Posted 7/5/18
Hello all:
What do you think?
We will keep working on the state level and try to elect people that are more in tune with saving lives lost to gun violence. Thanks to each of you that help and spread the word about joining up with any number of advocacy groups.
Not much the Congress Can Do to Stop Gun Violence
Mitch McConnell: ‘Not Much’ Congress Can Do to Stop Gun Violence | Matzav.com
McConnell says the federal government can't do much about school shootings
McConnell says the federal government can't do much about school shootings - NY Daily News
Sincerely,
Bob Biehn, Spokesperson for H.E.G.I.C.
http://gunlawidea38.weebly.com
Posted 6/19/18
This is amazing where you find guns. How many houses in america are like this. Take a look at this link.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/more-than-500-guns-seized-from-2-california-homes/ar-AAyPVPK?ocid=spartandhp
Posted 6/11/18
The below link by the POLICE EXECUTIVE RESEARCH FORUM is one that does a great job describing what is wrong around Gun Violence and action items that should be taken. The issue really is WILL ANY OF OUR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TAKE THIS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO SHOW REAL CHANGE. This is rather detailed, allow about 10 minutes to read and see how it aligns with the illegal gun use discussion and stronger penalties recommended in the H.E.G.I.C. proposal.
http://www.policeforum.org/assets/gun%20violence%20meeting_guiding%20principles%20%20recommended%20approaches%20final2%206%208%2018.pdf
Posted 6/9/18
This is unbelievable that that it even happened and then it happened for so long.
http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/06/08/adam-putnams-office-stopped-concealed-weapons-background-checks-for-a-year-because-it-couldnt-log-in/
A few extra notes from the Trace, (The Canon)
Between February 2016 and March 2017, the state of Florida failed to conduct any federal background checks on gun owners applying for permits to carry concealed firearms. Vetting stopped because the employee in charge of the system couldn't log in. [Tampa Bay Times]
The Florida concealed carry scandal has public safety implications: More than 200,000 applicants sought licenses during the period amid a surge of interest in concealed carry in the state. If historical denial rates held, hundreds of those applicants would have been rejected due to disqualifying records or incomplete paperwork. [Florida Department of Agriculture]
There are political ramifications, too: In Florida, concealed carry permits are issued by the Department of Agriculture, whose commissioner, Republican Adam Putnam, is now running for governor and has called himself "a proud NRA sellout." [@adamputnam]
Posted 5/18/18
Prayers for Santa Fe High School.
I nor H.E.G.I.C. have any answers, the shooters were students. In this case it is obvious to me at this point that more MUST BE DONE on a psychological and psychiatric level. Students are usually not mentally challenged that do this stuff, they are kids with troubles and are not thinking through stuff the way an adult would. A stronger emphasis on the mind will help both the troubled become normalized and the school become safer. TV, social media and video games all in a subtle way tend to give validity to abnormal behavior. When our generation grew up we had none of the violence and vitreol that is everywhere today. We need to rethink the entire education of our young people as a whole body approach and not just subjects and sports if we are ever to get a handle on this issue. It is not just about hardening the physical school complex, it is about saving our young peoples lives and guiding them toward being contributors in society during their adult years. Many say we do all this now and nothing is perfect - - - - but we can do better in my opinion.
Posted 5/13/18
I have just discovered a helpful site for those working with reducing recidivism in crime that I wanted all to be aware. It has always been our philosophy at H.E.G.I.C. that if we can help people feel like they are truly part of the society they will not lash out and behave in a criminal way. Good Reading. https://www.goodlivesmodel.com/
Posted 5/4/18
This link is really a great idea and anyone interested in the H.E.G.I.C. proposal should definitely read this article. I am not sure which approach would cost more to implement but we love ones that produce results. This is great.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/urban-gun-violence-prevention_us_5ae35255e4b055fd7fcba726
Posted 4/26/18
Hello All:
I found this interesting enough to pass on. There is so much interest in reducing gun violence now that I hope it carries through to election day. Here in Delaware we are getting additional laws passed as are many other states as well. Keep calling your own government officials when time permits to keep this issue on the front burner. We need everyone's help. Feel free to pass this on to any interested people. Thanks, Bob
3 ideas to reduce gun violence emerged from my conversations with 150 Americans | Opinion
Sincerely,
Bob Biehn (Spokesperson for H.E.G.I.C.
3 ideas to reduce gun violence emerged from my conversations with 150 Ameri...Amid all the talk about gun control, we haven't had a frank discussion about responsible gun ownership. Let&...
Posted 4/21/18
This is extremely noteworthy. I have been deeply involved in this issue of G.V. for over 6 years and never saw something as all encompassing as this article. Man, 1/2 the population has been on these at some point in there lives. 25% are probably using at any one time . The real issue for me is were all the people spoken about in the article under doctors care and using as prescribed? Then you have the group overdosing on their own scripts. Then you have phony scripts. Then you have drug thefts totally uncontrolled. None the less the article is right on. This could be a real serious problem just now coming to light.
http://www.oann.com/mass-shootings-psychotropic-drug-use/
Posted 3/1/18
Hello All:
It has been a unsettling couple of weeks since the St Valentines Day Massacre of 2/14/18. I as I am sure you too are searching for what is the best path forward for America going forward. We all must consider many things and in that effort I am sending this link out to everyone that did not see it. AMERICAN CREED This is not about guns but a real look at what America is even with all its problems. Well done and worth the view.
http://www.pbs.org/show/american-creed/
American Creed | American Creed | PBSCondoleezza Rice and David Kennedy cross party lines to ask what it means to be American.
As we approach the March 24, 2018 March on Washington DC. for changes in current gun policy I urge all to write and or call your government officials and express your desires for specific changes in gun policy you desire. They MUST hear from you.. If you have not built your contacts list yet, please do that now. We suggest the following:
President of the United States
United States Senator
United States Representative
Governor of your state
Senator of your State
Representatives of your State.
If you are involved in local government in your area it always helps to CC them in on letters and memos where applicable.
