Enough is Enough

Official seal of Newtown, Connecticut (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

      On a beautiful Friday morning, the world changed forever.  In Newtown, CT,  26 sweet souls lost their lives in a senseless act of destruction.  I have not been able to shed any tears.  I think I am still in the shock of disbelief.  I am so angry that the perpetrator targeted an elementary school for an act so horrid.   There are no words to explain why this continues to happen in this country.  I heard on one news report that 100,000 Americans have been killed in America, by Americans, since 9/11.  So much focus has been placed on securing our safety from terrorists.   While this is certainly important, the safety of our citizens within our own towns, cities, malls, movie theatres, and schools is another area that deserves immediate attention.

      Our constitution provides the right to bear arms.  This was written at a time in history when the nation was still growing.  It was also essential that people had the ability to hunt for food in order to survive.  Much has changed in the hundreds of years that have passed since its inception.  No one needs a gun that is capable of shooting off multiple rounds of ammunition.  There is no reason for the average citizen to be in possession of this type of assault weapon.  Gun proponents will not be able to convince me that it is right of anyone to own this type of artillery.  Why they continue to have such a hold on our leaders in unacceptable.

    There is much we have ignored.  There are many neighborhoods in this country where its residents live in fear every day.  It has now spilled into areas of the unexpected.  I used to live in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown.  When I became pregnant with my second daughter, my husband and I decided we needed a home with more space.  Eventually we found a home in a neighboring town.  Had we not moved, that same child would have been in Sandy Hook Elementary School.  I agree that never would anyone have thought this could happen in a small community which places a high value on its youth.  Now that it has, we as people need to speak up, act, and work towards building a better society.  If it could happen there, it could happen anywhere.

     Good people in our country should not have to worry that if they go to the movies, or stop for a bite to eat at the mall, they will be in danger.  That if they go to work, they will have to stare into the face of a disgruntled employee.  That if they go to a place of worship, they will be met with evil while they pray.  That if they send their smallest children off to school, they will not come home.  That if they choose a career path of working with those children, they will be forced into a position of having to protect them, and possibly lose their life.

      It is now time for all citizens to send messages to Congress and the President that we need change, and we need it fast.  I am tired of hearing mental illness is the reason for these acts.  I am sure there is more that can be done in that area, but we also need to revise our gun laws, strengthen our communities, and provide a society where people can live without fear, heartache, and left asking why.  Enough is enough.

http://signon.org/sign/gun-control-now-1.fb23?source=s.icn.fb&r_by=6446212

Is Thanksgiving Becoming Thanksgetting?

                                                                                                                                                                           

      The Friday after Thanksgiving has been deemed the start of the holiday shopping season.  At one time it was a low-key day people spent walking around shops enjoying the long weekend.  In recent years, it has become a maniacal race for bargains.  The opening time of the stores offering sales has crept up by a few hours every year with the inevitable now happening.  Retailers are opening their doors on Thanksgiving day.

      Thanksgiving was created as a day of reflection.  People gathered around for a meal with family, friends, and neighbors in appreciation for all that we have, and for all that we can offer.   The day is being reduced from what we have, to what we can get.  There are lines forming outside of big box stores with people trying to get those 5 big screen televisions that will be offered cheap.  Some are waiting for the latest electronic gizmo that in 6 months will be replaced.  Others want the feeling they are getting something for their money, so they too wait in line.  There are people who believe those few days of shopping will provide the biggest bargains of the season.  Never mind they have weeks to go, this is the day to score big.

     It is a difficult time.  The economy has taken its toll on many.  People have the right to seek out items at low cost if they choose.  What I don’t like is the timing of the deals.  Why should the employees, who don’t make a great deal of money, be the ones who have to report to work?   The executives who make the decision to open are not working that day.  Would it really hurt to wait until Friday?  Can’t we as a nation have one day off that most of us will celebrate?   Aren’t we supposed to give thanks and not think about what we can get?

     My family drives about an hour to celebrate the day with relatives.  It is the most pleasant ride of the year as most of the businesses are closed.  The roads are peaceful and quiet.  On the way back, you can see people in their homes enjoying the day with loved ones.  A day of giving thanks for family, friends, good health, food, and shelter.  The one day of the year when we pause to remember all that we value as it is shared over a simple meal.  These are things that money can’t buy and aren’t for sale.  A day called Thanks”giving”.

Thanks´giv`ing

n. 1. The act of rending thanks, or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.

Webster’s Dictionary