Steve Bryant – Thoughts on Success, Music and Media

Another shooting. This time at an elementary school in Texas. Death toll is currently 18 children and 1 adult, but, as is the case in these situations, could well go higher. The shooter was 18-years-old.

I’m a staunch defender of the Second Amendment. I also believe in extensive background checks. And someone with documented mental problems or a history of violent crimes should never be allowed to own any type of weapon.

When I was a talk radio host, I never allowed any calls about gun control. Endless discussion about the topic just resulted in polarizing arguments. Plus, with more guns in this country than people, the genie is out of the bottle, even back then.

I believe one answer is better law enforcement. When someone breaks the law, he or she should stand trial and serve every day of their sentence. Breaking the law should have consequences. Sadly, today it does not. Knowing there are real consequences for their actions should help to stop the current rise in violent crimes.

The murderer who killed the innocent man on the New York subway this past weekend had been arrested several times since 2015. He was still on the street.

Cash bail needs to be reinstated. So many murders and robberies are being committed by violent offenders who are still on the street because there was no bail.

Back in the 1960’s, songwriters used their songs to help end senseless violence and injustice. Today, not so much.

The night of the Columbine massacre in 1999 I was inspired to write this song. As a writer and concerned citizen, it’s how I added my voice to the cries for an end to the killing. It’s a small action, but, in my mind, something more substantial than “thoughts and prayers.” Hopefully, other artists will use their craft to do the same.

May God bless the souls of the victims, the survivors and families of the victims.