One individual that is a prominent fixture in American culture went against the popular grain and made a profound difference. But you need to understand the setting to fully appreciate what he did and why it's relevant today.
Occasionally angry crowds assembled. Anger escalated and many started arriving armed, some with rifles, most with pistols. Frequently alcohol was involved and ignorant, uninformed comments boiled the blood of those present. Instead of allowing civility to rule, instead of discussions on differences of opinion, the yelling and shouts of a few attempted to end any chance of real discussions. It wasn't long before the anger couldn't be contained and violence frequently erupted, as if this was a civilized method of resolving differences.
The pattern became established, entrenched as the norm, and concerned, rational citizens realized a change had to occur. They made the decision to bring in an outsider to try to calm the anger, turn back the flood of agitators and manipulators. They found their person, and Wyatt Earp was brought to Dodge City, Kansas. One of the first acts initiated by Wyatt Earp was to erect a sign on the outskirts of town. "Check Your Guns Here!" Even an individual closely associated with guns, like Wyatt Earp, recognized that there was a time and place for guns, and more importantly a time and place for no guns.
The rule was implemented. The rule was enforced. The government, which Wyatt Earp represented, didn't "take away guns", didn't take away the "right to bear arms", they just established, since the ignorant couldn't figure it out themselves, there there were places where it was inappropriate.
It worked. Dodge City became tamed. Residents and visitors still had the right to "bear arms", they were just prohibited from using them and displaying them in inappropriate places. The few, and minority, had to conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to the majority. No doubt Wyatt Earp was directly challenged on his policy, but reason prevailed, and when that wasn't enough he enforced the policy with other methods. The taming of the west was underway.
It's doubtful that the term "bleeding heart liberal" was even in existence during that era, but if it had been, Wyatt Earp, an American icon, a bold, fearless lawman of legendary status, would have been labeled a "bleeding heart liberal" by the equivalent of today's society on the opposite view of that issue. He would have earned that brand because he opposed irresponsible acts and he enforced logic and reason, because he considered the safety of the many was more important than the attempts at intimidation by the few.
Had that term "bleeding heart liberal" been in existence, and if it would be possible to transport back into time the group of gun packing screamers showing up at today's town hall meetings, it's quite unlikely that any of them would have the courage to walk up to Wyatt Earp and say it to his face. Their contemporary banty rooster courage would immediately evaporate, and there's little doubt their weaponry would already be secured at the "Check Your Guns Here!" station on the outskirts of town.
But here we are in 2009 and we have individuals that oppose actual discussions. They opposed civility and manners. They endorse intimidation by brandishing weapons at inappropriate places. They want a return to the pre-Wyatt Earp, Dodge City mindset. They have no regard for the safety of others, or the concept of democracy. They want only their voices heard, and they're bringing loaded weapons to let us know what might be next.
They're so uncomfortable living in today's society, they outwardly display their mid-1800's view of how they'd like us to think and live. They're so afraid of life they're only able to venture out when carrying firearms, which gives them a false sense of security, empowerment and courage. They fail to comprehend history's lessons, that when outrageous behavior reaches a certain level, there's always a Wyatt Earp that surfaces. It's a natural order of checks and balances, and history shows this to be an inevitable force.
So these fearful, yelling people can now be informed that in addition to all their imaginary little fears, there's a new one for them to be concerned about. It's coming. It's coming for them. History guarantees it. A Wyatt Earp is on the way and he knows who you are and looks forward to meeting you. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Occasionally angry crowds assembled. Anger escalated and many started arriving armed, some with rifles, most with pistols. Frequently alcohol was involved and ignorant, uninformed comments boiled the blood of those present. Instead of allowing civility to rule, instead of discussions on differences of opinion, the yelling and shouts of a few attempted to end any chance of real discussions. It wasn't long before the anger couldn't be contained and violence frequently erupted, as if this was a civilized method of resolving differences.
The pattern became established, entrenched as the norm, and concerned, rational citizens realized a change had to occur. They made the decision to bring in an outsider to try to calm the anger, turn back the flood of agitators and manipulators. They found their person, and Wyatt Earp was brought to Dodge City, Kansas. One of the first acts initiated by Wyatt Earp was to erect a sign on the outskirts of town. "Check Your Guns Here!" Even an individual closely associated with guns, like Wyatt Earp, recognized that there was a time and place for guns, and more importantly a time and place for no guns.
The rule was implemented. The rule was enforced. The government, which Wyatt Earp represented, didn't "take away guns", didn't take away the "right to bear arms", they just established, since the ignorant couldn't figure it out themselves, there there were places where it was inappropriate.
It worked. Dodge City became tamed. Residents and visitors still had the right to "bear arms", they were just prohibited from using them and displaying them in inappropriate places. The few, and minority, had to conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to the majority. No doubt Wyatt Earp was directly challenged on his policy, but reason prevailed, and when that wasn't enough he enforced the policy with other methods. The taming of the west was underway.
It's doubtful that the term "bleeding heart liberal" was even in existence during that era, but if it had been, Wyatt Earp, an American icon, a bold, fearless lawman of legendary status, would have been labeled a "bleeding heart liberal" by the equivalent of today's society on the opposite view of that issue. He would have earned that brand because he opposed irresponsible acts and he enforced logic and reason, because he considered the safety of the many was more important than the attempts at intimidation by the few.
Had that term "bleeding heart liberal" been in existence, and if it would be possible to transport back into time the group of gun packing screamers showing up at today's town hall meetings, it's quite unlikely that any of them would have the courage to walk up to Wyatt Earp and say it to his face. Their contemporary banty rooster courage would immediately evaporate, and there's little doubt their weaponry would already be secured at the "Check Your Guns Here!" station on the outskirts of town.
But here we are in 2009 and we have individuals that oppose actual discussions. They opposed civility and manners. They endorse intimidation by brandishing weapons at inappropriate places. They want a return to the pre-Wyatt Earp, Dodge City mindset. They have no regard for the safety of others, or the concept of democracy. They want only their voices heard, and they're bringing loaded weapons to let us know what might be next.
They're so uncomfortable living in today's society, they outwardly display their mid-1800's view of how they'd like us to think and live. They're so afraid of life they're only able to venture out when carrying firearms, which gives them a false sense of security, empowerment and courage. They fail to comprehend history's lessons, that when outrageous behavior reaches a certain level, there's always a Wyatt Earp that surfaces. It's a natural order of checks and balances, and history shows this to be an inevitable force.
So these fearful, yelling people can now be informed that in addition to all their imaginary little fears, there's a new one for them to be concerned about. It's coming. It's coming for them. History guarantees it. A Wyatt Earp is on the way and he knows who you are and looks forward to meeting you. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
