The Violence Continues

The Continuing Violence

Although I rarely address anything other than spiritual issues, I felt compelled to comment on the horrific tragedy in Colorado. A disturbed young man calmly walked through an exit door and began to systematically murder people. He wore all sorts of body armor, and he was armed. He was well armed. These are the weapons he had which were purchased several months ago and several months apart:

* A semiautomatic rifle, a .223-caliber assault-style rifle with a 100-round drum magazine.

* Two .40-caliber Glock handguns

* A 12-gauge Remington Model 870 pump shotgun

* 3,000 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition for the rifle.

* 3,000 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition for the Glock handguns.

* 300 rounds for the shotgun.

Everything was purchased legally within months of each other, and within months of the shooting. Here is a perfect example of the fallen morality of the world. Americans are fascinated with guns, and their widespread availability is a scandal. The rate of gun violence in America not only ranks as the highest in the world, but it is almost as high as all the richest nations combined. But in spite of those statistics, and in spite of their obvious implication, politicians continue to support insane gun laws.

The “founding fathers” placed the second amendment within the constitution at a time when many people hunted for food, and they desired protection against outside and inside takeovers, and the guns were one shell at a time. They could have no idea the extent and scope to which legal gun ownership, as well as illegal gun ownership, would explode. If they had been given beforehand the statistics I just mentioned, I am sure the second amendment would come with very stringent conditions.

The right to bear arms is a nebulous license to gather all the guns you wish, and when you have your guns there is no guarantee your mental state will remain stable. But when fallen man desires something nothing can deter him from access to his desires even if they are deadly. Most people who die in a fire die from smoke inhalation, yet inhaling tobacco smoke remains legal. Alcohol is the most destructive drug by far, and yet strong drink is available within walking distance of most homes. Pornography is protected by our laws.

But even in the wake of this senseless and demonic tragedy, I assume no real political dialogue will take place concerning gun control. And the party that is most adamant about protecting gun ownership on all levels? Oh yes, it’s the party that most evangelicals support. And here are a few nice sounding lies which seem to have a sacred place among us:

“establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity”

Go ahead, tell that to the people murdered in Colorado. The only illegal thing the killer did was kill. Everything else was by the constitution. Some document.

Thank our Wonderful Lord that His kingdom is not of this world.