In other words NOW IS THE TIME if there ever was one to blitz this issue and help make it the only important thing going on in our society today - - - - - for all the innocent lives lost over the past 242 years of Americas existence.
Thank You,
Posted 2/24/18
I just ran across this article, "A BLIND SPOT IN THE GUN VIOLENCE DEBATE - THE LUND GROUP," is in our opinion part of the problem and this is a short but good discussion of how we are influenced each day around guns and some approaches to address the issue. A must read.
https://bclund.com/2018/02/23/blind-spot-gun-violence-debate/
Posted 2/17/18
THANK YOU TO STUDENTS OF AMERICA! Your efforts at several schools across our nation to elevate the discussion around school gun violence is just great and may well make a difference. It is so obvious that adults can not get the job done. Keep up the good work and don't give up. Life is the most precious thing we have, especially at your age. The below article is an example of what is happening.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/02/16/andover-high-school-students-walk-out-class-bring-attention-gun-violence-america/aoQT0w8oQereKXsSOa9Y5M/story.html
Another report and there are many more. So great to see these kids doing what adults don't want to do for some reason.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/florida-high-school-students-stage-walkout-to-protest-gun-violence_us_5a87067be4b004fc3191a117
Posted 2/16/18
Another terrible school shooting in Parkland Fl. on St. Valentines day, 2018 gives every sane person pause to pray and reflect on what is not being done by our government officials. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with everyone relating to this massacre but no more talking. Peaceful demonstrations are what is needed until both the Federal and State governments implement new, serious changes to our existing laws. Gun violence of all types is in epidemic proportions in America. This is not my belief, IT IS FACT. What do we do now is the question. ACTION IS NEEDED! We at H.E.G.I.C. just can't believe our government is serious about anything but saving their own skins. PEOPLE, OUR BELOVED YOUNG PEOPLE, OUR FUTURE, IS BEING DESTROYED BY A DO NOTHING GOVERNMENT. I urge each that reads this site to make a promise to do one thing each day in an effort to get change. You choose. THIS MUST NOT CONTINUE.
Posted 2/2/18
This article is a must read if you would like to understand better what living gun shot victims often go through for the rest of their lives. It is something we don't often consider because we just think they get well and go on about their business.
https://www.themarysue.com/gun-violence-human-body/
Posted 1/27/18
This link is another basic discussion about "What it takes to get guns out of the wrong hands" and has some merit.
https://www.npr.org/2018/01/26/580143957/what-it-takes-to-get-guns-out-of-the-wrong-hands
Posted 1/22/18
Take a good look at this article and then extrapolate the cost across the nation. The H.E.G.I.C. idea would reduce this overall burden to society by at least 10% because the bad guys would start governing their behavior themselves as a necessity of survival. Very interesting.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/n-y-gun-violence-costs-state-economy-5-6b-year-study-article-1.3770351
Posted 12/14/17
A moment of silence in remembrance of the 26 killed this day 5 years ago. A true American Tragedy.
This is a good article although I am not sure the title is representative. All of you and many thousands not on this email list have worked very hard and have not gotten the results time after time over the years, that so many have become hardened because of (in my opinion) our "DO NOTHING" government that the picture becomes distorted. One of my pet peeves is the statistics around INNOCENT BYSTANDERS BEING SHOT. Wilmington, De. used to report this but no more. It is very hard to sort out and I believe much bigger that we all think. Take a look, the article is good.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/12/guns-nonfatal-shooting-newtown-las-vegas/548372/
Posted 11/26/17
I know many of you are already aware of what is happening in the United States Congress and it took a whole lot of calls and letters to get to this point. I and H.E.G.I.C. just wanted to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you for your efforts - - - - - but the job is not done yet. The bill below is bill HR4240 in the house and S2009 in the senate. This is so important that we need to keep calling and writing. Calling each week is a good way to keep the pressure on our government officials.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/11/25/new-gun-laws-may-win-approval-in-congress.html
This background check bill is one of many now being considered at many levels and some will not make it but if you feel strongly, please mention them as well in your communications. They are:
* BUMP-FIRE STOPS = HR3947
* GUN SILENCER RESTRICTION CHANGE
(part of the share act HR3668)
* CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY = HR38
"Lets keep passing the word far and wide for everyone to call or write their government officials if these items are important to them and to consider their votes at the ballot box"
Posted 11/8/17
You have to read this discussion on MENTAL HEALTH. Fascinating and is part of why it is so hard to get anything done in this area - - - - - yet the challenged are causing an awful lot of death. It is long so allow some time.
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/11/09/texas-shooting-mental-health-donald-trump-215807
Posted 10/31/17
These two links are so important for all that has an interest in Gun Violence. It is about to get worse and 2017 is the worst year in the past 5 years in the Wilmington, De. area. I was not aware of this until now.
http://6abc.com/action-news-investigation-ghost-guns-on-philadelphia-streets/2585920/
https://www.wired.com/story/ghost-gun-machine-makes-untraceable-handguns/
Call your government officials NOW and ask that this be stopped along with your feelings on the below:
Bump-fire Stops HR3947
Concealed carry reciprocity HR38
Deregulation of Gun Silencers (Share Act HR3668)
Latest attempt to get universal background check. (no bill #, Chris Murphy, Ct.)
