LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. —
After Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher tragically took his life and the life of girlfriend Cassandra Perkins, NBC sportscaster Bob Costas took the opportunity to rail against our right to bear arms. Although Costas has a right to his opinion and a forum to express it, it does not mean we have to agree. Nor does it mean he is right. The same can be said for this sports writer and his opinion.
The recent tug and pull between those that own guns and those that would ban them has reached an impasse that will never be breached. This leaves states like Kentucky, where we are outdoorsmen raised with guns, to pass laws to further protect our rights. The rush to buy guns when President Obama was elected grew from the fear that these guns would be taken away. I have spoken to people that are burying guns near their home so they can never be confiscated. A little outlandish, but we live in outlandish times.
Just after the tragedy in Kansas City, there was another sobering incident in the NFL. An accident involving two members of the Dallas Cowboys led to the death of a passenger and arrest of the driver for DUI. Yet there was no outcry for the abolishment of alcohol sales. Details about the Belcher murder-suicide later include the fact Belcher had a “wild night of partying” before committing his crime. Belcher had also undergone financial trouble and relationship counseling. So to blame the gun for this incident is like blaming the rain for the leak in your roof. There were plenty of issues before Belcher picked up the gun.
It is more an indictment of the times when jobs, financial, and relationship stress are often more deadly than a bullet. I do not remember murder suicides generations ago when guns were just as prevalent, but peace of mind more attainable. We lived simply, loved more unconditionally, and forgave.
If I were raised in New York or Los Angeles the opinion might differ. If my only knowledge of guns were that when someone picks one up then someone else dies. Instead I was raised where we are taught at an early age to respect guns and opinions.
I pray the families find some comfort in this tragedy and the child that has been orphaned is raised with love. I still do not blame guns for the events that unfolded. I blame the times we live in today.
mhoward@sentinel-echo.com
Columns
Related Photos
-
mitch.jpg
December 14, 2012
On The Rebound: Belcher situation tragic
- Columns
-
-
Direct Kick: Baseball coaches make tough decisions
-
My Point Is... London...a tree and floral wonder
-
Points East: Walking for a cure
-
On The Rebound: I’m the one not watching Duck Dynasty
-
Publisher's Notebook: Mistreated at restaurant doesn’t warrant a story
-
Cat Tales: The little red spaceship sweeps the floors
-
Direct Kick: An amazing streak comes to an end
-
My Point Is... Savoring the past for the future
-
A Canuck in Kantuck: My mom, my only
-
Points East: Seeing the ponies run
- More Columns Headlines
-
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
