Last Thursday afternoon, I had a troubling experience. I sat for nearly four hours in an extremely hot, crowded room jammed full of people who were afraid– afraid that a stranger might violently attack them and the their loved. Afraid that a democratically elected government might turn on them. So filled with fear that the Old Testament’s law “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” was all they could think about. The room became hotter and hotter as the hours went by and the speakers more and more ardent.

When I finally presented my school security bill, it was suggested that I was recommending a step back. Well perhaps that is not such a bad idea. Perhaps we should step back and listen. Perhaps that is exactly what we need.

I do not doubt the sincerity of the good people crowding the hearing room where the militia and public safety subcommittee was discussing community and school security.

But we all know that more guns do not always guarantee increased safety. Sometimes more guns lead to more violence. Sometimes more guns do not allow us to take a step back and listen.

We are all united in our shock and sadness because of the recent elementary school massacres. If we actually step back and listen to each other, we might continue to be united as we move forward.

 Delegate Kory represents the 38th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She may be emailed at DelKKory@house.virginia.gov.