Another day where we wake to the news of a mass shooting. An act of inhumanity, a mentally ill person, a terrorist act, a person filled with rage which time and news will tell us about over and over but not what to do about it. All this and many other opinions get big attention for a few days and then fades into obscurity till the next mass shooting. Politicians will make speeches. Family members will be shown grieving.

We are not doing a good job at raising our children nor keeping tabs on them when they are adults. We are allowing those with known mental issues and hate to go unchecked. We don’t stand up to hate talk. People need to let people live in peace and we need to teach this in and out of every church, school and home. Otherwise its just hundreds of civil wars between fraction-ed groups.

Hate is a dark side of any country or religion. But also not treating those with mental illnesses is a crime also and then it’s doubled down when those untreated individuals do something horrible. Because while religious extremism worries me, the thought of some nut walking into my daughters  school or my sons place of business or my wife’s doctors office is much more likely and terrifying.

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Great weekend so far. Hope to get some more photography in today. If time and energy allows, I might try some night shooting. I haven’t been this inspired much a good while. I didn’t realize how much fun it could be having good working equipment. I’d been struggling with lenses that were difficult to even focus the last few months. Having this new lens is like a godsend.

Got together with some old friends yesterday for breakfast. A great time as is always the case. But it was a special gathering not because it was one of their birthdays but the one who had a birthday had gotten an early gift. Her daughter received the kidney transplant that she had been waiting some time for.

It’s a gift. People don’t realize how important it is to be a donor. The need is so great and there are so few. I made the change to my license some time ago. I realize it’s a very personal thing and I don’t hold it against anyone if you choose against it. But open you mind up a bit and think about the good it can do.

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Random Thoughts for Sunday June 12th 2016

• I think were heading towards a threat to democracy. And it’s coming from within.
• Warm temps, hell yeah. Time to sweat.
• Well, it’s going to be a busy day in the news business.
• Gutters always need cleaning, if you got guards or not.
• I’m searching for that sweet spot. Not retiring to early or late.
• It’s a fine day and there is much to be thankful for despite all the tragedies.