by Joseph Wardy

Created on: February 25, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

The state of Texas is in a revolution. All guns have been confiscated. The Second Amendment has been changed now disallowing the bearing the arms.If the statement about the Second Amendment were really true, do you believe that murder, crime and school violence will increase or decrease?

Your answer will depend on whether you believe that people kill people or guns kill people. I'll offer a third alternative: people kill people using a gun as the most effective way to get the job accomplished

The Second Amendment is strongly endorsed by the National Rifle Association. Problem: The NRA's viewpoint is very similar to a person who offers an excuse while apologizing. Their rhetoric of defending freedom draws a blank.Example: Where's the balance between individual rights and responsibility?

We have "make my day" macho mentality beneath the surface of national policy and individual freedom. There is a false power attached to guns.Its about ego.

For example,some of my fellow Vietnam veterans were thrilled with the M16 rile that was lighter and more attractive than the burdensome M14. They felt like Audie Murphy,confusing heroism with the reality of an inaccurate rifle to an unseen enemy in a useless war.

It can also be void in our lives.

Case in point: actress Annette Benning in the film "American Beauty " practiced shooting a pistol to forget her powerlessness against a rebellious husband.

As we look forward to the end of the George W.Bush disaster,we have a 2008 election to decide.On the Republican front,we have Giuliani, McCain and Romney.The Democrats offer Rodham Clinton,Obama and Edwards.Which candidate will offer the best solutions in the curbing of violence as related to gun control.

From another vantage point,gun control law will prevail in proportion to an anticipated shrinking macho culture.

In my father's generation,to be tough meant not to talk,cry,ask,feel.

It was a King of the Castle mentality frequently determined by one income dominance.

My generation of baby boomers are a confused lot.We are in the middle of traditional parents versus the current reality of dual incomes and less traditional wives.

It's a challenge within a challenge. Today,married men born after the baby boomers are less macho. Many of these men are comfortable doing the cooking, food shopping and housework. The focus is more on partnership than ego. I expect these men to raise their sons to be tender as well as tough. Tenderness is toughness turned inside out.

Our immediate hope is to see the issue raised in the next national election. Candidates talk about voter concerns. How high a priority is gun control to you?

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