Perspective | Own The View

My brain has been in a few places since I last wrote. So many topics running around in my head that it was challenging to nail down just one that I should explore further. Anyway I found one. Since the December shooting at the elementary school, each day news programs has broadcasted reports on gun ownership and assault weapons ban. This topic keeps popping up in my world, so I need to get it out of my heard.

After the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre said that gun violence has been influenced by Hollywood studios who make violent movies and video games. He stated: “Guns don’t kill people. Video games, the media, and Obama’s budget kill people” (Washingtontimes.com). On the 1-month anniversary of the shooting, the NRA released a free iPhone/iPad target-shooting app that they claim is “appropriate” for people age 4yrs and up. The target images are coffins with red bullseye at head and heart level. Is the NRA trying to prove LaPierre point – that video games do not entice people to kill? I’m not an expert, I don’t know if video games has that much influence over people who play the game, or not, but in my opinion, it is insensitive for the National Rifle Association (NRA) to release any type of gun-related game so close to the death of 20 children and 6 adults. What this proves to me is that the NRA is not interested in the public’s best interest; their allegiance lies in the economic gains from gun sales. They claim that any type of ban on guns is “an attack on the 2^nd amend”, what they are really saying is that any type of gun ban will cut into their money-making machine.

Wayne LaPierre is a disillusioned man. Here is another statement made by this man: “If it’s crazy to call for putting armed police in our schools to protect our children,” said LaPierre, “Then call me crazy.”

I love Stephen Colbert response: “Folks, I don’t know about you, but I agree with Wayne LaPierre. You, sir, are fucked in the head (the Colbert Report).”

http://www.colbertnation.com/full-episodes/mon-january-14-2013-piers-morgan?xrs=share_copy

Well, today on the BBC News Hour they presented a story of a small school in Texas whose superintendent took the opportunity to approve the arming of his teachers and allows them to carry guns during school hours while children are present. Guns around children, no good can come of this.

The site of pictures of the Newton victims still affects me in a most visceral way. Makes me sad, but also makes me angry that people have to think twice about banning assault weapons, guns that should only be used in war zones fighting against enemies/terrorists. I’ve always said that assault rifles have no business in the hands of the public. I have no issue with the ownership of small firearms as long as background checks are conducted (40% of gun sales do not conduct background checks), but I do have an issue with ownership of assault weapons.

I own a firearm. My neighbors, a police officer and his wife, accompanied me to a gun show to purchase my gun because I had never been to a gun show and I wanted a knowledgeable person to guide me in selecting a gun. I even went to the shooting range with him and his wife where he taught us how to fire the gun, as well as, educated us on the safety features. During my time in the military I had to qualify on shooting a rifle. Prior to going on the firing range we had to attend a class to learn about the rifle, safety, and proper conduct on the firing range. I’m sure the average citizen does not go to this length before purchasing their gun.

Anyway, gun ownership will never cease in America, but I do believe that prior to a gun transaction is finalized, the prospective owner should be required to attend a gun safety/handling class and full background check accomplished. These measures will not end gun violence, but it could decrease the occurrences. We are not going to make everyone happy, but ultimately the safety of the public should be the utmost priority. There should not be a debate about this issue…..protect our children and our families!!!

Steve Jobs is an interesting personality. Since his death I’ve become enthralled in his story. I would love to sit down with him for a chat. His philosophy of life speaks volumes and connects with the way I live my life. During a 1994 PBS interview Jobs essentially says that people try to form your world for you as you are growing up and that society doesn’t really want you to have your own thoughts or personality. You must conform!

I, like Jobs, do not believe that conformity is the key to a happy life, it actually limits your life. Jobs says, “…everything around you that you call life, was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, mold it, you can influence it…shake off this erroneous notion that life is there and you’re just gonna live in it, versus embrace it, change it, improve it, make your mark upon it”.

The earlier chapters in my story consisted of going along with status quo: college, marriage, kids, and working. I don’t regret any part of those events because they’ve made me who I am today and have laid the foundation for the next chapter in my life, which will consist of helping people heal their past, embrace the present, and shape a more positive future. That will be the mark I leave on this world. I am so excited to embrace all possibilities in 2013!!

Steve Jobs in interview for PBS‘ ‘One Last Thing’ documentary, 1994

“When you grow up you tend to get told the world is the way it is and your life is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money.

That’s a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact, and that is – everything around you that you call life, was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it….”