Life comes first.
Then liberty.
Happiness is last on the list.
Is this an accident? Did Thomas Jefferson intentionally put those words in that particular order when he wrote the foundation of our nation's doctrine? Or did he just prefer the way the words flowed together?
Does it matter?
Life comes first.
Our liberties, as we perceive them, and whether or not we're happy about it, come after.
But then we get to The Constitution and the Second Amendment: The same one that fails to mention that our youth can be terrorized in exchange for this right.
But all in all, this isn't about the Second Amendment. At least not directly. This is about coming together as a country to protect our kids.
Life comes first.
We are violating the very principle, by which all of our laws are based, every time we tolerate American children killing and dying.
And that is what I want to talk about today.
Life.
We all share in the creation of it. It is our most precious thing. The concept of life is what separates us from most of the animal kingdom. We debate about the exact moment life is created.
Many people cry when babies are born. All of us share a profound sense of reverence when we see a newborn child. It's primal. It's emotional. It's spiritual. Children bring about a sense of love that is immeasurable and indescribable. We will die to protect it.
No matter if we're speaking metaphorically, spiritually, literally or politically:
Life comes first.
So, what are we doing? Rather than protecting it, we are calling each other names and resorting to more violence. Over something that is destroying life. Over something that is not organic. It is mechanical.
Why?
Because it's our right?
I've owned several guns. I like to blow stuff up. It's fun. It's a great way to blow off steam. Other than my constitutional right to own them, I've had absolutely no need for guns other than self gratification. I see nothing wrong with that. Gun owners should not have to feel that they need to justify why they want a gun. If they want one... Cool. If not. Cool.
I know where those guns are right now. But, those guns will outlive me. Where will they be, when I am no longer around to keep track of them? Will those guns be found in the hands of another child? Will a bullet from one of those chambers be lodged into another student? My God, I hope not.
How can I be sure? I can't. So, I have to hope that society helps me with this.
I can list dozens of reasons why the 2nd Amendment is misrepresented by those who want their membership fees. But, I'm not going to.
I'm going implore everybody to make the 2nd Amendment better. Improve it so that it compliments the spirit of the Declaration of Independence. Not use The Constitution to contradict it. Guns are supposed to make our citizens united and stronger. That is clearly not the case right now. We are a house divided. We aren't currently bearing arms to protect ourselves from our government. Instead, we are killing our children.
Can we all stop yelling at one another and come up with a resolution? This topic will require everyone to be less polarizing and to have an open mind. We must hear everybody's voice and allow them to express their thoughts, without intimidation or insults. The subject requires critical thought and discussion, rather than both sides repeating radio talk show hosts, Facebook memes and sound bites from special interest groups. It requires all of us to trust that we not only want what's best for America, but also for her next generation. But, in the meantime, our children are dying.
Life comes first.
-v-
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