I wrote a long and complaining post a few weeks ago. I was smart to sit on it. I had scheduled it for posting on the 20th of this month and just now I marked it as a draft and will probably not post it, and once I get over myself, will actually delete it. It was one of those "the world is going to hell in a hand basket" posts. Since we all know that is true...why belabor the point? People have enough crud in their minds and probably read blogs for enlightenment or humor...although both of these are in limited amounts on my blog. The recent Arizona shooting of a large number of people including a Congressman(woman) and a Federal judge brought me to my knees...and most of you know by now that I am not a religious person but certainly spiritual and willing to call on any good powers that be. But the tragedy also caused me to remove that scheduled post.
This shooting while involving public servants had very little to do with politics, and I think most of the media are missing that point, although by the time I write this, they may be getting more accurate in their questions. This shooting was no more Republican than President Ronald Reagan's shooting was Democratic. Drawing a line from this incident to violent rhetoric is also fuzzy and difficult.
The most frightening aspect, to me, was Secretary Gates recent announcement of plans to cut military health care at the same time the talking news heads were discussing the lack of aggressive mental health support for this shooter. Gates is probably just shaking the bushes as no one will allow this. He knows that. He doesn't talk about tighter controls over contracts and lost money in Iraq, unfortunately! But if anyone needs easy mental health support, it will be our returning troops.
Well enough. I need to find something more inspiring to post.
I've written a few that eventually got deleted too, Tabor. And you are right, there is already enough negativity in the world. The recent events just make my stomach turn.
ReplyDeleteagreed, this is one depressing act in the midst of many. finding the inspiration to go forward in a positive way with a belief in goodness - what a challenge sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe events in Arizona have really saddened me, but I do hope that it will cool the political rhetoric which has gotten so out of hand. I don't think that this was a Republican killing either, but I do think that the hyped-up talk of the far right has caused a toxic atmosphere, a truly unhealthy thing for all of us, not only those with mental health issues.
ReplyDeleteI hope that Secretary Gates does not cut one cent of health support for the military. There are other more expensive military expenses, as you point out, that can be cut.
When something is very tragic (as this incident was) I tend to shut down. I won't read anything about it until I can deal with the horror. I get so upset I get physically sick - so I have to absorb a little bit at a time. It is still making me sick to think about it.
ReplyDeleteIt is appalling that the hate rhetoric is even tolerated by so many, let alone believed.
ReplyDeleteBut I have to agree with you that there is danger in making this about politics--because that begs for a political solution and that is never a pleasant thing...nor an especially effectiv thing.
I've written drafts that were never going to make it onto the blog as well. It's a bad time of year for us here in the UK. Too much weather, and you know how we like to talk about our changeable weather! Nearly everyone I speak to is overtired and depressed. Time to hibernate online. Re the events in Tucson - just so awful.
ReplyDeleteI know a woman that is so negatively, politically charged, that I actually wondered if she is capable of such an act.
ReplyDeleteI believe in freedom of speech, but people should take responsibility for what they say and who they influence. There are a lot of weak minded people in the world.
Of course, I have no idea what this person's motives were for his horrible actions, but one can't help but to "go there" in trying to guess.
And yes, mental health care should be right up there with the major physical ailments. How many more Virginia Techs, Columbines, Oklahoma Cities, Tucsons, DC Snipers... do we have to bear?
I doubt that the reason for the shooting in my adopted home town will ever be known. The young shooter was obviously mentally unbalanced so what went on in his mind is anybody's guess.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do think politics played a part in it because it has been documented that Loughren attended one of Gabby's meetings in the past and wrote they he intended to assassinate her.
The Arizona event surely is very saddening... enough said.
ReplyDeleteI'll stick with the "this country is going to hell in a hand basket", Tabor. I get so worked up over the stuff on TV I've started JUST watching the Weather Channel. :D
ReplyDeleteRants are better out than in, even if they don't get published. We humans have a great capacity for compassion which is a good thing because we've been killing each other since the beginning of our existence. I do think, though that we are fooling ourselves if we think the things we say don't matter or aren't influential. We wouldn't be saying them if we thought otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI've done that before. I have found ot best to always sit on a post for a day or overnight at least and sometimes longer. Fresh eyes always help, whether it's a positive post or not. What happened is terrible and senseless.
ReplyDeleteDon't delete it Tabor. Save it. Let it sit. Revisit in a few months time. You might find your feelings, opinions have changed. Or, maybe they won't. But don't think your blog always needs to be happy and fun unless that is the sole intent of YOUR blog. Let your thoughts in there as well.
ReplyDeleteA lot has happened since I first read this post. I offended my sister by taking issue with her on facebook after she recommended that everyone read and agree with David Brooks. I have listened to the President speak at the memorial service for those killed.
ReplyDeleteI still think that shooting a public servant is a political act. I think something motivated the act even if the shooter was mentally ill. I would guess that most assassins are mentally unstable. I think that it is probable that he was influenced by the vicious political talk by the people on Fox News and others. That said, it seems to me that there is no point in asking those people to be more moderate and more civil. For the most part moderation and civility don't get you noticed and that is all they are interested in. They want to be looked at.
I think it would be a good idea if we would pay attention to and fund mental health. Who could argue with that? What I don't understand is why nobody is talking about gun control.
Sad and tragic. What more needs to be said. The guy is a loon.
ReplyDelete"When in doubt, don't". That has caused me to delete a lot of would-be posts.
ReplyDeleteThe world has always been full of tragedy and sorrow but we have only recently been inundated with the events through the news media. Turn off the news and look at the real people and events near you and you will have hope again.
Once again we are called to ponder the origin of the phrase "going to hell in a hand basket"?
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ReplyDelete