Hello all,

This is an open call for submissions of diverse opinions  and experiences on the subject of guns, for inclusion in a final, collected post of entries where your thoughts will appear alongside others from around the world.

With the United States Senate today beginning a filibuster dialogue into the night concerning American firearm policy, and even Donald Trump meeting with the NRA about background checks, I wanted to try something a bit different.  I am inviting everyone who wishes to write a personal account of their views on guns, whether strongly pro, vehemently against, or all the millions somewhere in-between.Whatever your stance, your experience can add to a fuller conversation. And, perhaps, some will find such an exercise helpful to themselves or therapeutic.

Specifically:

1. Write approximately 300-400 words (I’m flexible) that gets at your position on guns.  This can take a historical or legal look, an ethical stance, or a view of American gun culture as compared to the rest of the world.  The route you take to this is open.
2. I am looking forward to receiving views from many sides, but whatever you believe it must be well-reasoned, preferably with a nod to personal experience, or how you have come to your position over time.
3. While any good essay can of course strongly criticize or be negative, I will not consider a piece that is largely comprised of a rant.  I hope for this to be a chance to learn about other people in a constructive manner.
4. As stated above, I am also very interested to get other nations’ perspective, but of course welcome all Americans as well.
5.  Submit your piece by the end of Sunday June17, 2016 (Without a specific time requirement, as this is a global call).
6. Attach your short essay as a link in the comment section of this post.
7. Finally, include in the comment section your name (or blog name) as well as the city, country, which will be included in larger the community post.
8. I will contact all those that I have chosen for the post when the larger post itself is edited and published.  This should go out no later than Saturday June 18th. Thank all, and  I look forward to your submissions!

Thanks, and good luck writing!

Will Carlson

6/15/2016