Deterrence
By Jim Killebrew

[February 28, 2024]  Over the years the United States has experienced, like many other countries, tragedies with crimes like mass shootings. Almost invariably it seems there is one major component missing in the aftermath of debate. That component is deterrence.

That deterrence is the force of millions of people who are standing for right. Those people who know the difference between right and wrong. Those people who are God-fearing, and keepers of the law, those people who are wanting peace and tranquility simply to live their lives on a day-by-day basis without fear and with personal safely.

There was a time in America when most citizens believed in God, practiced their faith as best they could, depended on their own work ethics to do the right thing. Most practiced the “Golden Rule” to some extent, and were against the values fostered by gangs, robbers, thieves, murderers, and other forms of criminality. Most were law-abiding and supported law enforcement agencies in their towns, cities, states, and the federal government. Parents even encouraged their children to seek out a policeman for help if they found themselves in some sort of trouble. Most believed the court systems were fair and unbiased, with juries and judges who heard the evidence, gave the verdict, applied the sentencing, and believed that attitude was a deterrent for others to take stock before they entered into a criminal activity.

That “wholesome” attitude possessed by most people motivated them to live lives of patriotism, love for country, accepting things like school Bible readings, Christmas school plays and programs built around a theme of the birth of Jesus, pulling over to the curb, or getting out of the car to stand with hat off to honor the deceased in the hearse as it passed with the family following. That wholesomeness attitude propelled most people to stand as the National Anthem was being played, face the National Stars and Stripes with a hand over their heart as it was being raised.

That attitude motivated most people to give a helping hand to those in need, support the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Community Chest, give dimes to support the eradication of polio, help neighbors in times of tragedy, share possessions with those who needed them, and listen to readings, poems, songs, and books providing inspiration.

That “National” attitude that prevailed in America produced “G” rated movies, television, reading material, and educational curriculum. Those who stomped on those values and wholesome attitudes were the outliers of society, who disrespected the police and attempted to eradicate justice, freedom, decency, goodwill, and safety in society-at-large. Most of the time those who sneered at that attitude of wholesomeness were caught by the authorities and brought to justice. The collective citizenry cheered when evil was punished.

That wholesome attitude and motivation collectively formed a deterrent that caused most people to refrain from their evil activities. It was only when the “Capone”-type attitudes began to prevail in America that people learned they could marginalize societal order and break down the wholesomeness attitude, thereby destroying the deterrent that existed.

We need to return to the embodiment of that attitude to restore the deterrence back to American culture.