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"In
the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at
how quickly
fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a
member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun.
I am
not here to represent or defend the NRA, because I don't believe that they
are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe
that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to
do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here
today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy - it was a spiritual
event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies!
Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies
behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves.
"I
wrote a poem just four
nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written
way before
I knew I would be speaking here today.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs
Your words are empty air
You've stripped away our heritage
You've outlawed simple prayer
Now gunshots fill our classrooms
And precious children die
You seek for answers everywhere
And ask the question "Why"
You regulate restrictive laws
Through legislative creed
And yet you fail to understand
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body,
soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up,
we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in
and wreak havoc. Spiritual influences were present within our
educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major
colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation?
"We have refused to honor God, and in
doing so, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as
Columbine's tragedy occurs, politicians immediately look for a
scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more
restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and
private liberties.
"We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric
and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning
this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own
hearts. Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the
answers. The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be
squelched!
"We do not need more religion. We do not need more
gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage.
We do not need more million- dollar church buildings built
while people with basic needs are being ignored. We do need a change of
heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the
principle of simple trust in God!
"As my son Craig lay under that
table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very
eyes - he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or
politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in
America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine
High School - prayer was brought back to our schools.
"Do
not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.
"Dare to
move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that
violates your God - given right to communicate with Him. To those of you
who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere
challenge.
"Dare to examine your own heart before
casting the first stone!
"My daughter's death will not be in vain.
The young people of this country will not allow that to
happen!"
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