PENnED

Today, we commemorate the landing of man, via Apollo 11, on the surface of the moon. Astronaut Neil Armstrong said what is perhaps one of the most memorable quotes of all time: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

But as mankind moves forward through scientific endeavors and technological progress, we still ask the question, Has mankind really improved? Today the rampage in Aurora, Colorado seems to tell us, NOT REALLY.

Let me share the desperation I expressed elsewhere:

In The American Dream Lost, Tom Chatham, a combat veteran and small business owner who grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, has put it this way: “A gun ban will not work because I own a gun and will use it to enforce my right to keep it.” Other proponents of gun ownership may not defend “their right” that forcibly, nevertheless they, too, probably believe that owning a gun (or guns) is part of being American.

Regardless of how one uses the statistics (either for or against gun control), there is obviously something wrong with how some people use this lethal weapon. We may think that education helps, but the Dark Knight shooting suspect was a PhD student. Those of us who are religious might say faith in God is the answer, but some of the most vicious crimes were committed in the name of religion.

Man, Oh man (and woman, too)! What’s wrong with you?