I was reading an article on line the other day and came across a paragraph that focused on 'Baby Boomers' (I hate that title), and it said that some of us were elderly. Curious, I looked up 'Elderly' to find out at what age one becomes elderly, and was shocked to find that I passed that milestone two years ago! How could this be? My mind is still sharp, even if my eyes aren't. My wit is nimble, even if my body isn't. This just could not be true, I told myself. So, I searched several more times, and each time came back with the same result.... I'm elderly. I was stunned. Then, I started to think about aging, and what we have been led to believe we were going to be in for, as opposed to the truth. My conclusion is that we have been led down the garden path to smell the roses, and instead have become lost in the woods. We have been told all of our lives that we will grow old gracefully. Ha! Let me tell you, for most of us, there is nothing graceful about
Hysteria-fueled emotions do not promote rational thought, certainly they don't bring clear resolve to a situation as serious as this.
ReplyDeleteWe would all go to the mats for our children and grandchildren, John. Sadly, for all of the families of the twenty angels who were killed, families of the teachers and school staff...not one will get the chance for justice...only unimaginable grief.
I've been actively urging parents of children in our local school system to form groups, a united voice, and request meetings with school officials. Communicating via e-mail regarding school issues might be acceptable for homework or impromptu teacher conferences but not to discuss the districts outline for emergency procedures.
My daughter and other parents have contacted the CCSD, received the usual, "we're reviewing our current procedure"...end of call. Not enough, my friend, not enough. Phone calls are just too easy to blow-off; a turnout of concerned parents seeking to have their issues addressed with a chance to become pro-active in the solution is the better route.
We need glass entry doors with embedded wire in between the panes to make access more difficult if glass is smashed. Metal Detectors and yes...additional security guards/police officers to check ID's and do bag searches along with escorting visitors to wherever they are going within a school building...and...escorting them out again.
Guns...well, the heat ahead involving any new legislation will be intense. The NRA is currently keeping a low profile but they won't be silent for long. I forsee a ban on AR's...not a foolproof solution because the illegal flow of firearms will continue across our borders and throughout our states. Criminals will still have guns regardless of any ban instituted.
In my position as a Pistol Instructor (Safety Courses are mandatory), I will speak my mind and continue to monitor those seeking permits with a "red flag" waving over their head. I support mandatory psychological screening to become part of the permit application process.
As in prior situations, I will make my usual recommendations to local judges advising against a particular individual having a gun permit. I will support every effort for cross-checking medical records (especially those involving psychiatric treatment) with permit applications and existing permits regardless of the ACLU or privacy rights. A drop in the bucket, I know, but still my responsibility.
Years ago, we all felt that what happened at Columbine was disgraceful. Theatre shootings, mall shootings and now, with the assault on Sandy Hook Elementary School...it has become epidemic.
For now, all we can do is pray, love each other and our families and, as you said, think rationally, working together to formulate a solution.
You, my dear friend, are part of the rational answer that I seek. Level headed and candid, as usual. You and your daughter keep fighting the good fight. I will continue to speak my mind, and back you all the way.
DeleteJohn
Well the ban on assault rifles was lifted during the Bush years and Obama did not renew it either. So there are no politics involved, other than with the NRA. Assault rifles were not what the founding fathers had in mind when two bullet muskets were the only guns available and no one wanted to take a cannon home. (Reference op/ed piece in today's Journal News)Laws will be resurrected and/or enacted but people will not change. Fighting among ourselves is only one way to get the dialogue going and the dialogue must begin somewhere. I agree with one Fox News talking head that the time to begin that dialogue is after the 26 angels are laid to rest. I just hope that the other incidents being reported around the country are not fueling the fire in some other angry kid's head about how to go down in infamy. This is not the Marines, it's common folk who are not interested in protecting just massacre. Personally, I am simply scared.
ReplyDeleteWell said, dear Amy. I cannot even begin to imagine what it is like to hear that one of your precious children or grandchildren has been taken from you by a gunman. I am not looking to take anyone's idea of a sport away from them, as long as that sport does not involve hurting others. We cannot continue to walk with blinders on and hope that it will all go away. The fact that two Republican gun advocates have now called for a ban on assault weapons is a very good start. Let's hope that the checks that I am calling for come next.
ReplyDeleteYou take care of yourself, Amy. This country needs more rational and reasonable people like you and so many of my other friends speaking out to help get things on the right track.
John