On May 27 1999, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of
the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, spoke to
the House Judiciary Committee's sub-committee.
Even though it has been a number of years since the Columbine
shootings, I don't want to see Columbine forgotten. Unfortunately
school shootings are still occuring. I wonder, how many more of our
babies will have to die, how many more broken, shattered, and
devastated lives will have to suffer before we finally GET THE MESSAGE!
Here in part, is the transcript of Mr. Scott's speech.
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the
hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the
seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy
Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven
children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for
answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel
out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it
the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and
the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how
quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not
a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am
not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that
they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not
believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything
to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy, it
was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the
real blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the
pointing finger of the accusers themselves.
"I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.
This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air;
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die;
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed;
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and
spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we
create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and
reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational
systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges
began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact.
"What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God,
and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when
something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs - politicians
immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek
to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our
personal and private liberties. We do not need more
restrictive laws. "Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal
detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months
planning this type of massacre.
"The real villain lies within our own hearts. Political posturing and
restrictive legislation are not the answers. The young people of our
nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that
will not be squelched! We do not need more religion. We do not need
more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious
garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built
while people with basic needs are being ignored.
"We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this
nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God! As my son
Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two
friends murdered before his very eyes - He did not hesitate to pray in
school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right!
"I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to
realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School, prayer was
brough back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by
those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a
sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to
communicate with Him.
"To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you
a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting
the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young
people of this country will not allow that to happen!
I agree with Darrell Scott. Further, I believe these occurances
are "in-part" consequences this Nation faces as a result of its choice
to legalize abortion. I believe our children understand, all too soon,
the act of abortion; an act that clearly demonstrates the little value
placed on human life.
"Dear Father, we are your people,
called by your name.
We humble ourselves before you;
we need you, and we seek you.
We turn from our wicked ways,
so that you will hear from Heaven,
forgive us, and heal our land.
Oh Lord, breathe on us again.
In the name of Jesus, Amen."
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