Opinion
Virginia Beach, a Lesson in How to Prevent Violence
Brendan Mooney, June 2, 2019
VCDL Executive Member
Virginia – -(AmmoLand.com)- 2.9 miles away from my house, an act of violence only the Devil could unleash was happening while I was in my garage spray painting ammo cans, wondering what the sirens were going by my house was all about.
2.9 miles away, a person who was disturbed and hurting unleashed his anger in a violent manner that changed Virginia Beach forever and threw us into the national spotlight during a time that should be reserved for beach parties, BBQ and sand between our toes.
2.9 miles away, four VBPD members answered the call in a heroic manner and stormed the doors while a man consumed by hate wanted to unleash hell upon his fellow citizens.
This hit close to home in both a figurative and literal sense. As the news started to pour in about the events from several of my gun-related Facebook pages, I am apart of locally, my heart dropped. I know people who work in that area. I have friends on the PD. My business partner’s mother and mother in law work next to Building Two and traverse it daily.
After these terrible events, a lot of people rush to judgment, blame the object, etc. However, I noticed something entirely different about these events this weekend.
The city wasn’t concerned with “extended magazines and silencers,” but rather how can we come together and heal? One of my clients knew one of the victims. My business partner’s mother knew many of those shot, but there was forgiveness in the air.
One of the gentlemen, who was in the building and escaped, already has forgiven the person who ruined the lives of so many. He watched people die. He has already forgiven the family and the suspect. Our church, Trinity Church of Virginia Beach, had a similar message today. Forgiveness, healing, and not letting evil overtake the good that came out of this tragedy.
People poured out their hearts and reminded our first responders we care about them. The city manager had to put out a request for “no more food or perishable gifts for our police/first responders” on social media. Heartwarming and beyond amazing.
This is how we prevent violence of all kinds.
Talk with your neighbor, be kind to that person in front of you at the check out lane and ask them how their day is going and genuinely care about your fellow man. Do you know that new neighbor you have been meaning to get to know? Go ring their doorbell. A coworker a little stressed at work? Why not invite him out to your house for a home cooked meal? For the introverted folks like my wife, a simple smile and “have a wonderful weekend” will do as well.
I noticed that this weekend here in Virginia Beach. A lot of people poured into our city to realize that we are a bit different down here. However, that difference isn’t unique. It can start with you. You can stop the next violent act just by being a good human being and reaching out to your fellow man.
About Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL):
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right.
For more information, visit www.vcdl.org.