Editor’s Note: We first published this column by Ken Morgan on May 20, 1999, and he brought it to our attention again as being relevant in light of all the recent school shootings.
As the sun broke Sunday morning and the air was crisp and cool, it looked to be a most beautiful day that the Lord had given. I found myself overlooking the Pearl River at my most favorite spot where I find peace and solitude.
As I looked across to the other side, I saw a tent on the sandbar with one man feeling the warmth of a fire while the other two men were fishing with rod and reels. Apparently they have spent the weekend camping and fishing on the mighty Pearl.
As I looked and listened, there were no sounds to be heard other than the songbirds of spring and occasionally a sound of a distant automobile on the road or a boat on the river. When I find myself at this favorite spot, it is for this reason: to look at nature and listen to its sounds. In the direction of a nearby pond, I could hear the bellow of a bullfrog.
In this surrounding, I can tell without a doubt in my mind that there is a God in heaven who created the heavens and the earth and rules as a supreme being. I want Him to know that I, as a person, thank Him for this and the freedom to enjoy it because in our world today it is getting harder and harder to find such places where a person can go and do as we see in such sports as camping, hunting and fishing.
Just think this is the first day after the close of turkey season whereby many a person in the United States, not only in Mississippi, went afield with a shotgun or bow in hand in search of the elusive wild turkey. How many places in the world today are there that a person can do these things mentioned above, not very many, only in the United States of America. Why is this? I would have to say because of the people that we are in heritage and character.
Folks, let me make you aware that there are people within American boundaries who are trying very, very hard to take this away from us. Who, you say? Well, to start, everyone has heard of these groups of anti-hunters and anti-gun owners. Most of us sit here and say well it can’t happen here in Mississippi. I am very sorry, but it can happen.
Most everyone says in conversations about this that it is the government. Well, the way I understand it, who is supposed to be our government? The people, for the people, by the people. Apparently some of our elected officials have forgotten who the people really are.
When most people would think of Colorado in times past, it was a state in the Midwest that would be a likable place to hunt or fish, snow ski or take a vacation. Now, after what has happened at the school in Littleton, Colo., this will always be a tragedy that will be remembered in the nation and the world.
Then here we go again with the aspects of more gun control, individuals and groups lobbying and prompting our elected officials to say that if it were not for the guns, this would not have occurred. Well, I for one would have to say that it was not the gun’s fault that this happened, for a gun is nothing more than a tool. A tool can only be used in the manner by which person its hands are in. If a person is bent on doing harm to another, there are many, many ways in which this can be done.
If we sit idly by and listen to the will of these anti groups and elected officials who want a ban on guns in this country and let it happen, we will truly live to regret it even more for such things as sport hunting (all kinds will be taken from us) and such events as target matches, etc. on up to the Olympics.
If your thoughts are, “I don’t think so,” well, you had better wake up. Look at what’s happening in Great Britain and Australia. Start looking, reading and listening in the news media every day.
Then we ask: Why is this happening and why is this happening in our schools? I wish I had the answers. I really don’t know of anyone who does. If it were my job to try and find out, I think I would start with the students themselves.
Usually when we think of teachers, students and school in general, we think of the learning process from teacher to student. I think it is also important to ask questions of the students on their feelings and let them express themselves. Let it be known what their thoughts are because soon they will be in the real world making their own decisions, decisions that they will have to live with the rest of their lives.
Sure, we all make mistakes; that’s part of being human, so I am told. That’s part of life. Some mistakes are just something we have to live with but it is good for someone who knows you are making a mistake to advise you in the right direction.
This is where the most important part comes in: parent accountability. We, as parents, are responsible to watch over and advise our children as they go through life from birth until death. We see more and more where we have downfalls in doing this. If we do not have control of our children at home whereby they are disciplined to respect and conduct themselves in a mannerly fashion, how could we possibly think that they would be courteous and orderly at our schools? You don’t have to be around a child very long to tell whether or not that child is well mannered. Usually if the child is well mannered, it is because of the surroundings at home and more importantly, the child is disciplined. When you say “No,” the answer is no and is not to be argued or repeated.
But, then too, when is the last time you as a parent put your arms around your child and looked them in the eyes and said, “I love you, and I want you to always know that.” They would reply, “I love you, Daddy.” Well, they don’t get too big to do this, for my youngest is 21, in college and at home. His sister is 25, married and teaches school. I tell them both this very often.
Parents, all I am saying is that you should spend time with your kids, whether it’s T-ball, fishing, hunting, camping, whatever. Just stop what you are doing, talk to them, find out their feelings, see what they are looking for in life, help make them a better person.
Don’t neglect them and put them down because they are our future and we are molding them to become responsible adults.
You are going to wake up one morning, and they won’t be children anymore and they will be grown and gone. Have you loved your child today?
Ken Morgan represents Mississippi House District 100 covering parts of Marion and Lamar counties. A member since 2007, he serves as chairman of the House Forestry Committee. He may be reached at (601)736-9688 or kmorgan@house.ms.gov.
