This is a follow-up to a previous blog addressing gun violence. The hamster in my brain kept running and I felt it necessary to cover another corner of this discussion.
We, all of us, are living a myth; a myth perpetuated in each breath we take toward that one last breath. So we frame our fears on the mantle of security, seeking immortality. Security runs the same cycle as the chicken and the egg and justice is even more elusive. I am talking about self-defense; about playgrounds and punching and Call of Duty and deployment and courtrooms and departments and covert strikes and overt desperation. I am talking about fists and feet and billy clubs and knives...and yes, I am talking about guns. No battle can be won. We live in a country steeped in the tradition and the mystery of faith, yet we have so little. There is one immeasurable line walking away from the few willing to take a leap of faith.
Do I believe in the preservation of human life? I do and I love life and I love the human race and the opportunity to give and receive love each day. What I don't believe in are good guys and bad guys. We have witnessed evolution; taking on racism, sexism and homophobia. Disabilities are less disdained and we may, after enduring mass murder after mass murder, scratch the surface of mental illness. Once we do, once we get there, we will find our beloved brothers and sisters opening their arms instead of opening fire. Then there will be no Cowboys and Indians. Utopia? Perhaps. But we will never get anywhere climbing the stockpile of guns that are scattered about our great land. Starting now, somewhere in the discussion, we must consider the only answer that feasibly confronts a culture of dualism- unilateral love. Heaven lies behind that dimly-lit door. 
We spend a lot of time and money on protection. I'm not saying it is foolish to lock doors, but I think we have to take a long look at how we can, more effectively, "love thy neighbor". In the process, we will redefine neighbors and shrink the world around us. So many bonds are formed when fears are hurdled. Lives are saved and love grows. Love your neighbor. I beg of you!
