Mikhail Kalashnikov, creator of the AK-47, seemed to express little regret over his invention throughout his years. However, a recently published letter he wrote to the head of Russia's Orthodox church not long before his death may showcase otherwise.
Kalashnikov, who died last month at the age of 94, wrote the following to Patriarch Kirill:
- "My spiritual pain is unbearable. I keep asking the same insoluble question. If my rifle deprived people of life then can it be that I ... a Christian and an orthodox believer, was to blame for their deaths? ... The longer I live, the more this question drills itself into my brain and the more I wonder why the Lord allowed man the devilish desires of envy, greed, and aggression."
I wonder if Wayne LaPierre and other NRA leaders will feel something similar when death stares them in the eyes. It may be easier to reflect and admit one's mistakes when lying on their death bed, but that doesn't undo those very mistakes, which they have to know, and guilt may wind up being the driving force that kills them. It certainly says something when even the inventor of the AK-47 knows that the slogan, "Guns don't kill people; people kill people," is a crock. Hopefully others, while still living, will follow his lead and sacrifice greed for people's health and well-being.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/13/kalashnikov-weapon-inventor-spiritual-pain-dead-millions?CMP=twt_fd
Kalashnikov, who died last month at the age of 94, wrote the following to Patriarch Kirill:
- "My spiritual pain is unbearable. I keep asking the same insoluble question. If my rifle deprived people of life then can it be that I ... a Christian and an orthodox believer, was to blame for their deaths? ... The longer I live, the more this question drills itself into my brain and the more I wonder why the Lord allowed man the devilish desires of envy, greed, and aggression."
I wonder if Wayne LaPierre and other NRA leaders will feel something similar when death stares them in the eyes. It may be easier to reflect and admit one's mistakes when lying on their death bed, but that doesn't undo those very mistakes, which they have to know, and guilt may wind up being the driving force that kills them. It certainly says something when even the inventor of the AK-47 knows that the slogan, "Guns don't kill people; people kill people," is a crock. Hopefully others, while still living, will follow his lead and sacrifice greed for people's health and well-being.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/13/kalashnikov-weapon-inventor-spiritual-pain-dead-millions?CMP=twt_fd
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