I am an admirer of the US constitution and the contribution it has made not only to our country but also to freedom and democracy everywhere, but in light of the growing news stories about school children's shootings, I believe, that as we move toward the 21st century, the 2nd amendment and traditional values regarding guns need to be seriously examined.

I don't know about you, but frankly, I am getting sick of hearing about kids getting shot by other kids in school. I am also ashamedly aware of the racism expressed in my comments. I realize kids get shot everyday in poor neighborhoods and yet it doesn't get the media's or my attention. Nonetheless, late is better than never and racism aside, I don't think talking about this issue can wait any longer.

The horrible details from places like Paduka, Kentucky; Jonesborough, Arkansas, and Springfield, Oregon have moved me, and I would guess you, to ask, "What the Hell is going on?"

On a recent Night Line program I heard some amazing statistics and facts:

1) In America, the recent incidents involving children killed by guns and given heavy media coverage are not isolated events. The number of children dead each year from shootings is over 5200.

2) The stricter the gun control laws, the fewer children (not to mention adults) die! (For comparison, 150 kids are killed by gunfire in Canada, 0 in Japan).

So why don't we have better laws? Yea, yea, I have heard the anti gun control rap. I know it's my fundamental right to own a gun and I am aware of the personal security issue. But are these good enough reasons to lose 5200 kids a year?

Our attitudes towards guns are confusing and inconsistent. I believe there is something irrational about our attraction to guns and illogical the way we hold on to something that is of such limited practical value but which poses such a terrible threat. Perhaps the recent, high profile incidents will help us to admit it and motivate us to begin to look at ways to reevaluate our views and laws concerning guns.

Further, opposition to better gun laws are disingenuous.

Although the NRA says it promotes gun safety, it is against every proposal made to make the use of guns safer. For example we are aware of their opposition to background checks and waiting periods for purchasing, the banning of assault rifles and so on, but they also object to something as uncontroversial as the, new, smart gun technology which would allow a gun to be fired only by its owner.

Personally, I don't think opposing the NRA is like touching the third rail in the subway. Membership has consistently declined for the past several years. But the problem is not simply the NRA.

Perhaps part of the problem is Charlton Heston. I wonder how many folks confuse him talking about the 2nd Amendment to the US constitution with Moses delivering the 10 Commandments in the Cecil B. De Mille epic. Forget that swords into plowshares thing.

Indeed attitudes toward our right to bear arms are treated by some with the respect due our most sacred religious beliefs. Religious transference aside, I think it is time to ask some basic questions:

Why are guns necessary, at all, in modern society?

Do people really believe that guns are necessary for personal protection or worse to prevent political tyranny?

How many deaths are we willing to pay for the privilege of playing with guns?

Let's say that again. The critical issue about guns is not about constitutional rights or self protection. It is, I believe, about our fascination with a very dangerous toy.

Guns are fun. They are fun to hold, fun to look at and fun to shoot. They are even sexy. But I think men should be getting their sexual thrills from their relationship not guns. I do not believe we can afford such a recreational luxury in the coming age.

While guns have played an important part in American history, the time when our society sparsely populated, spread out and wilder has past. Our present society has changed and the prospect for the 21st century is even more revolutionary. To continue to hold on to traditional values about guns and allow free access to them in the modern era however seems not only to reflect outmoded thinking but socially irresponsible.

For example, in contrast to living in the 18th or 19th century, the number of people living and the way they are crowded together in cities changes the risk of having dangerous weapons. The odds of hurting innocent bystanders is greatly increased in our modern situation.

Also, the advent of electronic media has created a copy cat phenomena in which unstable people are lured to commit crimes by the prospect of temporary fame.

I am aware that 99% of the owners of the 230 million guns are good law abiding people, but in a country of 265 million people even one per cent can pose a huge risk.

I am also aware that the sporting and shooting industry is a 30 billion dollar industry which has obvious economic significance. Again, I am not suggesting that guns be entirely banned or outlawed and I do not have or believe that there is any simply solution or answer. But I do believe we can not just throw up our hands while our children are slaughtered.

The question seems to come down to what kind of a country do we want to live in?

We can begin to take gun control legislation seriously, and save lives. I realize not a lot of people are interested in this issue, but I believe as we think of life in the new century we have some house cleaning to do. We must begin to realize that some of the traditional values we hold so dear do not fit with a highly technological and urban society. I believe the way we feel about guns and the place we give them is a prime example.

I have no particular solution or legislation I wish to propose or support. I do want to encourage that the issue be examined and discusses and embraced. While there is nothing that can take away the pain or the loss of the families and friend of the dead children feel, taking up and developing effective gun control laws is a way we can remember their deaths in a positive and lasting way that will prevent further, senseless loss.