Black Community News News and Commentary for Christians
Who among us doesn’t want to see a reduction in “gun violence”? The sad fact is no matter how many laws Congress, state, or local legislatures draft, people will kill people with guns. Because some people choose to use firearms to murder, as opposed to defending themselves and their family, that’s no reason — none — to outlaw firearms or even restrict general access.
We have a God-given right to defend ourselves and our families, regardless of what the U.S. Constitution says. But it so happens that the Founders codified a right to bear arms, which are lethal weapons. They are dangerous, and they should be handled properly and used for the right reasons.
Instead of gun bans, we need more gun safety.
I sympathize with people who’ve lost loved ones to what I consider stupid violence. Implied in some “gun violence” discussions, however, is restricting access. It is sad, frustrating, and tragic that a disproportionate number of young black men kill each other; this fact doesn’t justify infringing on the rights of responsible, law-abiding citizens who want to own guns.
What’s the answer? It’s certainly a spiritual problem. Where do we start? Policy-makers and leaders in high-crime communities, specifically pastors, should be at the forefront. A heavy focus on these areas inevitably would lead to charges of racism. But you can be effective, or you can be politically correct. You can’t be both.
No law-abiding black American should advocate banning guns. NEVER AGAIN.
Photo credit: License Photographybyjw (Creative Commons)