Posted 10/16/17
The below link supports the findings of H.E.G.I.C. and is something to consider as you develop your personal position around Gun Violence. Society must do all it can to educate people away from G.V. but when they choose that path and are found guilty, they should pay an appropriate penalty. Again, it is the people not the gun that caused all these problems.
http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/10/16/do-tougher-background-check-laws-prevent-gun-crime-a-new-study-analyzes-the-question/
Posted 9/8/17
The below link is an interesting discussion that misses our main point. WE NO LONGER WANT THESE PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY SPREADING TERROR ALL OVER THE CITIES WHILE WE FIGURE ALL THIS OUT. There are good points that are in this article and changing the hearts and souls of the ones shooting is a complicated process but keep in mind that the 2 YEAR EDUCATIONAL PERIOD that H.E.G.I.C. suggests is plenty of time for people to sort things out. If they do not, yes it is prison. Comments always appreciated.
https://www.thetrace.org/2017/09/trump-administration-jeff-sessions-gun-violence-strategy-st-louis/
Posted 9/3/17
This link is a very interesting note on a new and creative way to elevate the discussion around GUN VIOLENCE. We at H.E.G.I.C. applaud Mr. Qualls courageous efforts to bring renewed attention to this crisis.
http://6abc.com/philly-man-protests-gun-violence-by-lying-in-coffin/2372316/
Posted 8/7/17
This link is very interesting in that they show a great public effort to have a no shooting weekend in Baltimore and it was not as effective as people hoped. This is a great approach that needs more refining because if we can make a difference without additional severe penalties as H.E.G.I.C. proposes, we are all for it. It is however our belief that they are needed because you must talk to these people that shoot differently than you would the regular society.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/08/06/baltimores-nobody-kill-anybody-weekend-leaves-at-least-2-people-dead.html
Posted 7/29/17
People are getting the ADVERTISING message slowly. We all are very happy about this and continue our efforts to capture the hearts and minds of all citizens. Keep up the great work you do. Thanks to all who contribute.
Memphis police and prosecutors announced a crackdown on gun violence. The "Fed Up" campaign will involve tougher sentences for gun criminals and a $300,000 campaign advertising the stiffer penalties. Eighty percent of homicide victims in the city are killed with a gun.
The Trace, July 25, 2017
Posted 7/24/17
Scotty Mccreery's sad story
Most of you have read about this but it demonstrates very well how people actually behave and why "ADVERTISING" is the single most important thing to do in making a real measurable effect on changing the hearts and minds of us all. Below is a truly straight, considerate, compassionate, loving person that got caught up in daily activities and simply forgot to secure his gun. We all have been there at one time or another over one thing or another but we MUST always realize that GUNS ARE DIFFERENT. Messaging through all types of media is the key with a soft approach and the commercial advertising creators are very capable of creating some real attention getters if society will only accept that new ways of doing things is sorely needed to reduce all types of illegal gun activity. In your own way, H.E.G.I.C. urges everyone to help carry the message far and wide. Article link is below.
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/scott-mccreery-apologizes-for-carrying-loaded-gun-through-airport-w493624
Footnote: Knowing Scotty's story of armed robbery, we have no concern about him carrying a permitted concealed weapon.
Posted 7/22/17
This link in Delaware news is interesting and I am sure many states have similar ones. Although there are many additional facts not mentioned here, there are a couple that I would like to clarify.
1 - No previous advertising which leave out the family, relatives and friends to help steer this perpetrator from additional crime.
2 - Many offensives were of a non-violent nature
3 - The judge,did finally sentence according to the guidelines of this law but far too many incidents occurred before this finally removed this individual from the streets. We must remove these more hard core people in order to give our citizens a sense of safety and security, and in the case of guns immediately.
http://www.wdel.com/news/wilmington-habitual-offender-gets-years-in-prison-years-probation-in/article_7370c77c-6e58-11e7-8bde-0ba2a35552fc.html
POSTED 6/7/17
The Philadelphia, Chester, Pa., Wilmington and Dover, De., areas have seen continued shootings that point to an increase from 2016 which was a bad year. I have spoken with a few politicians and their comment was either "we are trying" or "your proposal is too week". Yet we have no new law that talks directly to the potential assailant. Pretty sad.
With several cities having installed new administrations - - - it only gets worse. I am very concerned that society will soon reach (if not already) a tipping point of no return to sanity. Think about this. So many new influencing things for the bad individual such as international terrorism, TV shows of many types that subliminally make us thing all the shooting, violence and crime are ok and the fact that parents have less quality time to raise children. I am very worried that soon we will not be able to right the ship. It seems by many who have been interviewed in the news media that many shooters are simply SHOOTING FOR THE FUN OF IT WITH NO REAL REASON AT ALL. No respect for life, neighbors, children, innocent bystanders, loved ones or the law.
Through all these times there has been no real effort at all to write law that will counteract all these terrible influencers which in a free society are not going away; AND IT IS SORELY NEEDED!
POSTED 4/28/17
GUN THEFTS ARE ON THE RISE!
This is a good one:
https://www.thetrace.org/2016/09/stolen-guns-cars-trucks-us-atlanta/
Another interesting one; 3 burglaries in 5 months WOW! but they did
get him in a sting.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2017/04/man_broke_into_dunhams_sports.html
POSTED 4/22/17
THE REST OF THE STORY - - - - - VIDEO JUST RELEASED on 4/21/17.
This is truly unbelievable and shows why H.E.G.I.C. gets very little traction when stuff like this happen. No one should respect guns more and the law more that law enforcement - - - - - - - and then this pops up. We as a nation are in big trouble if these two are not punished to the full extent of the law. Yes they will have there day in court and I am sure there will be a negotiated settlement - - - - and yet a good good person died because of blatant disrespect for guns and severe negligence. Mandatory sentencing is the only thing that works, I'm Sorry but we believe a serious consequence is the only answer to get people to THINK before we get to this terrible place, even when law enforcement is involved. More than one person was probably culpable here but the ULTIMATE responsibility MUST be with the one handling the gun, IN EVERY CASE. I never want to see these guys on the streets again and most likely they will be and most likely they will again carry guns, probably not on a police force but very likely in some small hidden away town as armed security. This person should never, NEVER have been shot. WOW!
https://photographyisnotacrime.com/2017/04/20/watch-surveillance-video-florida-cop-shooting-retired-librarian-citizens-academy-released/
Posted 9/14/16
This is a great thought and idea to better measure what is going on with gun violence provided by THE TRACE. A must read.
The previous measure of mass shooting ; 4 or more people killed.
The new idea in this article is ; 4 or more people shot.
