by Andy Weddington
Monday, 11 February 2013
"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day." Thomas Jefferson
Two weeks ago today - Monday, January 28th - Mr. Bill Stevens, a resident of Newtown, Connecticut, and parent of a Sandy Hook Elementary School student, made a public statement. His emotional but controlled comments, stemming from the killings of innocents last December at the school, that spanned two minutes and fifty-four seconds, were in reference to gun violence prevention and gun control.
Mr. Stevens made a powerful opening point as to security. His observation and that point surely made the audience - the government - of his words uncomfortable, fidgety. Brilliantly, he set the tone.
The unassuming Mr. Stevens, who looks more like a high school math teacher than a warrior, did not waste a single word. But he left no doubt he has courage and the heart of a lion. His message, on behalf of us all, was civil but pointed and based on history and law. Mr. Stevens was crystal clear. Adamant, he ended with an exclamation point - clenched fist striking the tabletop. And then, in disgust, he stood and walked away.
Throughout his brief remarks, fellow citizens in the gallery cheered and applauded.
And though Mr. Stevens did not address it, arguably a complementary powerful closing point would have been to leave the panel with a rhetorical question:
"Why is the Department of Homeland Security stockpiling weapons and ammunition - enough to wage war for decades?"
That's disturbing.
Government - note the first six letters "Govern" - is not governing. "Government" in America is broken.
Bill Stevens speaks for us all. At this posting, views approaching three million.
If skimming over, review Thomas Jefferson's opening wisdom. Help inform and mobilize the public - hundreds of millions - pass along the words of Mr. Stevens.
Oppression and tyranny is afoot.
We Americans have history - rich, colorful history, the color red - as to what happens next.
'Freedom of Speech' Artist: Norman Rockwell
Mr. Stevens has the floor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhXPlCjr0Vw
Bravo, sir!
Courage.
Heart.
Mr. Stevens is a lion.
Are you a lion?
Post Script
Thwarting an intrusion attempt, by someone I did not see, into our humble home - in a quiet, safe neighborhood - early last Friday morning, I second the closing words of Mr. Stevens. And do so with clenched fist. Either the piercing security system alarm; ringing telephone; my loud voice; or the beautiful sound of a 12 gauge shotgun shell being pumped into the chamber changed their mind. The deterrent may have been one of the above. It may have been a combination or all of them. Regardless, I am damn glad to have had that shotgun and was prepared to employ it had need be. And it remains at the ready.
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