Bill C-21 and Gun Control

April 19, 2023 | Bonita Mercer

We all have our personal opinions and experiences with this topic. Can we put our personal agenda aside for a bit and address the issue with truth and honesty?

"Man" first made fire and tools, such as spears and knives, to sustain life. Food is a necessity for life and always will be. So, our will to live motivated us, our ancestors, to learn life skills. We progressed in our learning and inventing. Along came the rifle, firearms that improved the quality of life.

Hunting for food was easier and made for more time for family. Rifles also allowed for compassion to be exercised more easily. Often there are urgent situations on the farm and in rural living with wildlife that require humane euthanasia for a suffering animal. Firearms have always been used for protection against wild animals and obtaining food.

Are we addressing the "real" problem in society? More depression, anxiety, and hopelessness are resulting in degrading morals and values, homelessness, loneliness, suicide, and violence against ALL living things. Animal cruelty is up, abuse and cruelty in families, with neighbours, and in our communities.

There is an answer and it's not all about "control." First is re-establishing AND acknowledging what our morals and values are in life and WHERE they come from. Second, sincere interest and motivation to put those values into our practices in daily living. Thirdly, putting God as our highest priority and "His" work first. Do we really know the people in our life? Their joys, their sorrows? Their successes, their challenges?

Are we privileged to the point that we only see our own views and opinions? Can we disagree but still respect and (now I'm pushing it) love our brother and sister despite our differences? What are we allowing and enabling in our life? Is our free time spent doing positive things or filled with negative images? We absorb what we experience whether it be through reading, viewing, or participating in activities. What we tolerate today will dominate tomorrow!

Guns are a positive tool that improves life. We must all speak up for truth and deal with the real issues in society. The facts are, yes, some restrictions may help. Gun owners should often evaluate their responsibility towards education and accountability for gun storage. There are regulations already in place for this. Is it being practiced?

Fact, many people use guns to obtain food to feed their families. Fact, guns are used for humane euthanasia for both domestic and wild animals. Fact, without guns there would be more suffering. The general public don't understand basic life skills. More urban living is happening all the time. People must be educated in truth.

We can change the world one person at a time! Good DOES conquer evil. Make your world a loving place and we will have a loving world!

Bonita Mercer is a former Board Director for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard on CFCO Chatham, CKXS Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and CHLP Listowel.