Every day I go to work in a danger zone, since I work in a public school. Mass shootings are so commonplace most only last a day in the news cycle. I have had serious conversations with my wife, about whether we feel safe starting a family in a country overrun wth gun issues, and one in which no gun legislation seems possible. If the Founding Fathers saw the country today, I think they'd be sick.
A look at the future:
In the year 2075...
Imagine a nation where all children report to school with guns. The Gun Lobby successfully convinced the nation that the only way to protect schools was to arm every individual in the schools, including teachers, students, and administrators. Each class begins by making sure the safety's are all on. In elementary school, children are allowed to leave their handguns in cubbies during recess or lunch. The one kid who comes to school without a gun is bullied and harrassed, leaving in tears.
Imagine a world where no one leaves their houses unless necessary. Where someone's considered lucky to live past age 40. A world where whenever you don't like something, you pull out a gun and blow them away.
Imagine a USA so stagnant and full of strife, that we've become the laughingstock of every nation. Thousands flee the country, looking for peaceful paces to live.
Imagine every school day beginning with the words:
I pledge allegiance to the guns,
Of the United States of America,
And to the Republic they helped to forge,
One nation, with no God,
With weaponry and ammo for all.
This may sound like an idle speculation, yet the statistics show we're moving in that direction already. We're a lot closer than you might realize.
This is Gun Nation.
Oh, Chris, as a Canadian, I'm so frustrated watching this happen over and over in our neighbouring country. I have many fine American friends, and I just can't stand it. I've defriended people or hidden them off of my FB because they're believers in arming themselves. Wake up, America. You're the only ones who have this problem to that extent. Most Canadians think it's a joke to own a gun unless they're hunters. We have alarms, block watches, iPhones to film, etc. And I hate to say it, but the world already is laughing at you. They think you haven't got an ounce of sense in you. Sigh. Thinking of my friends again. It seems to me slavery had to be settled with the civil war. Will Americans have to settle the issue with another civil war? More lives lost. Senseless deaths. I'll say it again. Wake up, America. You're the only ones!
ReplyDeleteChristopher, your essay was sad, frightening, but also thought-provoking. I travel to the States fairly regularly, and worry for my safety and those around me, as I travel through your beautiful country. Americans I've met have been invariably wonderful, warm folks. But your numbers don't lie. Your President has been criticized by some, yet he's done many amazing things, including health care, the budget and international relations. I believe the collective 'You' will figure this out. Maybe the Constitution can be revisited? It was revised before, without the world falling apart. Anyway, as your neighbour, friend and ally, we in the Frozen North are all pulling for you.
ReplyDeleteNicely written, by the way.