Racism and hate mongering comes in many shapes and forms. One recent example is the Neo Nazi fundamentalist that went on a shooting spree at the Holocaust museum. That case was a clear cut black and white story, but racism often hides behind the mask painted in shades of gray? It’s as simple as the good ole red white and blue. It’s mom, apple pie and the right to bear arms under the second amendment of the constitution. It’s protecting yourself, the Texas premise of imminent domain, and the good will to look after your neighbor.
Let me introduce you to a fellow by the name of Joe Horn. I’ll spare you the details that you can search here. Joe is a retired older gentleman who got into trouble exercising his right to protect his neighbor’s property. One afternoon he noted what he thought to be two black men breaking into his neighbor’s house. Doing his duty he excitedly called 911, as any good neighbor would. In the heat of the moment, many feel, Joe crossed that invisible line. Joe believe in the right to bear arms namely his trusted shotgun. As he watched the thieves exiting his neighbor’s house the 911 dispatcher pleaded to stay inside his house, all but in vain.
The chilling metallic click of a shotgun being cocked accentuated Joe’s vow to kill someone that eventful day. The recorded tape captures the last blast as Joe ended the robber’s lives. Later he would declare that he feared for his life but many cried out that the Hispanic burglars dark skin was his main motivation. He was not taken into custody. Many applauded his actions but Quanell X a local activist branded Joe’s actions as those of a racist.
The battle line was drawn between those who believed in the right to bear arms and those who view vigilantism as wrong. A man’s right to protect his castle vs. taking the law into your own hands and dispensing justice at the end of barrel. Our country debates terrorism in it’s many forms often disguised behind a mask of nationalism, religious fervor, patriotism, or the misguided leading’s of a fanatical belief.
Today we mourn the death of a security guard whose valiant life was extinguished to save the lives of others. Where does our freedom end when faced with the human rights of another? Honk if you love Joe Horn.
