This morning as I sipped my coffee playing Letterpress with my sister Barb (a game we’re addicted to that we play on our I-Pads) a story on the Today show caught my attention. The piece concerned self-defense classes in Texas; not the self-defense classes where folks are taught how to break away from an attacker, break a nose or give a good kick to the soft bits, but a pull out your gun and pull the trigger, potentially kill someone kind of self-defense. It wasn’t the class itself that caught my attention, but the fact that many of the students were teachers, feeling the need to be ready for the next Sandy Hook or Columbine attack. Compounding my shock was the fact that the governor of Texas has offered to pay for these classes for any school employee in the state who wishes to.
Granted, the political benefits of any governor making such an offer are bountiful. I remember having a bet with a friend as to which group had a larger membership, the NEA or the NRA. I can’t recall which one had more members but suffice it to say, both are major players in both elections and public policy. I believe everyone has the right to defend themselves when attacked, but I have real problem with guns in schools.
This is a photo of my elementary school, St Aloysius Catholic School in Springville, NY. 
It was a safe peaceful place where in the early 1960’s we were in fear only of an attack from TB, polio or the measles. As children living in a farm community, there were guns in our homes – shot guns mostly, for hunting or killing a wood chuck. There were also BB guns and no, I don’t think anyone shot their eye out. I think the major difference between then and today is that guns were viewed as tools and not weapons – at least in my little town.
Fast forward fifty years and I am again living in a small town. It is not unusual to hear a gunshot during the day. I have always assumed it was varmint shooting, but now I’m not so sure.
A couple weeks ago, Dave and I stayed for a cup of coffee in the Hall after Mass and I made an off handed remark about placing armed guards in all of our schools; an idea I find repulsive. Why on earth would we want to have our children grow up believing they will only be safe is they are near someone carrying a gun?
I was surprised by the fact that the majority of the men in the group thought it was an excellent idea. The box was opened and out jumped a very spirited discussion on gun ownership. For the most part, it was the usual… guarantees by the Constitution….blah, blah, blah. (Not discounting the argument, but we’ve all heard it before.) The surprising bit was when the topic of assault rifles came up, one of the guys said they were needed to protect citizens from a “tyrannical government”.
A “tyrannical government”? That statement chilled me to the bone. What is really going on here? Are there really people in this country who believe that believe we need to have assault weapons in our homes to protect ourselves from the government? Why?
I understand there are people who are unhappy with our current administration and we are all rightly frustrated by the inertia of Congress. Everyone who knows me knows how prickly I felt about the eight long years of the last Bush administration. I felt the decisions made put our country on the wrong course for which we suffer now. But, it never occurred to me to create an arsenal in my upstairs closet to protect myself. Why? Because I know my American History.
Our history as a nation is full of political unrest, upheaval and inertia on the part of Congress. From the very beginning our country has produced men with differing views, presenting good arguments on both sides of issues. There have been hard fought debates, back room dealings and unfriendly persuasion. Still, with all that, we have survived. Our history hasn’t always been as idealic as my photo of St. Al’s and memories of my days on innocence but I would proudly stand it against the history of any other country in the world, confident that our tri-cameral system of government with its checks and balances works in spite of and because of our diversity and contention.
I have hope, both in God and in our country. My outlook is not dark and dismal as some profess. As for me I will continue to build my arsenal with hope and love.