A Letter to a US Representative

Congressman Charlie Bass was interviewed after last week's tragic shootings in Aurora, Colorado.  The brief segment that was shared by Concord Patch moved me to write him the letter that is copied below.  To listen, please follow this link:  Concord-NH Patch: Bass Comment.

July 25, 2012

The Honorable Charles F. (Charlie) Bass

United States House of Representatives

2350 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C.  20515-2902

Dear Congressman Bass:

I listened with great interest to the recent comments you offered to Concord Patch about the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado.  Yes, this was clearly the action of a “deranged, crazy individual,” but I believe we each have a responsibility to use our influence as citizens of the United States and as leaders in our respective communities to make our society safer for all. 

Your remark that living in a free society requires that we “tolerate this kind of thing” and that you anticipate the Congress will only pass a resolution that condemns the acts and offers condolences to the affected families is not living up to your responsibility as an elected representative of the people. 

Your view that this heinous crime is one that has to do only with individual freedom is deeply disappointing.   I cannot believe that the authors of the Second Amendment to the Constitution envisioned a day when an AR-15 semi-automatic assault weapon with a 100-round drum would be available to our citizens.  What purpose is there in protecting the absolute freedom of persons in purchasing and using such weapons?

Yes, now is the time to care for the grieving families of the terrible tragedy that occurred at the theater in Aurora, Colorado.  That care must extend beyond condolences and heart-felt, pious prayers; we must ensure that other families across this nation do not experience a similar grief because of our attitudes that “tolerate this kind of thing” in the name of individual freedom.

As a member of the United Church of Christ in New Hampshire, I urge you to make our society safer for all, even if that means legislating appropriate limits on our individual freedoms.  The words of the First Epistle of Peter come to mind, “As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil” (1 Peter 2:16).  Please use your position, not simply to pass a resolution, but to pass laws that make our society safer and saner for all. 

Sincerely,

 

The Rev. Mr. Gary M. Schulte

Sabbatical Time: On the Move

It was in the summertime on my grandparents' farm that I learned to ride a bicycle.  My St. Louis cousins, Jim and Carol, had brought a bicycle with them to the farm, where we spent many good times together in the summer.  I remember trying to get my balance on that bike with no success.  The practice area was gravel out by the corn crib--no pavement on the farm.  There had to be some scraped knees and palms in the process; but from the vantage point of fifty years later, those have all faded away.  What I remember today is how it felt to finally get it.  I still am amazed that it just "happened."  I learned to ride, and I rode a lot--all over Owensville when I got back home. 

I bought my bike nearly 40 years ago, as I was preparing to go to college.  The manager of the local Western Auto Store let me put it in the layaway, and I paid for it with money I made from mowing lawns.  At college in Kirksville, I rode that bike on campus, around town, and down country roads.

For most of my ministry, we have lived in locations that were not "bike friendly"--mostly on gravel roads and country lanes.  Our present location in Concord is much better.  Here we have good pavement . . . but there is also lots of traffic rolling up Route 106.  It takes a certain kind of courage to get back on a bike at 56!  It is a bit like learning to ride again for the first time--finding the balance and the spirit to explore one's surroundings.

My sabbatical includes daily exercise.  Today I pedaled (and coasted) to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  After taking a brief detour through Loudon, I was determined to get to the Speedway . . . and I did.  It took me longer to get home, but I made it!  From a sedentary lifestyle to 20 miles today!  Maybe I'll get to Laconia before the summer is over.  Would be great to have lunch with Warren and Paula before I pedal back home.

I am grateful to God for the opportunity to move and make important changes.  I am grateful for the gift of this holy time.

Sabbath Time

I will continue to offer an occasional post while away on sabbatical. 


Yesterday, my computers were turned off until I needed a recipe to assist with supper.  In the future, Sunday will be a day when I take a complete break from technology. 

Had a good ride yesterday to Steeplegate Mall before church.  The old bicycle I bought with lawn mowing money back in the 70's still has some life left in it.  Feels good to get out and move.

My reading includes Saving Jesus from the Church by Robin Meyers.  There is some challenge there for one who has become accustomed to a particular way of interpreting the ancient texts.  Am I open to thinking a new thought?

I am also reading the Revelation to John.  The One who meets me in these texts offers grace, peace, and perepctive for this season of rest:  "Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come."  God is present, past, and future.  God is present no matter what.

--gms