St. John's Church

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What Is There Left to Say?

While I haven't been to Las Vegas in many years, it more than ever seems to project the image of an adult fantasy land - glitzy lights, huge theme casinos, and, of course, an invitation to visit all of your vices and sin. Whether it's Cesar's Palace or the Luxor, huge lighted signs, noted entertainers, dazzling slot machines, and Johnny Walker wisdom beckons you to enter for carefree moments of something many call fun.All of this changed on Sunday night, when music, laughter, and fun was stopped by bullet shots that wreaked carnage on innocent people. I was horrified when I first learned the news that 59 people had been shot dead and over 500 injured by a lone gunman with an arsenal of guns in his hotel room, from which he fired on a concert crowd in Las Vegas. What was an opportunity to listen to country music stars turned into a horrible nightmare. I was truly impressed by the first responders, the people at the concert helping one another, and of course, Las Vegas' response to those who were victimized by this awful tragedy. The families of those who were murdered and of others who were maimed, hurt, traumatized remain in our prayers.One thing I don't understand. That is the need for automatic weapons. I am not against people using guns for hunting, even for self-protection if they feel the need; however, I do not feel that any citizen needs to have access to automatic weapons - let alone dozens of them - that can kill hundreds of people in a matter of minutes. I don't see how it can be justified.I hope this horrific tragedy will finally lead to a constructive dialog on what is an appropriate way to observe the Second Amendment rights for the people in our nation.MEH