“Violence is often the instrument of those who are impatient, those who lack imagination, those who cannot wait on justice or freedom or redemption.”
–Beating Guns
•••
When you look at what places like Scotland or Australia have done following mass shootings, it look like the behavior of people who’ve truly mourned the loss of lives. Who recognize the dignity in everyone gone too soon. It’s not some philosophical debate. It’s a practical matter of protecting lives. And I’ve always envied that sort of action in my own country.
Our history, however, has been more shaped by incrementalism. That’s frustrating, and deadly, even. But every moment where it seems like walls are about to come down only happens after years and decades of people steadily pushing against it.
Two things can be true: the small victories won along the way are worthwhile AND they’re no finish line. But, if they move us towards saving lives, like the data shows, they’re definitely worth celebrating.
And one more thing is true: It all starts with being to imagine a different way, which is why I appreciate the work of Raw Tools- literally beating swords into plowshares by turning guns into gardening tools. And when you see that vision turn into victories along the way, it reminds you that sometimes the only thing stopping us is us.