Guns and Loss
Aleece and I were looking for old college drama friends on Facebook. We found someone we were fairly close to and realized that his Facebook page was not a proper page, but a memorial. He had shot himself last April.
Of course we were both shocked and fairly devastated. I lost contact with him a few years back after he deleted his MySpace page. I had no idea about the depth of his depression. I have been going back and forth all day, feeling sick to my stomach about my friend and feeling furious about guns.
This has fueled my avid hate for guns even further. Sure, there are thing in my life I'm passionate about: I think people who drive Hummers are morons, I think there is no excuse not to recycle, I believe all children should be in a carseat for as long as possible... but I rarely push these opinions on people, they are just my beliefs. And it's the same about guns.
Most people that know me, know I hate guns. I honestly believe that, in a world without guns, no one would be shot. But I also understand that it is a right, and people can own a gun if they'd like. However, I also believe that there are two types of people who buy guns: there are those who buy guns because they are an enthusiast, or collector, and there are those that buy guns out of fear or anger.
It are these later people who I believe should never own a gun.
I have to wonder, had my friend not been allowed to own a gun - would he be here now?
I do not believe that guns are a valid answer to any question - they do not protect you as most people think. Owning a gun did not make my friend feel any safer.
I am not saying that everyone who owns a gun may take their own life but I do believe guns are for shooting and I do not agree with that.
I picture my friend, sitting alone on a beautiful beach (my favorite on the West Coast), crying with a gun in his hand. I will never forget this image and this is why I think guns are stupid and awful.
This friend is the only person I have known to shoot a gun at a person (besides the few people I know in the military) and it was at himself.
Though we lost touch, I will miss him always. He was a good guy with talent and unmatched humor. This song is for him:
True Devotion - Rocky Votolato
Visit the Places where it all began
When you’re not afraid you can start again
Take one last look
No pretense, no sentimental attachment
The Veil’s been lifted
Don’t be Angry
Who’s gonna rescue me from myself if you leave
Oh please believe me when I tell you I’m sorry
I used to run these streets
Reservoirs overflowed with sweet dreams
I just couldn’t see
Don’t be Angry
Who’s gonna rescue me from myself if you leave
Oh please believe me when I tell you I’m sorry
You’re everything I need all at once to be at peace
With the slow dying watching what I love disappearing
Oh please believe me when I tell you I’m sorry
Of course we were both shocked and fairly devastated. I lost contact with him a few years back after he deleted his MySpace page. I had no idea about the depth of his depression. I have been going back and forth all day, feeling sick to my stomach about my friend and feeling furious about guns.
This has fueled my avid hate for guns even further. Sure, there are thing in my life I'm passionate about: I think people who drive Hummers are morons, I think there is no excuse not to recycle, I believe all children should be in a carseat for as long as possible... but I rarely push these opinions on people, they are just my beliefs. And it's the same about guns.
Most people that know me, know I hate guns. I honestly believe that, in a world without guns, no one would be shot. But I also understand that it is a right, and people can own a gun if they'd like. However, I also believe that there are two types of people who buy guns: there are those who buy guns because they are an enthusiast, or collector, and there are those that buy guns out of fear or anger.
It are these later people who I believe should never own a gun.
I have to wonder, had my friend not been allowed to own a gun - would he be here now?
I do not believe that guns are a valid answer to any question - they do not protect you as most people think. Owning a gun did not make my friend feel any safer.
I am not saying that everyone who owns a gun may take their own life but I do believe guns are for shooting and I do not agree with that.
I picture my friend, sitting alone on a beautiful beach (my favorite on the West Coast), crying with a gun in his hand. I will never forget this image and this is why I think guns are stupid and awful.
This friend is the only person I have known to shoot a gun at a person (besides the few people I know in the military) and it was at himself.
Though we lost touch, I will miss him always. He was a good guy with talent and unmatched humor. This song is for him:
True Devotion - Rocky Votolato
Visit the Places where it all began
When you’re not afraid you can start again
Take one last look
No pretense, no sentimental attachment
The Veil’s been lifted
Don’t be Angry
Who’s gonna rescue me from myself if you leave
Oh please believe me when I tell you I’m sorry
I used to run these streets
Reservoirs overflowed with sweet dreams
I just couldn’t see
Don’t be Angry
Who’s gonna rescue me from myself if you leave
Oh please believe me when I tell you I’m sorry
You’re everything I need all at once to be at peace
With the slow dying watching what I love disappearing
Oh please believe me when I tell you I’m sorry