Dear Editor:

I once heard a ridiculous statement when a Vietnam veteran had placed a gun under my couch while waiting for his friend to visit. I asked if the gun was loaded? He said “yes.” As I stood up in anger, he told me a loaded gun was safer, avoiding accidental shootings. Three months later the vet shot himself in the leg playing quick draw across the room from his pregnant wife. From that point forward I hoped he realized illogical statements are false.

Border walls and guns do not save lives. True, guns are built to kill and during war they may save some lives, but the animate object on this planet designed to save your life is your brain. If you are not prepared for a mountain lion attack, you will likely not be alive. Fortunately a Colorado runner was prepared to use his brain and lived.

Every man, woman and child should be taught everything known about the brain, including fear impacts. When faced with danger, your brain automatically assesses the situation and has at least three escape plans within seconds. Humans are built with that capacity to assess and plan escapes even at 8 years old. Dr. Ford was on alert of danger when she was pushed into a room and heard the door lock. The two boys were classmates, in her social circle of friends, and one was drunk, yet she escaped.

When someone is trying to sell you any inanimate object to save your life, wake up, they don’t want you to use your brain, they only want your money.

Even a school fight can be avoided if you use your brain. Five students were attacking a refugee boy in the hallway. I took him to school stating he didn’t need to fight to win. I asked him what would happen if a dinosaur stepped on him? Hitting his hand “splat.” I asked how did mankind survive? He pointed to his brain. He stopped in the hallway, staring at all five without a word. They asked if he knew karate. He did not answer. They passed him without hitting and never hit him again.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb