"My Family Sometimes Comes Second. It Has To"

The above are the words of one of the officers who recently entered the private school in Nashville which saw a horrible killing spree by a deranged former student. While I am often quite critical of the police and their abuse of authority, that many are brave and selfless is unquestionable. Please watch to the end of the following to hear about that selflessness.

It goes without saying that the public trust is a sacred thing, and what the officer says at the end of the clip reminded me of the heavy responsibility that can entail. It also made me think back to my teaching days. Although a shooting at my school was unlikely, I always knew being a teacher meant that if such a dreadful day should arise, it would require me to do everything I could to protect my students, even if it meant putting my life at risk. 

A heroic mindset? Absolutely not. Just part of what it means to be in a position where people's lives and well-being are part of the job, no matter the personal cost - something American politicians in the thrall of the NRA should think about, as physician Jason Smith in the next clip implies after tending to the dying following the most recent mass shooting in Louisville.

May the love of the gun never infect Canada. From the endless experiences of our southern neighbour, the bitter fruit of such a passion is far too obvious.