I woke up this morning and I was actually kinda feeling, depressed. My girlfriend was heading out the door for a quick trip to visit a friend who’s birthday is this weekend, which meant a few days alone at Christmas time…. That’s not something I “really” wanted so naturally I was a bit saddened by it. I went about my day as usual, but feeling far to much “self pity” combine being alone with all the end of the year “stuff” that takes place and suffice to say I have just been in a negative “why me” mood for the past few weeks. I sat down here at my computer hoping to just dive into my work, which is normally where I find peace, only to see the most shocking thing I think I have ever seen.
Newtown, Connecticut School Shooting
This image letting the world know YET ANOTHER massacre has taken place in our country. I really couldn’t believe my eyes when I read that 26 people were confirmed dead 20 of which were children. Is this what our country has really come to? Are we really going to stand for this kind of stuff. These are the things going through my mind right now. Newtown, Connecticut is just one of many small towns that have been devastated this year by such senseless acts this year, however, this one stung even more when I realized it took place at an elementary school. How does a person walk into a school full of children who absolutely CAN’T defend themselves and just open fire?
You know who we lost today?
Children who could have grown up to be our doctors, lawyers, business owners…… Bright kids who would have helped shape what our world is going to be years from now, and instead they will forever be remembered as helpless, innocent kids who were taken from us in an act of violence that clearly shows what our country has become. We are no longer a safe place where people can relax knowing there is a sense of ‘order’ here where we live. For years I have been scared to travel abroad for what I feel like are very good reasons. You turn on the TV and they are rioting in France. Flip the channel and car bombs are exploding in churches and public places in the Middle East. It always seemed these other countries lacked the ‘order’ and control to ensure ones safety when there, so I just avoid them and stay here in the United States.
Now I am just not so sure we aren’t right on par with every other country that has these kind of issues. If you think about it this year it’s no longer safe to walk through a mall in Portland, Oregon and you can’t go to a move in Colorado without remembering this idiot who thought it would be fun to shoot up a movie theater. Now we can’t even send our children to school without constant (and justified) worry that we may not see them again.
It’s just sickening. It’s time for Washington, DC to HELP US OUT….. How about we not forget these kids in Newton? How about we don’t just sit here and mourn their loss and forget it the next time Lindsay Lohan does something stupid so the news immediately gets off this to cover her stupid story. Let’s not forget these kids while we are all opening gifts with our families on Christmas day….. Let’s remember these kids didn’t get a Christmas and it’s our responsibility as a nation to do more to prevent these kinds of things.
So what do we do? It’s apparent all of these idiotic killers aren’t worried about Prison or the death penalty. They are such cowards they all end up killing themselves before police even arrive, so what can we do? My answer is we need to be more prepared and we need more budget for safety right here in America. Forget pumping BILLIONS of dollars into helping ‘other countries have democracy’ HELLO WASHINGTON we don’t really have it here either. Why don’t we spend that money on armed guards to protect our malls (not mall cops with no weapons), how about armed guards in EVERY SCHOOL in America. How many more children have to die before we get it right? If there was an armed guard at this school today at least maybe SOME of these kids would have lived. There’s no time to wait for cops to arrive…… these idiots are shooting up our schools with semi-automatic pistols and AR-15’s.
The facts are the facts and there’s no way to look at it and see any other picture. When we send our troops to war WE ARM THEM…..why? We know there’s a good chance they will need to protect themselves from the enemy. Well it’s about time we wake up and realize everyday when our kids go to school, our families shop at a local mall, or we take our loved ones to see at movie WE ARE AT WAR….. War with the evil people that plan to do harm, murder and ruin the lives of innocent people. It’s time to realize that THIS IS THE NEW REALITY. These are not one off events taking place. They are happening more and more frequently, but we are not changing our rules, guidelines and procedures to adjust to this new norm.
Gun control isn’t the answer. These crazy people are going to get guns if they want them. I see it just like I see drugs, which are illegal, and are used by thousands of people every single day. Can you buy crack over the counter at Walgreen’s? Nope, but that doesn’t stop people from getting their hands on it. The facts are evil people who set out to do these terrible acts are going to get the guns they want one way or another, so we have to be prepared. We can afford all these things in this country, but we can’t afford an armed guard at our schools? I simply don’t believe that.
Washington needs to WAKE UP. Quit talking about these stupid things that really don’t matter and focus on what is happening in America right now! People are dieing everyday in a country they ‘feel’ like they should be safe in, but that feeling is a false sense of security and safety. We’ve gotta quit arguing about taxes, the fiscal cliff and all of these things that in the end really don’t matter. These children in Newtown, Connecticut mean more than all this stupid bantering back and forth for power and control. Why not use this and all the other tragedies that have happened this year as a way to come together. Find common ground and DO SOMETHING to help prevent this stuff in 2013.