33 People Were Injured or Killed in Mass Shootings on Sunday, (9/12/16). The spasm of violence spread across half a dozen states within a 19-hour time period.
https://www.thetrace.org/2016/09/six-mass-shootings-urban-gun-violence/
Posted August 19, 2016
This link below is a great read that is helping each day to save our young people (and others as well). Well worth the read.
https://www.thetrace.org/2016/08/black-guns-matter-urban-violence/
Posted August 17, 2016
This link below is very interesting in discussing the Federal Program, "Project Exile". There are several similarities to our idea but not the consequence needed for success. If your intention is to harm or kill someone you need to be removed from society for a long time. The link is below.
https://www.crimesolutions.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?ID=413
Posted 3/30/16
A MUST READ! Feel the frustration and passion of this individual at a Philadelphia City Hall Council Meeting.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160329_Answers_to_Philly_gun_violence_not_at_City_Hall_hearing.html#ISfWapB0JiHFQpCq.03
Posted 2/7/16
This story is amazing and lends itself to two conclusions; 1 - Presumptive sentencing can be a bad thing and 2 - The sentencing outlined in this paper becomes very reasonable because unlike the story, the perpetrator DID KNOW AHEAD OF TIME what his sentencing would be. We must get this gun violence issue under control and the H.E.G.I.C. idea is a good start toward that end.
"A FLORIDA JUDGE SENTENCED A MAN TO 60 YEARS FOR THIS?"
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/2/2/1478743/-A-judge-in-Florida-sentenced-a-man-to-60-years-in-prison-for-this?detail=emailclassic
Posted 2/1/16
This link is so sad and we know our position paper would not stop this one but it is an indication that we as a society are way too soft when it comes to illegal use of a gun. We often can't catch these guys and when we do it is too late to save that life.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-boy-22-months-fatally-shot-random-drive-police-n507736?cid=sm_fb
Posted 1/26/16
This article is one that provokes some real thought. A little long but for those interested in the seriousness of Gun Violence, a must read.
http://www.thetrace.org/2016/01/obama-executive-actions-loopholes/
Posted 1/18/16
This is an astonishing statistic that indicates one reason gun violence is still at the levels it is. Gun violence is not a plea bargain chip to ever be used in the H.E.G.I.C. world. The first paragraph is below with the link to the full article.
IN DELAWARE, 71% OF GUN CHARGES ARE DROPPED
From 2012 to 2014, more than 11,700 felony weapons charges were filed in Delaware, and in most cases, the weapon was a gun. Yet, 71% of those charges disappeared before trials began.
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2016/01/15/prosecutors-gun-charges-dont-matter-much-convictions/78428440/
Posted 11/6/15
Our group has just visited an updated website and believe in their own way, the NRA is starting to enter the discussion. There is a lot of good in this message although H.E.G.I.C. and the NRA do not agree with "there are plenty of laws on the books right now". What they fail to see is that the problem is so bad now that there is not enough money or manpower to get this back under control with his statement alone. The gun situation is like the drug situation and we as a nation have never been able to get the upper hand with that either with existing law. Guns are so, so much more serious! A NEW DETERRENT LAW IS NEEDED. The video link is below and walk around their website because there are other great things in it.
https://www.nranews.com/series/wayne-lapierre/video/wayne-lapierre-how-to-stop-violent-crime/episode/wayne-lapierre-season-1-episode-1-how-to-stop-violent-crime
Posted 10/27/15
The below link is very interesting that has lots of great information and lends balance to the whole subject of guns and reinforces the fact that H.E.G.I.C. is only interested in sensible gun laws and the people that commit illegal acts with a gun. We do not have any interest in controlling guns or changing the second amendment. There is a lot here so come back often.
.
http://www.gunlaws.com/TheFirstRespondersReport.htm
Posted 10/6/15
INTERESTING VIDEO THAT DEMONSTRATES WHY H.E.G.I.C TAKES THE POSITION IT HAS.
http://gunlawidea38.weebly.com
If you think guns are a problem in the U.S. You should watch this.
If, on the other hand, you do not believe guns are a problem then you should watch this. It’s that good . . .
I have never seen this before. Very well done.
You folks will really like this one (especially those of you in TX).
Be sure to watch until the end .
https://www.youtube.com/embed/pELwCqz2JfE?rel=0&autoplay=true
Posted 10/1/15
H.E.G.I.C. SUPPORTS THIS PROPOSAL. http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/10/01/senates-criminal-justice-reform-bill-hailed-as-bipartisan-breakthrough Take a lookhttps://www.wired.com/story/ghost-gun-machine-makes-untraceable-handguns/
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/11/25/new-gun-laws-may-win-approval-in-congress.htmlhttps://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/02/16/andover-high-school-students-walk-out-class-bring-attention-gun-violence-america/aoQT0w8oQereKXsSOa9Y5M/story.htmlhttps://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/florida-high-school-students-stage-walkout-to-protest-gun-violence_us_5a87067be4b004fc3191a117This is unbelievable that that it even happened and then it happened for so long.
http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/06/08/adam-putnams-office-stopped-concealed-weapons-background-checks-for-a-year-because-it-couldnt-log-in/
Posted 9/24/15
Staggering statistic regarding guns and domestic violence.
http://nytlive.nytimes.com/womenintheworld/2015/09/18/the-boyfriend-loophole-in-u-s-gun-laws-is-costing-womens-lives/?utm_content=bufferac988&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Posted 8/27/15
"WRIST SLAP SENTENCING"
I just read this article and was saddened and sent this memo out.
.
Straw purchase gets 3 years. Probably be out in 2 years with good behavior. This was organized crime. Should be much more. http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2015/08/26/man-gets-prison-buying-guns-drug-dealers/32406769/ What do you think?
.
This was 5 semi-automatic weapons and I think the gun dealers should be looked at carefully here as well. A lot of money probably had something to do with all this. Please write or call you government official if this disturbs you. To not take action means you feel the sentence was fair. These guns will be used to kill someone. Remember, it IS up to everyone of us to make a difference and while you ponder this, think of ADAM WARD, ALISON PARKER AND VICKIE GARDENER (inj.) in this mornings shooting.
.
"WRIST SLAP SENTENCING"
I just read this article and was saddened and sent this memo out.
