Letter to the Editor

I’m reading the tragic news on Sunday afternoon about someone who attacked an LDS Church in Michigan. I could have been a victim if that had happened here. My friends and neighbors could have been victims. I can’t imagine the grief overtaking Michigan families and friends. The attack in Michigan took place at about 10:30. At 10:30 here in Springdale, I was singing with the choir during sacrament meeting. I’m guessing that the attacker in Michigan picked the same time there to maximize LDS casualties.

The thing is, I’m not LDS. I just like to sing in the choir and spend time with my friends and neighbors. I’ve been in different choirs all my life. I have performed music that is sacred to Catholics in other choirs. “Ave Maria” is one of my favorites. For me, beautiful music is beautiful music. I was invited to be part of the LDS Virgin River choir, and I’ve been doing it for years. If the attack had taken place here, at least one victim might not have been an intended target.

Just a few days earlier In Dallas, someone decided to shoot at an ICE office. The only people he hit were detained by ICE and were not ICE agents.

Violence has become an epidemic, especially in America. I could quote statistics, but you’ve heard it before. It doesn’t become real for many people until it becomes personal. Violence isn’t the answer. Don’t make it personal. It doesn’t work.