Raymore city council votes to allow members to carry concealed weapons to meetings

What's up with Raymore? First the tragic slaying of an elderly housecat, and now the city council's packing heat. It used to be such a peaceful suburb.

Well, ok, not necessarily packing heat, but they voted to give themselves the right to do so if they wish, and since the weapons can be concealed, we may never know whether members are carrying.

The news release did not detail the events that led to this decision. Perhaps the council members have received death threats, though an armed security guard would seem a more reasonable respnse to this. Or maybe the council is making a statement about their stance on the issue of gun control. Maybe the cat population is that out of control.

Whatever the explanation, fear is in the mix. As city residents bring their issues to the floor of meetings, heated discussion will trigger the recollection that their lawmakers could be packing heat. This may not lead to greater trust between the council and its constituents.

Fear is a strong emotion. It is what gives those in authority the greatest control. Lawmakers are not called to control the people, though; they are called to represent them. So, how did fear lead to this decision, and could the decision lead to other decisions and actions made from a place of fear?

We must ask ourselves everyday when we see news like this, or when we find ourselves acting rashly or defensively, "what is the source of this fear?" and then move on to, "where is my source of confidence, and how do I draw upon that to make decisions and motivate actions?"

And wear your body armor to the Raymore city council.