Guest columnist Tom Roeser: Don't overlook problems other than guns
The Daily Herald Editorial Board regularly seeks opinions and reflections on issues we expect to comment on from a Sounding Board formed as a diverse group of independent suburban voices. In the aftermath of the July 4 shootings in Highland Park, we have struggled to find words to respond to unspeakable crimes with the depth and range of ideas such a tragedy demands. So we decided to hold our own voice for a day and instead turn over the editorial space directly to individuals on the Sounding Board. We asked members who felt comfortable doing so to provide in a few sentences their reactions to the mass shooting and offer their ideas about solutions. This is one essay from that project.
After every shooting tragedy, there is a cry for more gun control. Illinois has some of the tightest gun control regulations and red flag laws yet shootings continue.
One might reflect there are other important issues on which one should reflect. Have we taught that there is a reduced sanctity to life?
Abortion is supported up to birth. Madonna said to burn the White House. Our elected officials imply that a Supreme Court Justice might be expendable or to "get more confrontational." Most video games are based upon gun violence. Should there be more video game regulations? This is teaching that life is not sacred.
Adding to that, there is the discourse that the most generous country in the world, which is viewed as exceptional by most of the world, is called a racist nation by influential celebrities, some of whom say that people should leave.
Does this discourse add to despair that motivates or justifies these tragedies?
Calls for more gun control may be an excuse for not addressing other causes.
• Tom Roeser, of Barrington Hills, is president of OTTO Engineering in Carpentersville. He is a former school board member at Barrington Unit District 220 and is active in numerous community projects, including Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.