First, let me not pretend to have mastered the complexities of the gun-control issue in our state or country. I’ve never owned a gun and would likely shoot myself in the foot if I did!
However, logic and common sense would offer the following comments: (1) It is in the nature of even the most rational and compassionate of humans to experience a knee-jerk moment when caught off guard and, with a deadly weapon at hand, reach out before the brain kicks in to say “Stop!”
(2) It is in the nature of children to, if given the opportunity, curiously examine a firearm, especially if they have see grown-ups handling one.
(3) It’s simple math to total the sheer number of deaths caused by a lone attacker with a semi-automatic weapon capable of releasing countless rounds, not to mention the resultant trauma to victims, families, communities and the nation.
I would close by citing the late Rushworth Kidder, founder of the Institute for Global Ethics and author of "How Good People Make Tough Choices." After devoting a significant portion of his life to research and consulting, Kidder boils down his message to one precept: “The greatest good for the greatest number.”
Surely we can all agree on the need to act and enact.
Beth Hochholzer
Lewes
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