In the wake of the Connecticut school tragedy in recent weeks, there has been a wave of anti-gun activism taking hold in California.
For example, Jerry Rubin – best remembered for his high-profile political activities in the 60’s – has re-launched a drive against toy guns which was first started up in 1987 to raise the consciousness about gun issues with respect to children.
In fact, Rubin issued a press release this past week, noting that a personalized merit award will be sent to kids who write to him and explain why they don’t like playing with toy guns.
When the program was first instituted years ago, children who turned over their toy guns were rewarded with a Teddy Bear in exchange.
The novel idea panned out when Rubin ran out of the cuddly toys.
But, the recent incident back east prompted the celebrated Santa Monica resident to take action, once again.
When I was a youth residing outside of Oshawa, a family across the street were Seven Day Adventists. The two boys - approximately my own age - were not allowed to play with toy guns (or watch TV) with the rest of us. When I asked "Gramma" why they couldn't join in, she was unable to come up with a reasonable explanation - only that - it had something to do with their religion. I recall, that at the time, I was quite perplexed. But, it makes sense to me today, of course.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that on Wednesday of this past week, Los Angeles residents queued up to take advantage of another program – guns for groceries – which is normally held in May with a nod from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Police Officers filled bins to the brim with a variety of rifles and handguns outside the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena and the Van Nuys Masonic Temple.
The drive – which is referred to as the “buy back” program – invited locals to turn in their weapons with no questions asked. Handguns, rifles, and shotguns were traded in for Ralphs $100 grocery store gift cards (while assault weapons fetched up to a $200.00).
Gosh, maybe if the Government "fed" its people, then folks wouldn't need "guns" to rob stores to get food because their hungry!
Just a thought, folks!
By the way, Officials involved with the last drive boasted that at least 1700 guns were scooped up.
I betcha a fiver that they top that number this year!
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