When someone says "It's cold out there." they may not be talking about the frigid winter. The recent shooting in Arizona is one example of the harsh moral-weather. Somebody needs to do something. Could it be you and I who need to bring about that change?
Clearly one of the good-news stories of recent days has been Representative Gabriele Giffords remarkable survival, and, thusfar, incredible recovery from a point-blank attack that put a bullet through her brain. The good news, though, is clearly wrapped in darkness. Congresswoman Giffords was doing what she ought to have been doing--meeting her constituents--when she and twenty or so others were attacked by Jared Loughner.
As it should be, the public has reacted with outrage, but what do we do? Immediately proposals were offered that would provide our 535 lawmakers with Secret Service type protection. Some lawmakers have decided that they will carry guns in public settings. John Wayne, Clint Eastwood go to Washington. Other ideas involve metal detectors, and zones around public officials where guns aren't allowed. All of these proposals and others need to be considered on their merits, but we need to understand they really won't solve the problem. Rep. Bill Huizenga, Michigan, wisely observed ". . . we can't rely on Government fixes. We have to change people's hearts." (World Magazine, 1/29, p.8) I agree with the congressman. People like you and I are in charge of congressional security. Dads, Moms, teachers, preachers like me, Scout leaders and Little-League coaches, we are helping to build the kind of public climate that will result in greater danger, or more security for those who represent us.
When we look at the carnage in Arizona, let's not only look at the killer. There were those who held him down, took away his ammunition, used their bodies to shield others, and rendered assistance to the wounded.
Here is something to put on your resume. "Providing security for public officials."
It's STTA.
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