My heart is hurting. My mind is clogged just thinking about what these children went through today. The ones that lived will NEVER be the same again… the ones that died will forever be linked to one of the worst massacres in our countries history. Families will forever be changed and sadness will always fall upon their hearts. Today is a sad day America not only for these families, not only for the city of Newton, but also for all of us together as a nation. We should do our part to honor these kids who lost their lives today and STAND UP and DEMAND that we get it right and help prevent this from happening to other families in our country next year.
Here’s an idea. We want to raise taxes right? Everyone says it’s “for the future of our country”. Tell you what Mr. Obama I will gladly pay you an extra 5% next year like you’ve proposed….. here’s the catch though. I don’t want my money spent on ANYTHING accept security at our schools for children. How about we do that instead of waste it on all these things we spend our money on that means absolutely nothing to any of us.
After all, what’s more important than the safety and lives of the very children that will one day run our country?
To all the families in Newtown, Connecticut rest assured that the prayers of many people in this great country are with you today. Although you’ve been through such a terrible event let’s all hope that this is the time our country wakes up and realizes we must make a change. You are all certainly in my thoughts and prayers.
Comments
Amen to you Anthony!!! I am a teacher and this just tears at my hear strings. My thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends of the dear souls lost today. I must say a big thank you to all the teachers, assistants and everyone who did as much as they could to save as many lives as possible from this maniac.
I like what Anthony Morrison said that we need to stop sending our money helping others when we need to help ourselves and protect our kids. Every school should be locked down and if anybody wants to come in, ring a bell and enter after they know who and what you need. I also think they should put in a scanner you have to walk through to pick up knives and guns brought in by the kids themselves. We need armed guards at the malls and movies. It’s a shame, but that’s what our world has come to. It’s not safe out there anymore, and it’s going to get worse. Put God back in our schools and homes and things would get a lot better. It’s a shame that a parent can whip their child and get charged with child abuse. So many laws are not for the American’s rights or for helping the children anymore either. Anymore you rub my back and I’ll rub yours. That’s a lot of what’s in the courts now. It’s not whats right but who you know. Washington needs to do something to help us now and do the right thing. They have all the money and insurance they need, free I might add, so they don’t seem to care about the people who put them in office. It’s time to wake up and help the American people and keep us safe…….My condolences, thoughts and prayers goes to all the families of the victims and God provide them with your peace that Surpasses all understanding in this very tough time.
i cant stop crying,my heart is full of sadness with this horrible act.my condolence goes to the loss family.
I agree with what you have said. They need to put Prayer back in our schools. I believe that becuse they have taken God our of our schools that now the Devil can just walk right in. There never was anything like this happening when our children were tought to say the pledge and the Lords Prayer every morning at the beginning of every day.
God help us all.
Very well said! It truly boggles my mind that instead of protecting people, they want to make more of us victims by removing the ability to protect ourselves. And yes, armed guards in our schools may sound drastic, but it would certainly solve a lot of issues and provide the protection our children obviously need. Evil is alive in our country and evil people will always find a way to harm innocents whether it’s with a gun, a knife, a bomb, or an airplane, they will find a way.
My heart breaks for the families in CT that have to endure this tragedy. I pray God comforts them and eases their pain. No parent should ever have to suffer the loss of a child, especially in such a senseless, selfish, and horrific way.
Anthony I agree with every word you say. I think from this day on there should be armed Guards at all Schools
So perfectly stated Anthony!! I don’t believe I could have said it any better myself! In a time when President Obama is trying to kill our right to bear arms to protect ourselves, we are seeing an uprising in the innocent massacre of citizens of this country and doing what? Nothing other than going about the everyday business of life and celebrating the holiday season. Yes, there should be armed guards at all schools…as a former school bus driver, I have seen more than the average citizen….and the students aren’t as innocent as they once were either!
I will keep all of these families in my thoughts and prayers this Christmas season, as I know their holidays have been destroyed by this event. I was shocked and very distraught as I opened my email yesterday and saw this terrible event had taken place!
May God bless everyone and keep you and yours safe within His loving arms and protected from the evil which lurks about in our nation.
Yes, I would say that we definitely need to focus on the REAL meaning of Christmas this year and genuinely turn our hearts back to the One who created it all for us….Jesus Christ….the One who gave it all for us and He didn’t even have to do it. This is LOVE….and we all could use a good refresher course on the true meaning of LOVE. Enough said.
