Once more, Bob, in a relative handful of pointed words, you have hit the nail on the head. We are, as things stand, an outlaw country and the majority seem not to care until a disaster taking many innocent lives happens. But even that almost certainly won't change the equation--the Republican Party is a wholly owned subsidiary of the NRA and gun manufacturers, and that seems impossible to change. In the younger generation's words, we're going down the tubes and there is no obvious way to stop it until some truly disastrous event happens, and probably, not even then. I have followed politics all my life (I'm 78) and depressed as I was during Reagan's two terms, they look like golden days compared to what's happening now.
"... but I feel a profound sadness, and yes anger" says a million that I can conceive and perceive. Thanks much for this thought-provoking piece that is apt and timely. And looking forward to reading more, sir!
Bob, As usual, you make very salient points. With the talk of a potential 2024 presidential run of a certain candidate, I have, once again, considered taking up residency in Canada to whatever extent that's allowed. The voting history in our country has proven that a) too many voters will believe even the most implausible lie and b) when one fails to achieve success in their personal lives, they will blame politicians with their votes. Right now, the blame-game appears to lean in favor of someone who may bring on a bullish market but will destroy every aspect of decency that's left in America.
Considering the millions of individuals who have received college and university degrees, it's staggering to continually hear Congress proposed and oppose minimal solutions to restrict gun access while do absolutely nothing to address the problems that underlie mental health. Too filled with fear, too in love with their guns, too convinced of retribution for centuries of oppression, too incapable of winning elections without millions in donations from the gun lobby and too weak to stand up for America's children and voters alike, nothing will ever get done until the voting public stops responding with dismay, thoughts, and prayers, and stop voting for those politicians who have proven time and again that their relationship with the gun lobby is far more important than the protection of our most innocent. Not the "unborn most innocent" the ones to whom they vigorously profess their concerns. The other ones; the innocent children they won't lift a finger to protect.
Once more, Bob, in a relative handful of pointed words, you have hit the nail on the head. We are, as things stand, an outlaw country and the majority seem not to care until a disaster taking many innocent lives happens. But even that almost certainly won't change the equation--the Republican Party is a wholly owned subsidiary of the NRA and gun manufacturers, and that seems impossible to change. In the younger generation's words, we're going down the tubes and there is no obvious way to stop it until some truly disastrous event happens, and probably, not even then. I have followed politics all my life (I'm 78) and depressed as I was during Reagan's two terms, they look like golden days compared to what's happening now.
"... but I feel a profound sadness, and yes anger" says a million that I can conceive and perceive. Thanks much for this thought-provoking piece that is apt and timely. And looking forward to reading more, sir!
Bob, As usual, you make very salient points. With the talk of a potential 2024 presidential run of a certain candidate, I have, once again, considered taking up residency in Canada to whatever extent that's allowed. The voting history in our country has proven that a) too many voters will believe even the most implausible lie and b) when one fails to achieve success in their personal lives, they will blame politicians with their votes. Right now, the blame-game appears to lean in favor of someone who may bring on a bullish market but will destroy every aspect of decency that's left in America.
Considering the millions of individuals who have received college and university degrees, it's staggering to continually hear Congress proposed and oppose minimal solutions to restrict gun access while do absolutely nothing to address the problems that underlie mental health. Too filled with fear, too in love with their guns, too convinced of retribution for centuries of oppression, too incapable of winning elections without millions in donations from the gun lobby and too weak to stand up for America's children and voters alike, nothing will ever get done until the voting public stops responding with dismay, thoughts, and prayers, and stop voting for those politicians who have proven time and again that their relationship with the gun lobby is far more important than the protection of our most innocent. Not the "unborn most innocent" the ones to whom they vigorously profess their concerns. The other ones; the innocent children they won't lift a finger to protect.