First let me say that I am not a religious person. I do not believe that God creates, forgives or heals the wrongs of this world. That is my belief. However, during this time of tragedy for 26 families in Newtown, Connecticut, I hope they find whatever peace and comfort they need, wherever they need to get it from at this time to help with their grieving and hopefully their healing process. I am angry. I am upset. I am bewildered and I am saddened.
The first thing that causes me pause and anger is the news media in this country. While the rest of the world is not innocent in this matter, I focus now on the USA. Mr. Jeff Zucker, (president of CNN worldwide) how would you feel if someone shoved a microphone in the face of your wife Caryn to ask about what her "feelings" were at learning that one of your four children (I won't be so callous as to reveal their names) had been shot and killed by a gunman? How about you Ms. Anne Sweeney who made history by being the first woman news president. If one of your own reporters, Diane Sawyer, thrust a microphone in your face and wanted your candid reaction to the death of your child, would you run your newsroom the same way then? Or better yet, if it was your child (which is on the Autism spectrum) who was the perpetrator of this crime? Still run your newsroom the same way? It makes me sick to my stomach that these people dare call this news. Who are you informing and WHAT the fuck are you informing them of? That human beings have emotions at the loss of a child or a family member? Thanks for the update. I don't know if I can hold the media entirely responsible. I understand the need to comprehend and put a meaning to a tragedy, but WE the mainstream american people, we tune in to this shit. Why? The same reason we slow down and watch the car accident on the freeway, morbid curiosity. Until you experience a tragedy similar to this (which I ask the Universe you never do) you won't understand the need to grieve in private and with people who love and care about you. When the time is right, these families will share their tragedy and pain but it has to be THEIR choice. These are not lottery winners, these are VICTIMS or a horrible horrible crime. This is not a sensationalism opportunity to garner ratings for these ridiculously indifferent, unemotional, greedy news organizations. So much like Morgan Freeman, I ask, no I implore you to turn off the news. There is nothing you are going to learn by listening to the shit they are spewing on these channels that common sense won't already fill you in on. The gunman is dead, he was obviously mentally ill and he isn't on the prowl for another school. They may be another gunman on the prowl, but unfortunately, we won't know who he is or where and when he will strike until he does.
Next on the list. The NRA. I am firm believer in every American's right to arm themselves. I truly believe that it is not for the government to make that choice for me. However, at the expense of millions of lives, the vast irresponsibility that is displayed by the NRA and its lobbying for guns rights is so far beyond a travesty, I can't even begin to describe it. The American people require protection yes, however who are we protecting ourselves from at this point? The government? The militia hiding in the hills? The terrorists? When was the last time the US government came into your house and you felt the need to pull out a gun? And militia and terrorists? If they are going to kill you, it will be with a bomb from far range, because they are cowards. Home security? Check the statistics of how many gun owners are killed by their own guns due to lack of education or training with firearms. You'd be amazed. My point is if you want to own a gun, good for you. If you are mentally ill, can't pass a personality test, can't pass a drug test then no gun for you. The DMV test to obtain your license in the state of California has 18 questions and you have to get 15 questions right to be able to operate a vehicle in the state of California, which arguably can be just as dangerous a weapon as a gun. To own a firearm in California? A 10 day waiting period, proof of residency, and proof that you are over 18 for a rifle or over 21 for a handgun. No test, they do a minimal precursory background check (which can possibly exclude people based on past criminal history). Do you see something wrong with that? Where is the psychology test? Where is the personality test? I had to take a personality test, a drug test, a background check and pass a basic math and english test to get my job. I'm not a police officer, a banker, a government official or a gun dealer. BUT, I am in charge of other corporate entities money. Maybe that is the base of our problems. Money. Wouldn't that be a surprise to all?
President Obama. While there are many that are not fans of yours, I happen to be a generous chance giving person. I believe that you want to do the right thing for Americans and people in general, I do. I believe that you govern with the best intent of the people in the forefront of your mind. This being the case, why have you lessened the regulations in most states and federally regarding gun control? Why have you not, in conjunction with your push for Obamacare, not brought the issue of mental health in this country to the forefront? Why haven't you pushed these issues back onto the Congress so that their constituents can hold them responsible for their actions? Why are there not more government programs to assist and support families with mentally ill children? Where is the assistance on the front end instead of throwing these people into the penal system which does nothing to assist with treatment and cures for them? Where are the support groups and mental health facilities for families with mentally ill and violent adolescents? While I believe that it is not the job of the government to fully support their people with no assistance from the people requiring the support, I do however believe these people are unable to do this on their own. For an epidemic that continues to plague this country for the last 25 plus years, and affects every American in this country in one way or another, why is there no support, legislation or government assistance for these citizens?
During this holiday season, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain these 26 families will be enduring without having the benefit of their loved ones with them. I cannot imagine the strength and resolve these families will need to have to send their next child, sister, brother, friend back to school eventually. I cannot begin to point a finger at one person without pointing a finger at us all. While I have absolutely no sympathy for the person that committed these heinous crimes, I do have sympathy for us, the American people, because I have to ask, how many times must this happen before we stop "sending our thoughts and prayers" to people and start taking action to make a CHANGE. CHANGE the channel on your TV and stop watching the insensitive news stations that continue to perpetuate the violent climate of our society. CHANGE the way you vote. Take note of your legislators and gauge their stance on gun control. Are they being supported by NRA lobbyists? Do they really have your best interests at heart? CHANGE the way you ask our President to see mental health and mental illness in this country. Demand that the government provide some assistance for families of these children so we can prevent these tragedies and not react to them once they transpire. CHANGE the way you see your family and your part in their lives. Hug your kids, hug your mom and dad, hug your relatives and thank whomever your God is that you and yours are alive to experience another holiday season. This blog is my voice to you and my little corner of the world. Expand upon my voice, share this blog, add your comments or write your own, but please DO SOMETHING.
Happy Holiday everyone.
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