Speaking Out

Yesterday I learned that a letter I wrote to the editor of our local newspaper was published. I didn't think it would be, because my views are decidedly politically incorrect. This isn't the strongest view I've ever held, but it stands in stark contrast to most of what our local and national leadership had to say:

In the aftermath of the 32- victim shooting binge at Virginia Tech, cries are mounting to increase the scope of gun control laws. I question whether any gun restriction will keep a driven person from acquiring a gun. No open campus or business complex can provide enough security to keep everyone completely safe. My workplace cannot. Can yours? That Virginia Tech was a gun-free zone disarmed everyone except the killer.

One of the kindest, gentlest people I know is a grade-school teacher and nanny. She is an encouragement to everyone she meets, young and old. In three decades of friendship, I have never known her to offend anyone. It may come as a surprise that she has a concealed weapons permit, is well-trained in gun handling, and carries a revolver. Her experience of being threatened by violence years ago persuaded her to arm herself for protection. She is a threat to no one except those who would threaten harm, but I do not doubt that she would defend herself effectively.

If I were to find myself in such a threatening situation, I would rather be next to my friend— or someone like her— than in a gun-free zone.

The right time for writing

Today I applied for a writing gig I'd really like to have. So, I thought I might actually get this blog up and running. After decades of writing as a fulfilling sideline, I have found that medical writing fits me like a glove. Now that I truly know what I'd like to be when I grow up (not that God is finished with me yet), I'd like to make my living by being fully engaged in writing. Stay tuned, good news may be on the horizon.