Shootings and Stats

A picture is worth a thousand words. Mass shooting statistical graphs can as well. My intention was not to stir up a particular way of thinking, but rather to illuminate the facts without imposing a biased view. 

In summary, we in the U.S. are a violent (albeit less so in recent decades) people, more so in the south and east, with the amount of guns in homes declining, and yet incidence of mass shootings and victims remain steady.   

Below is a picture of deaths due to injury by firearms. The obvious fact is that, for the most part, the southern part of the U.S. has more deaths than the north, northeast, and west.

Below is a graph of the mass shootings in the U.S. Most killers obtained their weapons legally.

Below is a graph that shows how the U.S. relates to other developed countries. The U.S. has always been higher in its assault deaths compared to other countries. The U.S. has declined in assault deaths since the late 1970s.

Below is a graph of gun ownership in the U.S. Gun ownership has declined in households since the late 1970s.

Below is a graph of mass shootings per year and the victims in the U.S. The amount of mass shootings and victims varies from year to year, but on the average has not changed for the last several decades.

Based on the data above, there can be a few conclusions. The U.S. has a history of gun violence, relative to that of other developed countries. There has been a decrease in assaults when comparing it to the total population growth. The south and eastern states have the most percentage of deaths than the rest of the country. The percentage of gun ownership has decreased in the last few decades. And the trend of mass shootings and victims have remained steady for decades.

Everyday Heroes

Where are the heroes of today? News reports rarely highlight them; not because they aren't around, but because they don’t want to be found. The best known hero is a man who knew from the beginning he would sacrifice himself to provide an eternal life for others. That hero was Jesus. We celebrate the birth of that hero on Christmas day - and yet we give to others. It sounds odd to do that, but it makes all the sense in the world. Jesus is a model for us to be heroes too.

A hero is running in when others are running out. A hero helps the helpless. A hero picks up the pieces when others cause wreckage. A hero is passing out love when hate is expected. A hero is there when others are gone. However, we forget that at most times, there are heroes around us doing the mundane.

When you care for your children, love your spouse, pay your bills, be kind to your neighbors, be diligent at your job, you are a hero. Anyone can take the easy way out, by cheating, stealing, or even killing the innocent…but staying steady in a chaotic world is something most of us do, or strive to do, each and every day.  No one gets on the news because of these common activities. But it is due to the masses in our culture that hold our society together. The common unknown heroes are the glue that keeps our country united.

During this holiday season, remember that there are many unknown heroes among us. Yes, Jesus is the one that is remembered. He is the catalyst that ignites us to become better. It makes perfect sense to give gifts to one another. For we are practicing the love and sacrifice that Jesus modeled for us. Most of you reading this are heroes to me – even those who feel they are weak in their beliefs. I wanted to take this moment and say how proud I am to know you. Stay strong, and continue to show your faith by your good deeds.

Christmas Gifts

If you can't get 3 wise men for Christmas, there's always 3 books from a wise guy. :)