Ending Gun Violence?

May 11, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Guyana and the Caribbean Islands are confronting a massive increase in gun-related violence. It seems every day, somewhere in these countries, there are violent house invasions and robberies, resulting in death to many gunshot victims.
The Police appear unable to stop these incidents which have served to significantly reduce the quality of the tropical life. Of course, their hands are full handling other crimes. Not to mention the attention needed to focus on the developing kleptocracy in Guyana and the region.
Perhaps there is a philosophical issue that has not been confronted and decided upon. The issue is how to develop a society where a small intransigent group has chosen to harass, torture, maim, disfigure, or otherwise eliminate by extremely violent means, the rest of society?
The laws in place have been passed and laid down to create, develop and manage a lifestyle under the premise that we all want to live in civilized societies in the region. It ought to be clear that the folks (or your word choice) who choose to rob and shoot or shoot and rob, have made their decision not to be a part of the elements of a civil society that respects the living and owning rights of fellow citizens.
Accordingly, the common or basic laws in place are meaningless and not configured to deal with this gun violence.
Conceptually, these folks have more power than current laws allow. Hence, they will continue to ‘wreak havoc’ on the quality of life having law-abiding citizens on edge wondering who’s the next victim.
The reality keeps getting closer and closer to each of us. These folks are terrorizing the mass of the population that wants to live in harmony and dignity. As terrorists they care not to live with the rest of us in peace and harmony. The law has the responsibility to separate them from the law abiding.
The society must be prepared to provide these folks with the justice they demand. If a gun is used in a robbery and results in the death of the victim(s), after due process trial(s) that result in conviction, the perpetrator(s) should be put to death in a manner to match their offence. That is, executed by a firing squad. Hopefully, the folks will reform and get with the positive program of the rest of society. The fact that the law will remain on the books should act as a deterrent.
Sure, lots of objections will emanate from many sections of the regional societies. Religious bodies may be amongst the most vocal. But, let’s look at where we are as societies and how to get to a place where one can be protected from those who choose to ignore your basic right to exist, to live!
It takes courage to lead. It takes good judgement to move in the direction that expands the area of comfort in which everyone is entitled to.
Courage is not a quality that emanates from our political leaders. Bravado is there, but bravado is like the old ‘grand charge’ common in our school days when we’d threaten and end up running away. Bravado is what got us to where we are now.
Sincerely,
Concerned Citizen

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