.
Straw purchase gets 3 years. Probably be out in 2 years with good behavior. This was organized crime. Should be much more. http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2015/08/26/man-gets-prison-buying-guns-drug-dealers/32406769/ What do you think?
.
This was 5 semi-automatic weapons and I think the gun dealers should be looked at carefully here as well. A lot of money probably had something to do with all this. Please write or call you government official if this disturbs you. To not take action means you feel the sentence was fair. These guns will be used to kill someone. Remember, it IS up to everyone of us to make a difference and while you ponder this, think of ADAM WARD, ALISON PARKER AND VICKIE GARDENER (inj.) in this mornings shooting.
.
Posted 8/15/15
H.E.G.I.C. is supporting a Gerald Ford answer that was made over 25 years ago and is still true today.
Gerald Ford on Gun Control President of the U.S., 1974-1977; Republican Rep. (MI)
"Gun registration does not reduce crime; focus on misuse "
Q: Twice you have been the intended victim of would-be assassins using handguns, yet you remain a steadfast opponent of substantive handgun control. Why?
FORD: The record of gun control, whether it's in one city or another or in some States does not show that the registration of a gun, handgun, or the registration of the gun owner has in any way whatsoever decreased the crime rate or the use of that gun in the committing of a crime. The record just doesn't prove that such legislation or action by a local city council is effective. What we have to do--and this is the crux of the matter--is to make it very difficult for a person who uses a gun in the commission of a crime to stay out of jail. I don't believe in the registration of handguns or the registration of the handgun owner. That has not proven to be effective. And, therefore, the better way is to go after the criminal, the individual who commits a crime in the possession of a gun and uses that gun for a part of his criminal activity.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Gerald_Ford_Gun_Control.htm
H.E.G.I.C. is supporting a Gerald Ford answer that was made over 25 years ago and is still true today.
Gerald Ford on Gun Control President of the U.S., 1974-1977; Republican Rep. (MI)
"Gun registration does not reduce crime; focus on misuse "
Q: Twice you have been the intended victim of would-be assassins using handguns, yet you remain a steadfast opponent of substantive handgun control. Why?
FORD: The record of gun control, whether it's in one city or another or in some States does not show that the registration of a gun, handgun, or the registration of the gun owner has in any way whatsoever decreased the crime rate or the use of that gun in the committing of a crime. The record just doesn't prove that such legislation or action by a local city council is effective. What we have to do--and this is the crux of the matter--is to make it very difficult for a person who uses a gun in the commission of a crime to stay out of jail. I don't believe in the registration of handguns or the registration of the handgun owner. That has not proven to be effective. And, therefore, the better way is to go after the criminal, the individual who commits a crime in the possession of a gun and uses that gun for a part of his criminal activity.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Gerald_Ford_Gun_Control.htm
Posted 7/29/15
This is a very interesting article on how bad guys get guns and what is needed to stop it.
.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martha-rosenberg/nra-illegal-gun-sales_b_3333985.html
This is a 15 minute video with some references to violence and crime. A must see and lets us see into what tomorrow will bring if we can get treatment for our young people in trouble... A great presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPRsT-lmw8
This is a very interesting article on how bad guys get guns and what is needed to stop it.
.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martha-rosenberg/nra-illegal-gun-sales_b_3333985.html
This is a 15 minute video with some references to violence and crime. A must see and lets us see into what tomorrow will bring if we can get treatment for our young people in trouble... A great presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPRsT-lmw8
Posted 7/10/15
(CNN)Dylann Roof, the man who allegedly killed nine people in a Charleston church last month, should not have been able to buy a gun used in the slaughter, the FBI has now determined, contradicting earlier assertions that the background check was done properly, a law enforcement official tells CNN and FBI's director told reporters in Washington.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/10/politics/dylann-roof-fbi-gun-south-carolina/
Many citizens I have spoken to are in disbelief at this finding. As a society we MUST get a better handle on gun violence.
(CNN)Dylann Roof, the man who allegedly killed nine people in a Charleston church last month, should not have been able to buy a gun used in the slaughter, the FBI has now determined, contradicting earlier assertions that the background check was done properly, a law enforcement official tells CNN and FBI's director told reporters in Washington.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/10/politics/dylann-roof-fbi-gun-south-carolina/
Many citizens I have spoken to are in disbelief at this finding. As a society we MUST get a better handle on gun violence.
Posted 6/1/15
How 6 kids handle anger. An uplifting short video.
http://www.upworthy.com/what-we-can-learn-from-6-kids-who-are-masters-of-their-anger?c=upw1&u=0407cc0494898d30b0cd78e97f67adf991f9c57e
How 6 kids handle anger. An uplifting short video.
http://www.upworthy.com/what-we-can-learn-from-6-kids-who-are-masters-of-their-anger?c=upw1&u=0407cc0494898d30b0cd78e97f67adf991f9c57e
Posted 6/1/15
This is something everyone should at least listen to.
Please watch this…less than 90 seconds….the message is stunning
And, from Harvard, no less! And I truly believe in what he says. Pass this on please!
The link below is 90 seconds …. pay special attention to his last remark!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=YjntXYDPw44&sns=em
This is something everyone should at least listen to.
Please watch this…less than 90 seconds….the message is stunning
And, from Harvard, no less! And I truly believe in what he says. Pass this on please!
The link below is 90 seconds …. pay special attention to his last remark!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=YjntXYDPw44&sns=em
Posted 5/21/15
http://6abc.com/news/police-18-guns-stolen-from-collingdale-gun-shop/733982/
"Police: 18 guns stolen from Collingdale gun shop"
This is unbelievable and only goes once again to prove that law enforcement really only reacts after the fact. Bad people are not stupid. They choose to be bad. Now, it is totally wrong to have weak gun laws from our legislative bodies when these guns will eventually KILL.
Posted 4/29/2015
This article is very interesting and in a way, we as a society promote irresponsibility through bad or non existent law. We need change.
.
