The “new” face of terrorism… ( Well not really so new)
A few years ago I was having a conversation (ok a debate) with a dear friend of mine regarding gun violence / terrorism in America.
I said it then and I will now say it again…
There are many facets and elements to this issue of violence in America.. As a country no one was really tripping as hard as long as the violence was contained and managed within communities of color….
Now the terrorist has crossed the tracks.. Crossed the expressway and made their way downtown, Vegas Strip and now a country church! Mask removed… They now have a new face… Well not really..
Now it’s a national crisis. SMH.
In my opinion it has always been a national crisis …. A state of emergency.
Here is what I said to them…..
What’s happening in the black and brown communities are microcosm of whats going to happen in America if we don’t come together to do something about the violence that community. We are a network and interdependent. It’s true. We see it playing out more and more every day. We are destroying ourselves from within. We are becoming the enemy within.
In order to address the issues we need.
1. Stronger gunlaws (or at least inforce the ones you have). Regulate what is manufactured and what can be sold to the consumer.
2. Stiffer penalties for those who carry, use or sale illegally.
3. Beef up law enforcement and intelligence to stop illegal ones from getting on the streets in the first place. (War on Guns)
4. Teach morality and value for human life in the schools and home. Guns don’t kill people….. People do!!!!
5. Better or FREE mental health support and post traumatic stress counseling for all our citizens. (BTW. This is where we were actually arguing). I am not saying that everyone that has a mental problem will go and shoot someone. But I am saying that based upon the profile of the recent American terriorist in my opinion there is a mental component that no one is still not talking about… We are still trying to figure a motive for the Vegas shooting… Well you can’t explain insanity….
The Texas shooting, anyone that would just go to a house of worship on a Sunday morning and shoot innocent children is insane.
6. We need free PTSD counseling support for all the victims of violence to help them cope with the new reality and not try to seek revenge. What’s not talked out will eventually become acted out.
7. Deal with social -economic condition. Give people hope , education and jobs… Access to the American dream and that will reduce crime.
Finally, in my opinion we need to proactively implement all the above in order to address the national problem. Until then we will just be reacting… Then its too late.
That’s my truth…
Praying….
Dr. Phelps
