Normally, as a business, we stay away from the subjects of politics and religion.
Two hot button issues, with strong views on both sides.
But I ask you to indulge me as I make a veiled reference to both topics in this column.
And I would like to emphasize this is my opinion only and not anyone else who is part of the JerseyMan/PhillyMan team.
The June mass shooting on South Street in Philadelphia hit very close to home—both literally and figuratively.
I have four daughters, and three of them live in the city. They often frequent South Street as many young people do.
One of my daughters is a nurse that works only a couple of blocks from the rampage. I thank God they decided to stay home that night.
The wave of gun violence, both here and in other cities, is downright frightening. And it must be addressed.
The answers seem complicated. But, when you break it down, they really aren’t unsolvable.
I believe in the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms, but I see no reason for assault rifles. Ban them. If not ban them, make them much more difficult to get. Raise the age to 21. Use extensive background checks. If you need to shoot prairie dogs and foxes to protect your livestock or property, get a 22-caliber rifle. The varmints will still die.
Yes, I know about ghost guns and the bad guys will get the guns anyway. But we are at a point where we have to do something.
Of course, this doesn’t address the root cause of the issue.
Those who know me know I am not a regular churchgoer, and rarely talk about religion. But my faith is strong, and I have had to lean on it through several occurrences in my life including a wife almost dying in a car accident and a daughter diagnosed with cancer as a 1-year-old infant. My faith helped me get through.
The Golden Rule reads “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.” Using and implementing this philosophy will change lives—and save them.
We live in an era of selfishness and greed. What good people need to stand for is charity and kindness.
I urge you to live by example. And change one life in the process.
By changing one life, we may save one or more of them.
And, at the very least, slow down this carnage and madness.
