Barbara F. Schutz: Tyranny of guns
After the massacre of innocent children in Newtown, Conn., I shared the sorrow of Americans all across the nation. Then, I was heartened by the response of public officials, including the president of the United States, who proposed sensible gun legislation. Then we lost three kind and caring students in Chapel Hill who had so much to give. And now this.
Tears I can’t control roll down my cheeks every time I read about the kind and welcoming innocent people in Charleston, S.C., who opened their doors and hearts to an enemy.
Ultimately, I am horrified by the voices of so many who defend not American freedom, or children, or life, but instead, guns.
Something is very wrong when a society thinks its residents need guns for protection.
Something is wrong with a society that pits one member against another.
Something is very, very wrong when fear is the guiding principle of a nation. Is fear what freedom inspires?
If so, we no longer have freedom in the United States. We have tyranny, the tyranny of guns.
Barbara F. Schutz
Chapel Hill
This story was originally published June 24, 2015 at 6:14 PM with the headline "Barbara F. Schutz: Tyranny of guns."