"WHY AMERICANS DON'T TREAT FATAL GUN NEGLIGENCE AS A CRIME"
.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121632/why-are-states-so-reluctant-prosecute-gun-negligence-crime
http://6abc.com/news/police-18-guns-stolen-from-collingdale-gun-shop/733982/
"Police: 18 guns stolen from Collingdale gun shop"
This is unbelievable and only goes once again to prove that law enforcement really only reacts after the fact. Bad people are not stupid. They choose to be bad. Now, it is totally wrong to have weak gun laws from our legislative bodies when these guns will eventually KILL.
Posted 4/29/2015
This article is very interesting and in a way, we as a society promote irresponsibility through bad or non existent law. We need change.
.
"WHY AMERICANS DON'T TREAT FATAL GUN NEGLIGENCE AS A CRIME"
.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121632/why-are-states-so-reluctant-prosecute-gun-negligence-crime
POSTED 4/16/2015
This article is very interesting and states that the cost in dollars for Gun Violence is 229 Billion. A must read.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/04/true-cost-of-gun-violence-in-america
This article is very interesting and states that the cost in dollars for Gun Violence is 229 Billion. A must read.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/04/true-cost-of-gun-violence-in-america
Posted 3/19/2015
You have really got to see this approach to gun control. Really innovative and profound.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nAfWfF4TjM
You have really got to see this approach to gun control. Really innovative and profound.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nAfWfF4TjM
POSTED 3/13/2015
This is so sad that we can't feel safe walking our dogs. People are praying on people all over and it is simply that bad people have the feeling that they can get away with it. Please help in getting a new type of law established.
Man walking dog shot and killed in Overbrook
Police say the 51-year-old victim was walking his dog as he often did at night when the gunman struck in an apparent robbery.
http://6abc.com/news/man-walking-dog-shot-and-killed-in-overbrook/556111/
Posted February 21, 2015
An article in the News Journal of Delaware is very interesting regarding the quote made by Attorney General Matt Denn that discusses consequences for actions. Many more people each day are aligning with the general thinking of H.E.G.I.C. and it is our hope that some real action and new law will appear before more lives are lost. Thanks to Matt and all of you supporting this idea. The link for the article is below.
.
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2015/02/20/officials-families-ask-information-murders/23743779/
or type in google;
Relatives plead for info on Delaware murders
An article in the News Journal of Delaware is very interesting regarding the quote made by Attorney General Matt Denn that discusses consequences for actions. Many more people each day are aligning with the general thinking of H.E.G.I.C. and it is our hope that some real action and new law will appear before more lives are lost. Thanks to Matt and all of you supporting this idea. The link for the article is below.
.
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2015/02/20/officials-families-ask-information-murders/23743779/
or type in google;
Relatives plead for info on Delaware murders
Posted January 27, 2015
This link below is important in that it discusses the stepped up efforts in Wilmington, Delaware after a rash of shootings and homicides in the first month of 2015. I applaud the efforts of many but it is very clear that these are all temporary efforts that WILL be taken away when things die down - - - and soon we will be back to where we were before. We sorely need a mandatory sentence like the H.E.G.I.C. idea and because we have several mandatory laws for much less serious crimes, there is absolutely every reason to have that for the most heinous crimes of all.
.
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2015/01/26/wilmington-unveils-public-safety-initiative/22345323/
or type in google;
Wilmington unveils public safety initiative
Posted 12/23/14
More people are developing thinking like the HEGIC approach
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2014/12/21/violence-interrupters-trying-turn-tide-wilmington/20747021/
or type in google;
'Interrupters' hope to end crime cycle in Wilmington
This article has a quote at the end from Mr. Rodriquez. it is:
Rodriguez said he "thinks one of the few ways violent crimes will drop is if laws for various offenses are toughened up. Criminals, he said, can't get the idea that they "can beat the system."
"You go to put it on there (them) hard," he said. "They're going to be like 'Oh ... they're not playing around.'"
Posted 11/13/14
A MUST SEE VIDEO ON SOCIETY AND ITS ATTITUDES
The title is " David Wheeler's speech at the 2014 Brady Bear Awards. About 6 minutes and very good.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Boi77VU0jo&feature=youtu.be&&utm_medium=email&utm_source=brady&utm_content=4&utm_campaign=BCAM-DEV-GALA-BEAR&source=BCAM-DEV-GALA-BEAR
AN INDEPENDENT COMMENT THAT IS PRICELESS AND BASICALLY SUPPORTS THE THESIS OF H.E.G.I.C.
On November 6, 2014 I saw an interesting video on CBS This Morning. At about 2 minutes in after a commercial at the beginning, a woman (most likely a lawyer but unidentified) spoke of the need for better rules (laws) regarding the Ray Rice potential double jeopardy trial. She is really saying that society needs more simple, clear laws that identify "If you do this, you WILL get that". Below is the web link which will disappear in time so I also list the transcription.
http://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs_this_morning/video/il7zxoxxTt9Haruh7__0nTOf_UXqASVk/lawyer-grills-nfl-commissioner-in-ray-rice-appeal-hearing/
"They have to find a way going forward to have a policy in place so that if you are arrested, if you are charged, if you are convicted, you know exactly what you are getting and your team knows too."
On November 6, 2014 I saw an interesting video on CBS This Morning. At about 2 minutes in after a commercial at the beginning, a woman (most likely a lawyer but unidentified) spoke of the need for better rules (laws) regarding the Ray Rice potential double jeopardy trial. She is really saying that society needs more simple, clear laws that identify "If you do this, you WILL get that". Below is the web link which will disappear in time so I also list the transcription.
http://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs_this_morning/video/il7zxoxxTt9Haruh7__0nTOf_UXqASVk/lawyer-grills-nfl-commissioner-in-ray-rice-appeal-hearing/
"They have to find a way going forward to have a policy in place so that if you are arrested, if you are charged, if you are convicted, you know exactly what you are getting and your team knows too."
Words to Live By Posted September 2, 2014
A Great short video for all and especially our young folks.
