tears and
I’m sure every person in our country’s tears
just kept flowing. In the days following our great loss, many
powerful people have spoken out about finding a way to protect
our innocent children. Perhaps it will be the legacy of the
children and their defenders in Newtown — who
had no voice, if they do.
To all who have tried to dry their tears and celebrate the
holidays with family, I sincerely wish you Merry Christmas
and hopefully Peace on Earth to all of us.