[Vision2020] The Kearney effect

[Moscow Cares]

Courtesy of today’s (April 7, 2018) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with special thanks to Nancy Chaney.

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Letter: The Kearney effect

My friend Bob Kearney's obituary reads, "In lieu of flowers, write an impassioned, well-reasoned letter to the editor on a topic you care deeply about." Maybe, it's impetus for thoughtful community conversations: The Kearney effect. This is for Bob.

Bob was a physicist, educator, world traveler, deep thinker, devoted family member and regular writer of opinion pieces. The print format required respondents to organize and own their thoughts. Undeterred by controversy, Bob seemed supercharged by proximity to the third rail. Weeks before his death, he tackled gun violence (again). Bob's memorial coincided with March for Our Lives, the national rally for common-sense gun control and safety. Here's my take on that topic.

A former NRA president opposed "promiscuous toting of guns." I agree. Our country's obsessive gun culture (and its well-funded politicization) begets hostility, magnifies distrust and dissolves coping skills in a self-perpetuating cycle. Although firearms serve important roles in hunting, law enforcement, the military, recreation and self-defense, our estimated 300-million-plus guns amounts to overkill in the most appalling sense.

It's reasonable to set limits. We require licenses and proof of proficiency to drive cars. Why not for guns? If you distrust government, rather than stockpiling munitions, vote. Run for office. Speak truth to power. Demand accountability, especially by those beholden to special interests like the NRA. Regulate military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. Improve access to mental health care. Enforce universal background checks.

Reasoned conversations are fundamental. Do we want to live where fear, resentment and threat of lethal force are parts of our everyday lives? We can't wish-away gun violence, but it's not naïve to believe we have a choice. We can choose civility.

Eloquent, passionate students in today's news are tomorrow's leaders. Let's not ruin things before they have a chance to restore compassion, diplomacy and common sense.

Nancy Chaney
Moscow

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Peace, pass it around . . .

http://www.moscowcares.com/Photos/Moscow/Peace_Moscow.jpg

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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