“I’m just a soul whose intentions are good… Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood.” — Eric Burdon and the Animals
ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced article. It is an editorial by the editor.
There is a movement in this community and environs that was launched earlier this year, but at times seems to be stalled by unwarranted fears. I speak of the “Love Our Kids, Lock Your Guns” campaign that has been promoted by the United Church of Wayland and some law enforcement officers and agencies.
The problem seems to be that the intention of the campaign indeed is misunderstood. Too many local folks have gotten the wrong impression that it’s an effort on behalf of gun control.
Though it certainly promotes public safety, it in no way suggests that anyone should give up their firearms. Instead, it implores households to store their guns and rifles in safe places that cannot be reached easily by young children.
The movement has the blessing of local law enforcement officers and agencies and some media reports from last week indicated that Grand Rapids police and public safety officers have joined the public relations efforts.
It indeed is too often we see stories about children somehow getting their hands on guns and accidentally shooting someone else in the home. We also have read and seen horror stories about pre-adolescents using firearms to end their lives prematurely via self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The Wayland and Grand Rapids areas are not immune to these tragedies. All you have to do is read stories in MLive and WOOD-TV about such unpleasant developments.
The Love Our Kids, Lock Your Guns group of do-gooders not long ago asked members of the Wayland Board of Education to endorse their efforts and maybe even adopt a resolution supporting the public relations effort.
However, when board members earlier this month engaged in a round table discussion, it seemed a majority opposed taking any kind of action, even though they aren’t being asked to spend any money.
One board member said this is just another burden on parents. Another said the schools should stay out of issues in the home.
This public relations campaign very simply wants to promote public safety in the homes by using common sense solutions. From where I sit, that doesn’t feel like it’s too much to ask and instead of a burden, it seems to be better described as an effort in public duty.
I urge the Wayland Board of Education to at least adopt a resolution supporting the campaign. That is all. It might even save the life of a precious child.
