Lost Souls, Wasted Lives

     It happens every time there’s a mass shooting. Arguments about guns and mental illness are debated as the reason for the shootings. Anyone that believes there is one answer to solving these tragedies doesn’t understand the problem. At first the problem seems easily identified but the mass shootings are just the results of the problem. I struggle to come up with answers for all the issues we have today.

     Both guns and mental illness have been around for many years, but only in the last twenty years have mass shootings become routine. Something changed thirty years ago, and we need to recognize that it may take a long time  to fix the issues, but we need to start now.

     So what’s changed in thirty years? Let’s take a look.

CNN the first 24-hour news started in 1980.    

Constant news updates became the norm both on television and the Internet desensitizing the public to violence. This may not have been intentional but due to constant exposure of these mass shootings.

AR15 first sold to the American consumer around 1989.

The Columbine school shooting took place in 1999 and these sort of tragedies are becoming more frequent. Males have predominately been the violent perpetrator of mass killings and many use the AR-15 assault rifle.

Mortal Combat video game was first released in 1992.

Video games turned the violence into a game that targeted young males. The electronic world blurred the lines of the real world further desensitizing society.

Motorola introduced the first mobile phone in 1973. The iPhone, the first smartphone, was launched in 2007 to great success, followed by many Android phones.    

Smartphones have reinforced our disconnection to society. We can get news, play games, bully others and text without having eye-to-eye contact. We have become more impersonal with others.

Over medication of our society is due in part to the easy access to prescription drugs.

There are more ads about mental illness than ever before. Are there more mentally unstable people now than in the past? If so, why? How many people have mental issues? To what degree? How do you recognize a mentally unstable person?

     Parenting has changed as well. Many young parents approach parenting as if their child is their friend, defending them even when they are wrong. It's important to be a parent not a friend in your child's formative years. The first gamers are now becoming parents so their view of gaming and life is different. Have parents become weak? Weak parents will produce weak children.

     This constant exposure to violence through news, movies and video games plus the availability of high-powered weapons has had a devastating effect on our behavior. Males quickly took to these violent video games while females played more social video games. Feminist groups support young women but what groups support young males? Young men need to know they can be masculine with out violence.

     Recent studies show females are now catching up to the males in the violent video game genre. What does this mean for our society?     

     There are many questions on how to curb violence in our society, so how can there only be one answer? There's not.

     Stricter gun laws are needed that protect the public not just the 2^nd amendment. Politicians need to support the citizens, not the lobbyists.

     US citizens need to cut back on the 24-hour news because it’s detrimental to a happy life. It’s unlikely that the news media will reduce coverage.

     We all need to try to better understand mental health and the causes. Congress spends money freely, how about putting more toward treating mental illness.

     Parents need to take on the responsibility for their family and not expect a pill to solve the problem. Our over medicated society brings about personality changes. It will take better parenting, by interacting with you children daily and monitoring their choices.     

     It will take a long time to make significant strides toward eliminating mass shootings. There is no quick fix or simple path.

     This is an elephant size problem and the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. I’m good 
with the first bite being to the ban the AR-15 assault weapon. "Just Saying…."

Who Runs the Government?

     Right now most people will say the government is in the hands of the Republicans. Prior to the last election the Democrats (Obama) ran the government for 8 years. Before that Bush a Republican then Clinton a Democrat each ran the country for 8 years. These are the facts as we are made to believe. The truth is not always obvious.

     The lobbyist and special interest groups run the USA and the biggest lobby is the NRA. Columbine was the first of the school shootings and they have been increasing with more frequency, not just in schools but at concerts, churches and nightclubs.

     It’s easy to blame Trump, our current president, but it’s been going on since the Clinton administration and nothing has been done. I believe Trump was elected to send a message to all politicians that the American public was fed up and we want change. I want our president to do something to prevent the next shooting but I don’t believe it will happen.

     I support hunters and those that want a gun for self-protection but the AR15 assault weapon was designed as a military weapon. It’s not a hunting rifle. There is no reason for the American public to have such a weapon. It is not your right to have an assault weapon. The NRA preaches lies, when they imply any restrictions to the 2nd amendment will eventually lead to all guns being taken away from the public.

     Laws need to be put in place to protect US citizens from these overzealous gun advocates that believe any laws restricting gun possession is negative. The responsibility of change lies on us, the American public because our representatives answer only to the NRA. Vote politicians out of office that don’t act on our behalf. Demand term limits because holding a political office was never meant to be a lifelong job.

     In a matter of weeks we will start to forget about the Florida school shooting, not because we are callous. We simply move on because life moves on and deep down we don’t believe anything will change. We forget quickly and too easily because it hurts to remember. Let’s be warriors for our children by not forgetting this terrible tragedy but taking action to make changes. Let the Florida school shooting be memorable for changing our nation’s direction by implementing rational gun laws.

     We need to put control of the US government back in the hands of the American public. "Just Saying...."

The Old Man's Advice

     "Sit down, let's talk for a bit. Tell me how things are going. This old guy wants to know."

