*Another* mass shooting. Maybe the country has become desensitized to this sort of violence by now, but for some reason this one hit me. This keeps happening in this country.
I am pragmatic, in a sense, about this issue. There are more guns than people in this country. I don't see any repeal of the Second Amendment happening anytime soon, even though I don't think the conditions that led to the adoption of the Second Amendment in the late 18th century exist today. Yes, we used our guns to fight the British, and yes, perhaps a "well-regulated militia" was a necessity then. But it's not the 18th century anymore. But nevertheless, I get it. We're obsessed with guns as a country. So, to some degree, we have to learn to live with the number of guns in America.
We should also ask what is compelling people to use these guns so much in the first place. What is compelling people to buy so many guns? Is it a fetish? Is it paranoia? And once you have one, are you somehow more geared towards using it? Is there something about simply having a gun at your disposal that, inherently, makes you want to use it? I have considered buying a gun for myself before, but have resisted, partly for this very reason. I should raise this issue with Ben tomorrow, if I can.
Other than that, it's been a wonderful Saturday. A normal Saturday. Had a nitro. Drove to get my bass repaired, and got to take a bunch of different basses for a spin. Lunch at Caboose. Haircut. B-day shopping for J. A bit of work. A lovely evening with my wife. I want to savor and acknowledge on this blog the gratitude and satisfaction I got from today. I am home, safe and comfortable, pleasantly drowsy. There are 8 people who can no longer say the same. I do not take this for granted.
I am saddened by the tragedy in Texas, but I cannot let it overshadow the rest of today. I will acknowledge it, and acknowledge the need to be more involved politically to reduce gun violence in whatever way saves lives. But I also want to give myself credit for putting myself out there today. I remember writing a note to myself many years ago that said something like "Take f***ing risks. Enough said." I remember the surety I felt when I wrote that. At age 38, I am still learning. In the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, I need to find ways to do that. Set myself a deadline to do something out of my comfort zone at least once a week.
As Anaïs Nin put it, "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