.
https://screen.yahoo.com/business-insider/billionaires-surprising-definition-success-040000737.html?vp=1
Below is a letter we sent out regarding the passage of a new law in the State of Delaware on July 3, 2013. It clearly demonstrates that society is becoming less tolerant of bad behavior in our society. Although different than what is proposed in our position paper, it is designed to be a deterrent and because of that H.E.G.I.C. has decided to help get the word out regarding this change in an effort of re-education and awareness.
To Everyone: July 20, 2013
Delaware has changed the Habitual Criminal (“repeat offender”) law. The previous
conditions were that a felon had 3 opportunities to stop committing a felony crime and
the 4th felony made him/her eligible to receive a life sentence without probation or
parole.
The new law is now 2 opportunities with the 3rd getting him/her the possibility of a life
sentence without probation or parole. The trend is obvious and thus is important to
families, friends and general contacts that each of us have. Since no press article
has been published to date on this I am asking, in an effort of deterrence only, that
this message be passed on to everyone in the State of Delaware so that it eventually
will reach the people that need to know. The below website is the new Title 11 code
for Delaware pertaining to this change. Lets all do what we can to help reduce
shootings in our city and this is pretty easy. Thanks for your help.
http://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c042/index.shtml
Section 4214 has the details.
Note; WDEL did have a brief notice on their website regarding this at link;
http://wdel.com/story.php?id=52036
Sincerely, Bob Biehn (Spokesperson for H.E.G.I.C.)
H.E.G.I.C. website is; http://gunlawidea38.weebly.com
Please use copy and paste keys and move the link address to the address bar for each http link of interest and that will connect you to the website.
To Everyone: July 20, 2013
Delaware has changed the Habitual Criminal (“repeat offender”) law. The previous
conditions were that a felon had 3 opportunities to stop committing a felony crime and
the 4th felony made him/her eligible to receive a life sentence without probation or
parole.
The new law is now 2 opportunities with the 3rd getting him/her the possibility of a life
sentence without probation or parole. The trend is obvious and thus is important to
families, friends and general contacts that each of us have. Since no press article
has been published to date on this I am asking, in an effort of deterrence only, that
this message be passed on to everyone in the State of Delaware so that it eventually
will reach the people that need to know. The below website is the new Title 11 code
for Delaware pertaining to this change. Lets all do what we can to help reduce
shootings in our city and this is pretty easy. Thanks for your help.
http://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c042/index.shtml
Section 4214 has the details.
Note; WDEL did have a brief notice on their website regarding this at link;
http://wdel.com/story.php?id=52036
Sincerely, Bob Biehn (Spokesperson for H.E.G.I.C.)
H.E.G.I.C. website is; http://gunlawidea38.weebly.com
Please use copy and paste keys and move the link address to the address bar for each http link of interest and that will connect you to the website.
You may also click on these links as an alternative access.
http://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c042/index.shtml
http://wdel.com/story.php?id=52036
http://gunlawidea38.weebly.com
http://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c042/index.shtml
http://wdel.com/story.php?id=52036
http://gunlawidea38.weebly.com
To Everyone: August 14, 2013
Over the past week a couple of new things have happened that in indirect ways might support what H.E.G.I.C. is all about and are worth noting here as information to all concerned with the uncontrolled violence on the nations city streets.
The above article on "Repeat Offenders" makes life with out parole an option at the 3rd felony offense. We don't think 3 tries are acceptable when a gun is used and we don't like life sentences with out parole.
Recently New York City was found in error when using the "Stop and Frisk" policy to control gun crime and save lives. There is no question that this program which was very successful did save many lives and we believe in this case that fact alone should trump other concerns such as freedoms and discrimination. We must not allow the old ways to continue when new thinking like this gets real results. We all just need to keep the big picture and all get along. This program was never discriminatory and people MUST get the learning that one CANNOT us a gun in society in an illegal or improper way. We all must work toward this goal. The safety of our innocent citizens is top priority.
Eric Holder, United States Attorney General, has stated under "The Overhaul of The Federal Prison Policy" that mandatory minimum sentencing for low level non-violent crimes with drugs should change. "Society would be better served by not locking up people for extraordinary long sentences. It's a waste or taxpayer dollars and a waste of human lives".
Recently on PBS a show titled "FIXING JUVIE JUSTICE" aired that described how the New Zealand Maori People have developed a program of conferences to redirect juvenile stresses and misbehavior without prison time. Currently a program using their template in Baltimore Maryland is working very well with recidivism lowered by roughly 50% so far. link= http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-01-09/news/bs-md-ci-juvenile-crime-reductions-20120109_1_juvenile-violence-juvenile-services-juvenile-justice-system
. Link = http://baltimorehealth.org/operationsafekids.html
. Please search the schedule on your local PBS network for this show. It is one hour long and very powerful.
A 20 minute version of the below video on the internet for those that can not get the particular TV channel needed. It is a good summary and worth viewing. The link is; http://ellabakercenter.org/blog/2013/08/video-fixing-juvenile-justice .
I have also found the full length video that is available until about Sept. 1st, 2013 so be sure to view it as soon as possible. The link is;
http://video.pbs.org/video/2365061048/?starttime=1200000 . This is a great idea and well worth your time.
Discussion of Mental Health Screening
Posted here 9/17/13
Written 6/11/13
A big picture perspective
Research data from family, twin, and adoption studies show that psychiatric disorders (such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder) are complex (or multi-factorial) disorders that typically arise as a result of the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors.1 Psychiatric disorders are etiologically heterogeneous. Thus, even within a single discrete diagnostic category, each individual will have accumulated different combinations of contributing genetic and environmental influences that ultimately result in illness manifestation. Although very broad, this knowledge provides intuitive yet fundamental information that is of relevance to clinical practice—no genetic test can predict with certainty who will and who will not become mentally ill. Despite this, there remains considerable value in identifying the genetic variants that increase risk of psychiatric disorders—for example, the potential to refine nosology and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, improve treatments, and identify those at risk. Thus, there has been considerable research in this area.
