Gun Deaths: One Tragedy

“A single death is a tragedy,” said Joseph Stalin. “A million deaths is a statistic.”

Instead of the mind-numbing statistics on gun-related deaths, may I paint the picture of one individual’s death?

May it bring home the insanity of semiautomatic guns. May it provoke us to ask our lawmakers for even stricter controls. Most of all, may we ask for prevention of the problem instead of picking up the pieces.

My cousin Billy was a bright research scientist. He also was a most wonderful human being. He noticed those who had less.

He became involved with homeless street people of Oakland. When he could, he helped out with food, money and advice. Knowing my cousin, I’m sure all was imparted with a good dose of humor.

Our immigrant great-grandparents would have been proud. These were the morals that had made up our rearing: Help others.

One evening, four young men entered Billy’s neighborhood to prey on street people. It is a game some play.

From the safety of his home, Billy attempted to obtain help.

He hollered out his window, but the attack escalated.

So Billy went out to help his friends. He was shot 28 times with an Uzi. Not once or twice, but 28 times.

Would the four assailants have been so bold without the Uzi? Would my cousin still be alive?

Our grief and sense of loss can’t be measured. We didn’t even get a chance to see Billy one last time - most of the 28 shots were to his face from close range.

What Billy did was foolish. I would have done the same thing. Should we be denied the right to be caring people because of Uzis?

Am I angry? Yes. There is no sole reason for the sale of a gun that was made with the express purpose of killing humans. As a health-care professional, I have yet to see the “good” of gun ownership. I’ve just seen the broken lives, shattered dreams and grieving families.

I can’t bring Billy back. We won’t be treated to his wonderfully infectious chuckle at family gatherings anymore. But if thinking about the people behind the statistics changes even one mind about gun control, maybe I can prevent another Billy from being murdered.

xxxx