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Be vigilant and prepared, not afraid

July 6, 2018

Last week, five members of the staff of a community newspaper in Annapolis were gunned down by a man with serious mental health issues. It was a tragic and classic example of killing the messenger; but the messenger, like truth itself, wasn't extinguished. Thank God for that, and for a nation that understands its strength lies in protecting our freedoms.

These murders are the latest example of a mass killing epidemic plaguing our nation. In this instance, a newspaper office was targeted, adding to a list that also includes schools, movie theaters, nightclubs, concerts, post offices, courthouses, other governmental buildings and churches.

Last Sunday, coincidentally and not necessarily as a result of the Annapolis killings, some churches in Delaware's Cape Region began locking their doors during worship services.

That came after one church in the area hosted representatives of several churches for a presentation by a specialist in matters of security and active shooter response. Church leaders, aware of the danger of the times, are taking prudent measures to provide a safe place for parishioners to worship as they choose.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in the dark hours of the World War II era, said we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Fear can depress and immobilize us when we most need to take action to address the problems - such as mental illness - that can cause panic and paranoia. And we have to be on guard against fearmongering as a tool to divide us and divert our attention from constructive problem solving.

Following the 9/11 attacks, the Cape Gazette began using a time-tested phrase on its front page: The price of liberty is eternal vigilance. The Annapolis killings are a sad reminder of how important those words remain. We should not live our lives in fear, but we must be vigilant and prepared to protect our safety and security against whatever dangers may threaten.

   

  • Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood. 

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