It is a sad thing that emotions come and go. People are people, they smile one minute then they laugh, then they cry. Yes this was a terrible cruel selfness act. It makes you wonder what was in the mind of that person who wanted to hurt those kids. We are children our selves, we have children who we love and cherish and honor. Each one of us do pray and we thank God, who loves us. We see a tragedy like this that hurts us, we see how vulnerable we are how helpless we are. To most it is set to generate fear, to cause us to be afraid. It tries to push us into the question of what now. We get into the mind set that we are all vulnerable to this kind of tragedy. We start to think that we can not do anything about this, yet we are children of the most high God who has given us each a guardian angle to watch over us. We do not need to be afraid, of the disease, or fear what man can do unto me. Yes this tragedy was bad, but we know who causes the bad things in this world. We know our God loves us, he wants the best for you. Thank God that he loves us. Thank you for caring, we agree with your words of comfort to the families and the children who lost love friends. We honor each ones memory and there lives.
This situaltion is now categorized as a Mental Illness Case, Gone Wrong. Some one, has let society down, because, they did not recognize the signs or seriousness of this young man’s Illness. Yes, it is beyond comprehension, that this could occur, but, as you know, there are other tragedies, as well. No, it is not acceptable, it is a fact. This situation has and will, continue to inflict, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, upon all of society. Many will not recover from this, although, my sincere prayers, are every one, must put their heart and soul on the line to recovery. I speak from the stand point, of being a Veteran myself. Now, our First Responder’s, are trained to be ready, however, training does not prepare someone, for this kind of experience. Training is simulated, Real World Situation, is Direct Action, and, it is REAL. This has gotten, all of Society’s attention, as it rightfully, deserves to be at the front of the Focus. My only recommendation is, if you see this type of situation, in others, you must be Pro-Active in reporting unusual behavior, to the Authorities. We must all, learn of, The Resources, that are available, to the public, but never talked about, until, there is another tragedy. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(MENTAL ILLNESS), from the Government, has a LINK. It is http://www.ptsd.va.gov. Also, there is a new project called, Wounded Warrior Project, that is a Non-Profit Organization, that is trying to assist Veterans and Military, to help with the feelings of; FEAR, GUILT, SHAME, ANGER, that stays locked up inside, until the Breaking point. Just like this circomstance, that got out of control, PLEASE, be aware, it could happen again. For those, that can donate to to Charities, which are under-funded, that are combatting these types of situations, please give generouslly. Give until it hurts, then, give some more. Your contribution, may be, and usually is, tax exempt. Use your own, due diligence for this. Thanks for letting me post my comments.
It’s hard to admit it but this is what your country has really come to. And the situation here in Canada is not much better. We are living in a society where murder,rape and numerous degenerate activities are presented as entertainment 365 days a week, along with video games that extoll mass murder so this is just the natural culmination of it. I’m watching this in tears. As a mother of two children I can’t even imagine what I would do in a similar situation. What immediately came to my mind was an article I read a few days ago on my native Vancouver which is often presented as one of the most liveable cities with the safest neighborhoods in the world but only now I realize that you are no longer truly protected anywhere especially when children are exposed to this kind of evil from their early childhood.
On my last post, I did not include Wounded Warrior Project’s web address. It is http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
How about educating gun owners. LOCK THEM UP!. The nut in Oregon stole an AR-15. How much do they cost? More then a gun safe so that makes them an in vestment in my book. Keep your guns locked and secure. The nut in CT broke a window to bypass the secured door. Hello, do you see a problem here? Better security. As far a identifying future gun stealing idiots, may not be much we can do except keep them from getting guns so easily. Gun control will only move guns underground. Nuts and criminals will still get them.
Where do you think we stand on gun control? Should we ban guns in the US? I dont’ think this is what the founding fathers had in mind when they made the 2cd amendment.