The complete article can be found at;
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/neuropsychiatry/genetic-testing-psychiatric-disorders-its-current-role-clinical-psychiatric-practice
- See more at:
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/neuropsychiatry/genetic-testing-psychiatric-disorders-its-current-role-clinical-psychiatric-practice#sthash.VmlYqz7F.dpuf
Research data from family, twin, and adoption studies show that psychiatric disorders (such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder) are complex (or multi-factorial) disorders that typically arise as a result of the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors.1 Psychiatric disorders are etiologically heterogeneous. Thus, even within a single discrete diagnostic category, each individual will have accumulated different combinations of contributing genetic and environmental influences that ultimately result in illness manifestation. Although very broad, this knowledge provides intuitive yet fundamental information that is of relevance to clinical practice—no genetic test can predict with certainty who will and who will not become mentally ill. Despite this, there remains considerable value in identifying the genetic variants that increase risk of psychiatric disorders—for example, the potential to refine nosology and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, improve treatments, and identify those at risk. Thus, there has been considerable research in this area.
The complete article can be found at;
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/neuropsychiatry/genetic-testing-psychiatric-disorders-its-current-role-clinical-psychiatric-practice
- See more at:
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/neuropsychiatry/genetic-testing-psychiatric-disorders-its-current-role-clinical-psychiatric-practice#sthash.VmlYqz7F.dpuf
RECOMMENDED BOOK OCTOBER 10, 2013
Title = The New Jim Crow : Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness
Author = Michelle Alexander with forward by Cornel West
There are a few things that our group find bias and not within our thinking but in an effort to keep a balanced view on Guns and Violent crime, this is an excellent read regarding drugs, crime, guns and our criminal justice system and related faults. The author has impeccable credentials and I am including a website that has two videos for review for as long as they are available. I feel the book is a must for anyone trying to understand the total problem in our society today.
The website has one video about 3 minutes and one about 47 minutes. Both interesting.
http://billmoyers.com/tag/michelle-alexander/
NEIGHBORHOOD VOLUNTEER WATCH October 29, 2013
This concept is one that many will find strange and somewhat offensive but lets look carefully at where we are after almost three years since "Tucson, Arizona. Many notable mass shootings and untold numbers of street shootings. Although shootings in cities are all different, we all can agree to the fact that there are still too many. Sometimes when we just want change now, we as citizens need to get proactive in a big, BIG way. This proposal does present some level of risk so civic groups should evaluate this idea carefully and involve as many groups as humanly possible for the biggest effect. We at H.E.G.I.C. believe implementation could take place in 3 months or less and would produce immediate results although it requires participation by all the residents. If you want the community safe now, this is one way. Their will be many variations of this idea depending on the situation so we will present the most extreme effort that should simply subliminally say to the potential illegal or improper gun user to simply say to themselves, "This area of the city is no longer right for what I need to do", and they will move on, (and hopefully leave the city). The police are doing just about all they can with the manpower and funding they get and people keep voting down tax increases and that prevents cities from increasing their efforts. Even if the police efforts doubled, they would not be as effective as the below idea if it is coordinated properly.
Lets now envision a typical city block
.
xx xx xx
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
xx | | xx
| |
| |
| |
xx | | xx
| |
| |
| |
xx | | xx
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
xx xx xx
The "x" represents one neighborhood watch individual and each "xx" is a 2 person station. That is 24 people per block. Why so many? Safety is the concern here and as I stated before there is some risk that must be accepted. We are talking about making the community safe NOW. Lets assume that each group has a 2 hour shift and if all the stations were peopled for 12 dark hours of the day that would mean a total of 96 individuals. That is a high number of people that is required and it would take a length of about 90 days to impress the bad behaving individuals that the community is serious in its efforts . It is our belief that during the 90 day period the undesirables will move out of the area with a program like this and not one shot will be fired. The tough part is to find people willing to take this dramatic step to save the lives of the residents and visitors. Different communities will consider modifications to the formula and different hours but the risk goes up as you make changes to the above concept. The next point I want to make is that surrounding communities and block captains must be notified of the implementation of a program like this because some of the undesirables may move from their current corners into the neighboring corners. Last, if you are considering an effort like this be sure to get the necessary approvals from city, county or state officials as current law would require. Also make sure all the appropriate safety gear is available to all the participating volunteers. We recommend full riot gear without guns so if by chance bullets come the way of the volunteers, they will have adequate protection. As so well put in a recent editorial "IT IS WAR OUT THERE". This can be done and it will make an immediate reduction in the gun violence in your city.
We at H.E.G.I.C. recognize that this type of approach may simply be unworkable in reality and communities will continue on pretty much as they have which means more mourning of lost love ones and not much changing related to the number of gun incidents. Until we as citizens elevate our DEMAND for help through our elected officials, we will see more of the same. We also suggest that the communities develop a "call in" strategy for every resident to use at each time there is a gun incident with in your block and the eight blocks that surround your block of residence. We suggest that each residence have at the ready the phone numbers for your; City Council Rep; Mayor, State Rep., State Senator and governor. Certainly it is fine to call your national representatives and senators as well if you feel so moved. I urge you to keep a log of the calls made. Murder and lives lost to guns should be the highest priority of any elected official and we can all do our part to make sure they understand that the citizens feel that way.
How do we measure results and what are reasonable expectations around gun violence?
Briefly our studies have come up with the following targets that are goals, knowing that zero is not realistic even though it is desired.
For a city of 100,000:
TOTAL NUMBER OF ILLEGAL/IMPROPER GUN INCIDENTS PER YEAR = 156*
NUMBER OF ILLEGAL/IMPROPER GUN INCIDENTS GUNS FIRED PER YEAR= 104*
NUMBER OF INNOCENT BYSTANDERS SHOT PER YEAR = 12*
NUMBER OF HOMICIDES PER YEAR = 18
* is both injured and killed
COLUMBINE STUDENT'S FATHER 12 YEARS LATER !! Posted 6/16/2014
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this. On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness.. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
- Darrell Scott
Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech. Please send this out to everyone you can.
God Bless