Trauma in America – a Time for Introspection

"Broken Hearted" 11 x 14 Pastel Drawing on Bristol

 In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Newtown, CT, people around the country are in a state of panic. Some want stronger gun controls. Others want to ban guns altogether, but let’s look at some facts.

Norway, a socialist country that bans guns, lost 78 people, most of whom were children, at the hand of a gun-toting terrorist, a man with a cause. There was not one person on that island who had a gun or who could defend him or herself. They went down without a fight; innocent victims all.

"Moody Blues" 14 x 18 OIL on canvas

We must not rush to conclusions or rashly amend or change our Constitution in a moment of panic. Once guns are banned or the Constitution is changed, we can never get them back. We will never be able to protect ourselves from terrorists, intruders, or our own government which is why the pilgrims came here in the first place to flee oppressive government, and why immigrants throng to our shores or cross our borders illegally, risking life, limb, and deportation. Our freedom is at risk when the real problem is not guns, but people.

A rush to judgment is never wise. History of the past century shows us that a majority of shooting incidents have been caused by the mentally ill. Perhaps instead of banning guns, we should look at how we recognize and treat the mentally ill among us. Where is the support system that provides a safety net for these people, who happen to be our fellow citizens, family members, or neighbors?

"With These Hands -- Hope" 16 x 20 OIL on canvas

Changing laws makes far more sense than changing a Constitution that has helped us become the greatest nation on earth for the past 200 plus years. Let’s be better neighbors and friends. Let’s reach out to those closest to us and see that they get the help and treatment they need. Before we rush to judgment, let’s examine our options.

Please share your thoughts with us. No matter how you feel, we should all express our views to our Senators and Congress men and women.

"Innset Kirke" Norway, 11 x 14 OIL on canvas SOLD (Prints available)