Guns can, and do, save lives
Burton Yost, in his Jan. 16 letter, “Newtown tragedy, guns in society” misses the point entirely. Guns in the hands of responsible citizens can and do save lives. Gun owners are not rushing around trying to find someone to shoot. The weapon can be used for the prevention of or the ending of a tragic event.
Consider Sergeant Alvin York, a famous World War I soldier. He killed 20 German machine gunners, then persuaded their commanding officer to order the entire group to surrender. A deeply religious man who had not wanted to be in the Army, when asked why he did it, York said it was to save lives.
Mr. Yost refers to Jesus at the time of his arrest admonishing Peter to “put away your sword …” While true enough, it is entirely different from such situations as that at Sandy Hook Elementary. It is one thing to turn the other cheek when you personally are being threatened. It is quite another when innocent children are being slaughtered.
As for what course Jesus would take, unlike some people, I could not say. However, further Bible passages leave no doubt that he cared intensely for children. At one point Jesus said that it would be better for anyone harming these little ones that a millstone be tied around their neck and they be thrown into the sea.
Think about it.
— Lloyd Harnishfeger, Pandora
