May 1994	Women & Guns 

Dear Self-Reliant Reader,

	I realize that some of you who read this publication have
minimal interest in May 8th _ or are even aware of why it is special.
This is the day we honor our mothers, ourselves, our daughters and
other women who have touched our lives in that very unique way by
celebrating Mother's Day.

	In essence we pay homage to the myriad of roles of women that
are lost in the increasing complexity of life.  We have the
opportunity to specially revere and recall those women who so
selflessly gave of their talents and spirit to us.

	As did Harriet Beecher Stowe, I like to think that, " Most
mothers are instinctive philosophers."

	(She did not write much about fathers.  But Father's Day is in
next month's column.)

	I am a working mother of two daughters, one son, a spouse, and
one neurotic poodle who belongs to my husband.

	In addition, I am a friend, homemaker, daughter, aunt,
dietitian, scheduler, birthday planner, sister, Christmas shopper, and
I can find just about any PlayMobilr part that has been lost. I stop
here because I only have a limited number of words that will fit on
this page.

	And while many of these responsibilities are not accomplished
with the ability and success that I would like, they make me what I
am.

	I know also that this is just a short list of the incredible
number of obligations that you must meet every day.

	You and I, as self-reliant individuals, are required to make
choices every day that impact ourselves. We accept this
responsibility.

	 Not all of us are mothers, and yet by the definitions and
roles placed on us in society, we are required to accept this role.

	Roseanne Barr _ Roseanne Arnold (depends on when the book was
published), and someone who I do not often find myself in agreement
with, said "...There's a lot more to being a woman than being a
mother, but there's a hell of a lot more to being a mother that most
people suspect."

	Rose Kennedy stated it more delicately, "I look on child
rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that
was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession
in the world and one that demanded the best I could bring to it."

	While all of us are not mothers, we have all hopefully had
someone that provided the nurturing that should go with childhood.
(Remember, call early.  This is the busiest phone day of the year.)

	One of the most difficult dichotomies that I face when dealing
with other parents and concerned, civic-minded citizens, as well as,
the "media" is the fact that I support the right for a woman to choose
not to be a victim.

	In my case, this particularly covers her right to carry a
firearm for protection of her self, family and domicile.

	Women are presented as maternal.  That we are.  Women are
presented as "peacemakers."  That we are.  Women are presented as
nurturing.  That we are.

	Why is it so difficult to understand that above all, we
cherish those who depend upon us to nurture them, to protect them, to
envelop them in our love.  And that we are willing to use virtually
any method to meet with success.

	In article after article, news story after news story,
television show after television show, children are presented as
perpetrators of violence.  And with mothers that are at best
"hand-wringers" and at worst crack-dealing prostitutes.

	This media frenzy, this orchestrated hype is being played out
for one purpose: to convince the American people that only government
can control the supposed violence perpetrated by these young children.
And Brady Bill II is waiting in the wings.

	Please remember that being taking on a "maternal" role has
rewards that can not be comprehended.  Anne Sullivan said, "Children
require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction."

	In case this seems like an often thankless role, recall "The
race of children possesses magically sagacious powers!"(Thank you,
Gail Godwin.)

P.S. As I do each month, I would like to close with a special message
to Miss Spendiferous, Miss Spectacular and Mr. Studendous.  This is
what Mother's day is all about.  Their father will receive his kudos
next month. My special thanks to Meg, who although not a "mother" at
this time comes as close to all the nurturing qualities that I can
think of in an individual.

	The most important person, I would like to thank at this
moment, is my mother, Julia Ann Versnel, without whom I would
obviously not be writing this column.  And without whose unfailing
help these past several months, I would have found it impossible to
meet any obligations.  I know that I speak fo myself, my husband and
my children when we shout, " Thank heavens for Lady!"