Let us remember the young people who are victims of the senseless violence inflicted against them by other young people.
One day these children will have children and then they will understand that no argument can be ever be made that will justify hurting another young one. And yet . . . the callousness with which kids pull the trigger against their own reveals an unfathomable deep dark frightening black hole in their young souls where a loving, caring, childlike heart should be.The remorse, if it ever comes (and one day - either on this Earth or in the next - it most assuredly will), it comes too late. Call it what you will; it's their sin of murder. There is nothing like a maimed friend or a lonely grave; or the opposite picture of the cuddly laugh of their own little baby whom a loving mom or dad would protect with their life if necessary that can shine a laser light into the inky darkness of this scary world and so expose the awfulness and terribleness of the violence against our young.
Oh, dear, beloved children: What does it take for you to feel again the God-given caring and nurturing and happiness and forgiveness and loving that came naturally with you when you came to join us here on Earth in that wonderful baby package that was then really you?
Oh yes, we all know that now many in our society consider it OK to blame everything on drugs, sex, booze, out-of-control parties, parent-teenager fights and conflicts, no-dad homes, latch-key kids, poor grades, I-don't-care attitudes, laziness, no responsibility, no discipline and a whole host of other familial, religious and societal ills that each can be blamed in part.
But when you cut through it all there is still no excuse. No excuse at all. None. Violence begets violence and love attracts more love. Young or old, it's still a matter of choice.
John B. Tenney
Salt Lake City