Frank Herbert wrote in Dune that “fear is the mindkiller.” Although figuratively a narrative which is galaxies apart, the message is clear.

There is a clear expectation of fear of whatever we can’t see or understand, and that is part of the human condition. There is also, through Herbert, an important addendum that this fear will incapacitate; bar from logic or true reason.

My hometown borders on Sandy Hook, CT. Having a close connection to the horror in Sandy Hook Elementary, I was afraid.

One school system over, and it would have been the hallways of my youth all of a sudden suffering that horror, plus the volatile concoction of national news media, lobbyists and politicians.

Let me make one thing clear: there is the truth that New England, home for me, bears a stigma against firearms (despite being the home of Ruger, Smith & Wesson and Colt, to name a few).

It’s a stereotype and notion that gets passed along (but don’t construe this clarification as my holding the opposite). Like fear, the generational stereotype is a given trait that becomes transparent with logic, a calm heart and therapeutic discussion. And it’s reassuring what will happen when you do have those discussions.

The core of “gun control” is fear, and the mongering thereof on both sides of an unfortunately linear debate.

The fear that if we leave assault rifles unrestricted, the streets of America will turn into a warzone versus the fear that a ban would only lead to 1984, plus everywhere in between.

My bottom line is this: don’t have a discussion about the topic with the canned evidence given to you from the TV, be careful of your tone and remember Herbert’s warning about fear.

Fear has infiltrated every aspect of this debate, in itself making discussion difficult, but the immense leverage it carries pushes us apart exponentially.

Dignity, respect and memorial to the Angels of Sandy Hook, as well as safety of the America is a call to compromise for more than ourselves.