     "Well. there's a lot going on and sometimes I feel guilty not doing more." Young Bobby said. " I see news stories about tragedies and how people help by donating money on their time, but I haven't done as much as they have."

     The old man scratched his head and said. "Those people are to be admired but it's not something that all of us can do. Don't judge yourself to others standards. We can't all be hero's. We don't have to be, but we all have an impact on life. The best you can do is make it positive."

     "But how can I do that?" Questioned young Bobby.

     "Small gestures, kind words and smiles can have as great an impact on society as stacking sand bags to protect a house from flooding. All of us have time to do small favors for others throughout the day." The old man smiled.

     "I still don't know what you mean. Can you be more specific?"

     "Think about what you do throughout the day, Bobby." The old man continued. "Everything you do requires a decision. Think about others when you make that decision. Be considerate to others when driving, stop to help a handicapped person carry groceries, pick up trash, strike up a conversation with a stranger. There are a million small things you can do to make life a little better."

     "Okay, I think I get it, change the way I look at life. So I need to look for opportunities to help people in small ways."

     "Yes, exactly. You don't need to set aside a certain amount of time to help others. You need to incorporate that into your daily life. Small positive gestures add up to big changes." The old man winked at Bobby.

     Looking enlightened Bobby said. "Sometimes you old guys are smarter than you look." Laughing he continued. "You should probably quit smoking though."

     The old man shook his head and smiled. "You're right, that's good advice. I guess we can learn from each other." As he reached for the ashtray to snub out his cigarette butt.

     

     

More Banks than Bars

     Have you ever noticed how many banks there are? I'm talking about brick and mortar buildings not online banks. It seems like every time I drive down the street and see new construction, it’s a bank. How often do people go to a bank these days with all the online banking, direct deposit and automatic deduction? I go, maybe twice a year, usually to turn coins into paper money or deposit some cash, but truthfully I could eliminate those trips. 

    

     Last week, while we were on our way to a birthday party we counted the banks in a 3-mile section of highway K. Our count reached fifteen without even considering the banks inside 3 grocery stores. Here's the list: two Regions Bank (because ones not enough), Bank of Franklin County (O'Fallon's not in Franklin county), BMO Harris Bank (somebody named Harris opened a bank???), Commerce Bank, Midland Bank, Great Southern Bank (I guess we're considered the south), Reliance Bank, Bank of America, Alliance Credit Union, American Eagle Credit Union (no clothing there), American Bank of Missouri, US Bank, St. John's Bank (not in St. John's either) and PNC. As you can see I included two credit unions, but aren't they really the same as banks.

     One conclusion I can draw from this is that the people in O'Fallon are rich, extremely rich. I have not yet to count the banks on a 3-mile stretch of road in Town and Country or Ladue, but it's hard to believe there could be more than fifteen. Maybe in those communities the citizens are so rich the bankers actually drive to your house and do the transactions, so there's not a need to have as many brick and mortar bank buildings.

     Another conclusion is that banks must be making a ton of money if they can build all these freestanding buildings. When have you heard of a bank going bankrupt or bar for that matter? I guess it happens but rarely. What do the bank employees if no one walks in the door? I'm sure they have business to conduct but do they really need a big expensive brick building to do it.

     Since we live in a multi task world why don't we combine banks and bars. It would make better use of the buildings and give the banks employees something to do with their free time. I think there would be more traffic at the banks. Imagine going into a bank to negotiate a loan, while having a glass of Amber Bach. Interest rates wouldn't be quite as important.

     The advertising would be changed forever. Bank billboards might say "Wine and cheese party with every loan closing." I know this sounds ridiculous and it is but isn’t fifteen bank buildings in a 3-mile stretch also kind of crazy. “Just Saying….”

The Green Pickup

     The truck made a slow turn down Capital Street, as if the driver was looking for something. Just an old green Chevy step-side pickup, which had the fender wells on the outside of the truck bed. An unimportant detail unless you’re a car guy, but some details become more important when a crime is involved. As a retired detective from a major metropolitan city, I was attuned to picking out details even in my small-adopted town.

     It was a quiet Thursday morning, but that would soon change. Lunch time neared, which brought heavy traffic to the many fast food restaurants on Capital. The park would be filled with joggers and people stealing away for a few minutes of sanity from a hectic work life. People lived more stressful lives these days and welcomed a time to let their guard down, lunch was one of these opportunities.

     I made my rounds to the local downtown businesses dropping off the free weekly Triton newspaper. I didn’t earn much, but it occupied a little of my retirement free time. The extra money came in handy, but it was more about keeping busy. I always made sure I completed my deliveries before the lunch hour, then I could sit in the park and people watch. Not an exciting life, but interesting, because people are interesting.

     On this morning, as I walked to my usual spot in the park I again noticed the green pickup as it drove down Capital Street. This time the bed was full. A tarp held down the load with bungee straps.  Normally the sight of a loaded pickup rarely drew attention or caused concern, this being a blue-collar town, but there was something different today.

