Dear Editor:

Many women face guns in an unsettled home. Many live without needing a gun to solve their problems. Fear when facing a gun can cause a trigger to be pulled, but calm speech has been known to stop the trigger leaving all lives safe.

I had frequently searched for what peace and safety looked like when I stumbled onto the video of UN peace keeper, Ken Payumo. South Sudan was in the middle of a civil crisis forcing families to flee the bullet-riddled country. Payumo’s job was to safely open the compound gates so the families could get inside where they could be safe and protected from harm. UN staffers have no weapons of harm. Instead they have weapons of peace. They do not ask a frightened family, “Are you pro or anti government?” Their job is to provide a place where families, including many unaccompanied minors, are safe and well protected.

Shortly after the camp had taken in 12,000 refugees, Payumo was contacted by one of the warring leaders. The leader expressed concern about his people and asked if he could visit the compound to which Ken said yes — believing this looked like a good sign of concern. The day and date of time for arrival was set.

When Payumo went outside the compound to meet what he thought would be three or four people, he saw 80 soldiers all with rifles. He ordered the compound gate to be closed, leaving himself alone with 80 armed soldiers. For Payumo, protection of the 12,000 people was all that mattered. He informed each one that they were welcome to visit, but not in military clothes, nor with any weapons or cameras. The leader was angry noting that they were the government over which Payumo had no authority. Protectors persist even when faced with 80 guns. Fortunately the 80 decided to leave without causing harm.

This is what peace and safety looks like. Wouldn’t it be nice if all altercations end without a single gun shot.

Voting Yes on Question #3 means we will be safer in our country because loopholes will be closed just as the compound was closed.

Protection is part of our job and is what matters most.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb