Whenever I see a trophy of an animal’s head mounted on a wall, I think, “barbaric,” “cruel,” – and not the least of which – “bad decorative taste.” I also think of the word, “ego.” Killing an unsuspecting animal does not fit my definition for the word, “macho.”
My assessment of the right to ‘keep and bear arms’ is a different matter. When I first read those words, I knew they were meant for the right to self-defense. There are all kinds of arguments for and against that Constitutional right. But tragic instances associated with injury or death by gunfire is no less tragic than the death of defenseless people who are confronted by a killer with a gun.
Underlying my judgment about firearms is the concept that decisions about life and death should not be based on emotions generated by the latest tragic instances. Like the blindfolded Lady Justice, we should not allow emotions to prevail over reason.
There are no words that can fully express the profoundly tragic event that occurred at the Uvalde school recently and similar instances elsewhere over time, but the right to self defense should not be a casualty to criminals who will always have access to guns no matter whatever the law may be. Usually, their way to cheat the law is to get killed by a law officer or – more likely – commit suicide.
Although the following is not an argument but only an example, my dad kept a gun in a drawer next to his bed. We were three children. We never opened that drawer. He never went outdoors with the gun. He was simply exercising his right to own a gun. He never used the gun. I’m sure that lots of citizens also kept guns in their homes just in case a criminal intruder entered their homes. Perhaps some people carried guns concealed in their clothing, but I don’t remember a single news item about deadly street shootings other than gang wars in “Chicago…Chicago…A hell of a town!”
Yes, I’m old enough to remember that.
Reflections and commentaries by the other Mario Martone 