     This time I noticed the driver, of Middle Eastern decent, with a full beard, as one might expect. There was a passenger too, a black man, African American or whatever they go by now. Immediately, my suspicions surfaced, but should they? My police background reinforced by the nightly news was the cause. The news survives by promoting fear. The truck slowed and finally stopped in front of a multi story office building, Capital Insurance, employing about 300 workers.

     It couldn’t be ignored, especially this time of year with all the holiday shoppers out and about.  I called the police to report a suspicious truck.

     The police responded quickly. Many spectators watched from afar. I felt I had done the smart thing, but it didn’t feel right. The police talked with the driver for about fifteen minutes, then a tow truck appeared, hooked up the old truck and dragged it away. By now there were three squad cars. The two suspects got in one of the police cars and were driven away.

     What was going on? Did I divert an impending disaster? Just then a cop pulled over to the crowd. Questions flew at him like pellets in an ice storm.

     “What’s going on?”

     “Who are those people?”

     “Are we in danger?”

     The cop held up his hands to quiet the crowd, then said. “Everything is under control. We were just checking into some suspicious behavior. I can’t say anything more at this time.”

     “Seems like that’s always your response.” Someone yelled from the crowd.

     “Yeah!” others said in agreement.

     “Look, if you want to know more come over to the Brantley’s high school auditorium on Friday night at 6:00 pm. We should have more information at that time.” The cop stated.

* * *

     Friday night came quickly. In the meantime the town buzzed with rumors about the green truck and the occupants. The parking lot was full that night when I arrived. Seemed like everyone wanted to know what impending danger lay ahead.

     The crowd sat anxiously awaiting for the police to explain. The Chief of Police walked out to address the crowd.

     “This is a highly unusual situation, which is easier to understand if I show you this,” as he pulled back a curtain to display a mountain of toys. 

     The Chief went on to explain. “The two men we picked up the other day, both Muslims, have been collecting and repairing toys to distribute to poor children of this town for the Christmas holiday. It’s not their religious holiday, but they knew most of the people in this town were Christian and they wanted to do something for the children.” The Chief paused. “But there’s a problem . . . their truck broke down and they can’t complete their Christmas wish. If anyone’s able to help, please see Ahmed or Abdul after the meeting.”

     A shamed silence struck the crowd and a line immediately formed in front of the two Muslims to sign up to help. That day I learned some details can lead you in the wrong direction.

     I still deliver the local paper, but when I’m finished I skip the park and instead go to Ahmed and Abdul’s Coffee and Tea House in an unfamiliar part of town. The back of their shop has a room filled with broken toys in need of repair. Toys for the poor kids bring us together and our worlds grow closer.

How Influencers and Choices affect our lives?

     What are the influencers in our lives? There are many and each has both a good and bad side. Family upbringing can give you a strong desire to live your life making good choices but the opposite can happen if you have a poor family support system. Friends and associates influence your life especially when you’re young and trying to fit in or figure things out. Status and possessions also are influencers throughout your life.

     Every person you meet has the potential to influence your life. The more people you meet the more you expand your knowledge of the outside world. Limiting these encounters limits your ability to recognize when you are being influenced. 

     There have been many masterful influencers both good and bad. Many cult leaders are great influencers but their purpose is self-serving. 

     It’s a part of life that we all deal with on a daily basis. It takes recognizing the good and bad influences to make good choices.

     We make hundreds of choices everyday; some become so automatic that we barely consider it a choice. Some choices are given great consideration but many of our choices are routine. How do the influences in our life affect our choices? If you were brought up by a nurturing family that guided you through life, giving you important advise along the way, you’re path to success and happiness would be easy to see. 

     Growing up without a supportive family or no family, your choices would be limited by hopelessness. Imagine growing up in a country where everyday is about survival. This is where a young person can be influenced by a can of beans or a place to sleep. They think of the future as the next day, not their life as an adult. Maybe, they don’t believe there is a chance to be an adult, so they choose based on those expectations. Repeated bad choices can blind you from good choices. 

     This is how hopelessness is born. The choice of survival always wins over righteousness. Born into jeopardy is different than choosing jeopardy. 

     It’s wrong to judge, I’ve heard people say. But, how do we live in peace without judging others for their crimes. We can’t and we shouldn’t, but judge the crime not the person or their nationality. That won’t be easy, because we see the people as thugs or sometimes just plain evil. Excess guns and mental condition are often blamed and they both maybe a contributing factor, but isn’t lack of opportunity really the main factor? If people feel they have an opportunity to better their self by making better choices they are given hope.

     Actions drive consequences, as they should. Many criminals go to jail for their crimes, but many of the mass murders take their own life before jail becomes an option. This leaves us feeling empty for the innocent lives lost and for a murderer that will never be punished.

     As with many problems there can be many answers or partial answers. No one person or group knows what the right solutions to eliminate violence, but I can guarantee that doing nothing, changing nothing is not the answer. “Just Saying...”