I had no plans for today. I had a vague idea of things I would accomplish, but then I saw the news out of Highland Park and could barely get myself to shower. I am shocked by it. Frozen. But it's nearly 5:00 and I refuse to give some angry little boy with a big gun the power to ruin my holiday. Instead I will try to concentrate on the good ... and redouble my efforts to get out the vote this fall so more little boys can't get their hands on big guns.
First, my nice long lunch with John. I am happy to report he's happy. We are very connected through this 40 year friendship. We were 20-something party animals, dancing the night away. Now we are 60-something AARP members, he with a cane and me with a crazy sensitive gut.
Then Saturday morning, Elaine invited me to join her and her friends for brunch. I declined. With my face bruised and gut so unreliable, I just didn't feel like meeting new people. But I was grateful she included me.
Sunday I met Nancy and her husband for seafood. Yes, I know. The rest of America has been enjoying beef and pork on the grill -- and barbecue is one of my favorite things! -- but that's just not in the cards for me right now. Nancy was so sweet. She kept emphasizing that she and Paul want to spend time with me, "even if it's over toast and applesauce." We had a lovely time. Nancy's husband Paul watches even more TV than I do! So we spent a lot of time comparing notes on old or obscure things to watch. And we laughed and laughed.
It's hard for me to feel good about America on her birthday. Roe, the January 6 hearings, and now this in Highland Park have exhausted me. But I'm an adult and a citizen. It's my responsibility to do something about this sad and sorry state of affairs. Not post memes. That does nothing. This is an election year. I have to raise money and get out the vote.
*Though tonight's neighborhood fireworks display has been cancelled because the aforementioned angry little boy with the big gun is still, as of this writing, at large.
I am wondering why we aren't all marching and screaming from the tops of our lungs.
ReplyDeleteI have even received a personal reply from Senator Angus King, I've written him so many times. Not even a form letter from Senator Susan Collins.
ReplyDeleteI am not against better background checks and such, but don't think that is the whole answer. It seems to me we are dropping the ball when it comes to mental health and with our young people....with their faces in their screens from a very young age on up, they have not learned to communicate, to deal with emotions, or cope with the things life throws at us. I read something the other day that is worth considering, as well. It said that a lot of these kids feel invisible, unimportant, unheard. If that is so (and I suspect it is), we are failing them.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughtful comment in the spirit you intended. But here's the thing: Other countries have the internet and social media; other countries have disaffected young people; other countries do not have mass shootings because they don't allow citizens to have military-style weapons. I agree with you, Stacy, that as a citizen, it's on me to do more, be more responsible, and not fail the young people in this country. Roe, the January 6 hearings, and now this have mobilized me. I am just grateful that it is an election year. Otherwise the feeling of helplessness would be overwhelming. I am hurting right now. While the country is focused on affluent Highland Park, more than 50 people were shot in Chicago this weekend. I don't want to live like this. As an American, on 4th of July, I have to own that it's on me to change it.
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