Why I am so angry

We read about shootings every day in the paper. I should be used to it, but I’m not. Saturday, I was nearly shot by a police officer who thought I was an intruder when I was house-sitting. He held the gun on me for what felt like an eternity.

I’m angry that police officers have to face the fear of guns on a daily basis. I am angry that my friends think they have to hire a security company for fear of being robbed. I am angry I could have been shot and killed by the very person hired to protect me.

I am angry that this morning’s paper had photos of a twenty-two-year-old young man who tried to gun down Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords because of some political differences. Six were killed, including a young girl who just happened to be there.

I am angry how easy it was for him to purchase the gun.

I am angry that it is normal in our society to fear having our homes intruded upon, our personal possessions taken, and our lives at risk by the violence of our fellow man. Violence permeates our culture that many have learned to accept it as normal. The trust of our neighbor is gone. The open door is locked. The freedom to feel at peace is challenged.

I want to feel trust. I want to feel safe. I want to feel peaceful. I may never feel these things again. This is why I am angry.

Christine Assad