IT TRULY IS THE MOST HEART BREAKING OF CIRCUMSTANCES, AND IF EVER WE’ER LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS IT’S NOW. EVEN IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD OR THE BIBLE, IT’S EVIDENT EVIL EXIST. SO WHY NOT GOD AND THE BIBLE/ AT MOST ALL CHRISTIANS LIVE A LIFE STYLE BETTER THAN MOST. DON’T SEE THEM DOING GROTESQUE THINGS? WHY CAN’T PEOPLE SEE THAT IT’S ALL BECAUSE THEY KEEP TAKING GOD OUT OF THE EQUATION! EVERYTHING OUR ONCE BEAUTIFUL NATION STOOD FOR IS BEING COMPROMISED CONTINUALLY. IT’S ALWAYS A BLESSING TO HELP LESS UNFORTUNATE, WEATHER OUR LAND OR OTHERS. I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE LEAD OF GOD PERIOD, BUT I ALSO BELIEVE IN USING WISDOM AND IT’S SO TRUE THAT RIGHT NOW OUR OWN NATION NEEDS MORE HELP THAN PEOPLE REALIZE BUT IT’S NOT SO MUCH FINANCIALLY, YET!, AS IT IS SPIRITUALLY, AS OUR CULTURE IS ONE OF THE MOST CRUDEST AND SINFUL, THANKS, TO THE SLOGAN; SIN, MURDER AND SEX SALES, ALL, COMPLEMENTS OF HOLLYWOOD’S, SO CALLED ENTERTAINMENT! BUT ON THE BIGGER OF TWO EVILS, WHY DOES OUR GOVERNMENT THAT IS SUPPOSED TOO PROTECT AND SUPPORT IT’S CITIZENS KEEP HELPING THE OPPOSING TEAMS? IF GOD ISN’T FOR US HOW SHALL WE STAND AGAINST THE ENEMY ESPECIALLY IF OUR RULERS ARE WORKING WITH INSTEAD OF AGAINST THEM DUH!THAT’S EASY FOR EVEN THE MOST UNEDUCATED TO UNDERSTAND RIGHT! AND FOR OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE THE WONDERFUL GIFT OF EDUCATION AND BECOME GREAT LEADERS IS A BLESSING BUT WE HAVE THOSE NOW AND WE DON’T NEED MORE UNLESS THERE GOING TO BRING THIS NATION BACK TO THE GLORY OF THE PHRASE “IN GOD WE TRUST”! ANTHONY YOU STATED YOU FEEL DOWN ON YOURSELF AND OFTEN ASK WHY ME? WHY BECAUSE WE ALL NEED HIM YOUR A SUPPER SUCCESSFUL MILLION MILLION AIR AND YOU SAID, WHY ME? i AM ALWAYS BROKE AND HAVE A HOME AND CAR THAT’S FALLING TO DUST AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY THANK YOU GOD FOR ALL YOU’VE GIVEN ME AND ARE GOING TO GIVE ME AS I NEED IT BECAUSE THEIR’S ALWAYS SOME ONE WORSE OF THEN WE ARE BUT AS LONG AS I HAVE JESUS. I HAVE LOVE, HOPE, PEACE SALVATION ALL THE THINGS NOTHING IN THIS WORLD CAN REPLACE, AND SO I’VE LEARNED TO BE GRATEFUL AND CONTENT ANY SITUATION. DO I WISH I HAD BETTER, OF COURSE I AM HUMAN BUT IF I DON’T GET IT ANYTIME SOON I KNOW I’LL BE OK BECAUSE I AM IN A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, AND THIS IS THE TRUE SUCCESS OF HAPPINESS AND RICHES. TRY IT, AND YOU TO CAN SUCCEED IN (ALL) AREAS OF LIFE!
I totally agree with your assessment and the (short-term) solution.
Gun control isn’t the answer: those who want guns can get guns. The Newtown shooter got his weapons from his mother, who used them for personal protection and to indulge in her hobby of target shooting. How are you going to create legislation to prevent that?
The short term solution has to be putting a line of defense between these innocent individuals and those those choose to do them harm. No expense should be spared in bringing that to fruition.
But even that solution is a stop-gap measure, at best. Americans pride themselves on their freedom to go and do what they please without fear or restriction. The mindset of trying to protect ourselves from every conceivable type of threat will only serve to turn this country into a nation of fortresses; an armed camp with any vestige of freedom and safety a distant memory.
The other constant in these attacks is they were all carried out by young men with serious mental illnesses which were never properly diagnosed and treated. They weren’t a Timothy McVeigh, who, rationally and deliberately, carried out his cold-blooded mission, but psychologically damaged individuals who carried out their acts of retribution out of a state delusional, irrational paranoia.
(A quick aside: let’s not forget that Mr. McVeigh detonated his explosive-laden van right outside the first-floor America’s Kids Day Care Center in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing fifteen pre-school children.)
The mental health program in this nation has been scuttled by progressive rounds of budget cutbacks. There needs to be a system put in place which will identify individuals who suffer from dangerous mental condition so that they be properly treated.
And if it is shown some of these people are beyond help, for their sake and the sake of the public at large, they need to be institutionalized until they are no longer a threat to society.
We can’t continue to take a reactionary position in these matters. The American public needs to take a concerted, unified stance that we are fed up with the current situation; that we will no longer take vague platitudes and empty promises from our elected officials.
If the freedom and safety of ourselves and our children means anything, then we can no longer settle for this “new normal”.
Totally devastating!
I couldn’t agree with you more! Put our tax dollars to work for the PEOPLE of this country!
Love and Prayers for those dear families left to mourn and grieve…
– Carol
You said it all ! Good thinking ! Good neighborhoods !
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