I had a wonderful few days away with my better half, but on the way home this morning the news again grabs my attention. Hate has gained lots of traction it seems this week. Of course, it’s always been there in various forms and shapes with a varying number of zealots. Some very close to acting on their feeling and when few do we are horrified. How do people get this way? How does something so good, as the human spirit, become so dead inside?
Life and death.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I guess that is pretty easy to answer really. They are either taught that by the people around them or hate reaches out and maybe touches them or family and its born. Yeah, I know, it’s probably a lot more complicated but it always comes out the same, just to varying degrees.
The expression “thoughts and prayers” seems to ring more hollow with each event. My Father and Uncles fought in WWII against this type of hate and here we have it in our back yards now. Where are we losing touch? We seem to be going down a path of increasing violence. We seem to be stuck in a rut of being reactive instead of proactive. But I’m not expert so maybe that last thought is more opinion than fact. But what is true is that we lose many people every day to senseless violence of some kind.
I didn’t intent to start the rant above. It just kind of came out after a wonderful, great and needed few days side by side with my better half. It was just such a contrast to what we had. Lots of peace, tranquility and rest. I’m a lucky person and I should be feeling on top of the world after these past few days, but I can’t shake this frustration over these senseless acts.
But I will try to get back to a positive view of the human spirit, but also at the same time be more vigil in what I’m seeing and hearing and feeling. And when I see something or hear something or my gut says there is something wrong here, act on it instead of letting it be someone else’s pain and suffering. Its better our thoughts and prayers are for courage to recognize and act on what is unjust in our society.
And at the same time keep family and friends close. Help support them. Help reach out to those on the edge that you can. Keep in touch. Help groups who help those who help deprogram hate if you can’t do it yourself.
Random Thoughts of the Day
My wife had a breakthrough with me today. We went outlet shopping. She even rewarded me with an almond Aunt Annie’s pretzel and a cold Coke and let me sit in the car while she went in the last store.
After a weekend with Pepsi products. (YUCK). Except the Dew and Dr Pepper. Sorry Pepsi, you’re not COKE. I know I shouldn’t be drinking them but it’s just so GOOD.
Funny how life goes in cycles. I found myself in a baby clothing/accessory store and a Motherhood Maternity shop. It was great. Except for the back pain. I don’t know who was hurting more. Those expectant mothers or me.
Holding hands is cool, even when you’re older.
It’s off to early voting for this kid. I hope you all participate this year and every election.
