Lucy's Last Gun Post for 2012

Thanks to Being Liberal's fan page on Facebook.  Image from memegenerator.net

Moyers on the NRA

Journalist Bill Moyers is a gentle, even-tempered, thoughtful man—and a Texan, too.  Texans I've known are more than comfortable around firearms.  This statement (posted on the Being Liberal fan page/Facebook) reflects the anger and frustration many of us are feeling today.  Thank you, Bill.

A President Resigns

 This is a letter from President George H. W. Bush.  Heartening.  Don't you wish there were more rational Republicans out there?

http://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/11/us/letter-of-resignation-sent-by-bush-to-rifle-association.html Letter of Resignation Sent By Bush to Rifle Association - New York Times www.nytimes.com

Of Family and Firearms - Part 2

My father’s been gone—not run-away or missing gone, but deceased—three years now.  He was a good-natured man with no interest in guns.  Never felt a need for firearm “protection,” not even when a criminal he helped convict threatened to kill him once the prison sentence was over.

Papa was invited on a deer-hunting trip once, even though he wasn't a hunter.  It was a known fact that his presence added to the fun on any occasion.  He agreed to go, keeping in mind there would be bourbon, barbecue, and gin rummy at the end of the day.  But he had no idea what a long day it would be.

I wish you could have heard him talking about his brand-new concept of Hell.  It involved getting up before daylight and being driven to a deserted place in the woods— said he sat for hours all by himself, sitting on his “frozen ass,” waiting.  In total silence. He had absolutely no desire to shoot a deer; in fact he hoped he wouldn’t even see one.  It was more the early rising, the fact that he could see his breath, and the lack of companionship that contributed to his misery.  The silence had to be the greatest torture of all for a man who generally had two or three television sets going at home and music always playing in his law office.  There was relief rather than disappointment that his day didn’t include bagging a deer.  No doubt he transformed his hunting experience into a rollicking tale that night.

Besides savoring a memory, my point in sharing the deer hunting story was this:  In my family of origin there's no paternal influence for any fascination with firearms.   There was no fear or hatred in my father to warrant having a gun to take someone’s life should they interfere with his.  It simply isn't in the DNA —on either side of the family.  So I continue to be puzzled over this pistol-packing transformation that’s spreading like a fungus in my family.

My younger brother isn’t the only gun toter.  I can name at least three other relatives who proudly “carry” now— and who apparently stand ready to blow you away if you do—what?   Never dreamed we’d need a metal detector for holidays at Mama’s. 

One of many things I'm scratching my head over today is the insanity of our ever-growing hard-right/Tea Party culture.   Many of these fearful gun owners are also self-described  “Christians”—fundamentalists or evangelicals for the most part.  At least two of my kin are anti-choice advocates.  Now understand, these “pro-lifers” applaud the death penalty and seem totally unconcerned about people dying in wars, unless maybe it’s someone they know.  And they carry guns!  Contradiction?

None of the family gun carriers lead high-risk lives or live in crime-ridden areas.  Quite the opposite.  Tell me, where’s the faith that’s supposed to come with religious conviction? 

I’m a spiritual person who’s not religious, and I feel perfectly safe making my way in the world.  Sure, I’m sensible; I lock my doors and such.  But I definitely don’t have the fear, hate, or whatever else it might take to want anything to do with a gun.  

In the Spirit of the Season

British comedian Russell Brand meets members of Westboro Baptist Church with an open heart, good humor, and amazing grace.   I could only think,  He's a great  spokesman for the man whose birthday is celebrated on December 25.  Jesus would be proud, don't you think?  Here's the video:

http://www.upworthy.com/westboro-baptist-church-vs-british-comedian-guess-how-this-one-ends?c=bl3

THE NRA SPEAKS

NRA's Wayne LaPierre is speaking—peddling a toxic message of fear to generate more gun sales. The fear is masquerading as righteous anger, of course. And of course he's pointing a finger of blame again and again. At the media and the government.  Of course.  He's made a point on violent video games (from the 90's), but it was a minor point in the stunningly outrageous message.  The NRA spokesman is advocating armed security at all schools: "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." The message is "Be afraid; be very very afraid."   Apparently monsters are lurking everywhere, waiting to take us out at any moment.  So we should all run, don't walk, to get ourselves armed.  Heavily armed. 

I was hoping against hope there would be a reasonable, even compassionate, tone to this morning's message, even if there's no reason in the substance of it. Thus far, there is neither. Just business as usual, the business of promoting fear to generate the sale of more firearms. His answer is "armed police officers in every school in the nation." It's all too bizarre. Disturbing.   Arming teachers and principals?  My friend Mike messaged, Astounding.    

And La Pierre is showing no sympathy for the victims, not one iota of sympathy or compassion for the grieving families in Newtown, CT.

I made it through LaPierre; Now former Congressman Asa Hutchinson is going to present the NRA's "plan."

Mercy! What time is the world supposed to end today?

On Family and Firearms - Part 1.

So my youngest brother brings a ham and a handgun to Christmas dinner at our mother’s.  What kind of trouble could he be expecting—maybe a fight for second helpings? 

Seeing red, I focus on my breathing to calm down.  I’m hearing every fourth or fifth word, semi-playful jibes coming at me-- patriotic ... 2nd amendment ... liberty.   Exhale now, one, two, three. 

When I ask why he feels the need to have a gun, he laughs.  When I ask him to take it out to the car, please, and lock it up, he’s like a scolded puppy.  Being the oldest “child” I’m accustomed to sibling resentment.  I’m fond of control.  I’m also fond of harmony and weapons-free gatherings,

After Mama seconds my request that he lock the gun in his car, he agrees.  But he’s not happy about it.  First, in a tough-guy tone, he says:  Ask me what I’m afraid of.  I oblige: What are you afraid of, Bro?   He answers with a swagger: Nothing!  as his hand reaches toward the bulge under his shirt. 

I wonder what he’s really afraid of.  But I don’t ask.

The NRA Always Means Business

Today the National Rifle Association will make a statement.   Forgive me, but I don't have much faith in what they will say—unless they say they'll continue to do whatever it takes to bolster gun sales.  Check out an excellent article at Truth-out.org, "Shooting is Business, and Business is Good."

http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/13441-shooting-is-business-and-business-is-good#.UNPk2Kk7DSQ.facebook 

 

NRA members and supporters tend to forget that this Association's business is to support gun manufacturers and gun sellers, not gun owners.  Not individuals who are killed or maimed by citizen weaponry.  Certainly not the surviving loved ones of humans who found themselves at the "wrong end of a gun"—whether by accident or a shooter's intention.  Still, we will listen to what they have to say—"they" most likely being NRA president, Wayne LaPierre.  I'm with Salon.com:  "Don't trust the NRA's Wayne LaPierre."  This piece is a gotta read: http://www.salon.com/2012/12/20/dont_trust_the_nras_wayne_lapierre/

 

Those two articles were helpful in my struggle to understand the complexities of  something that seems simple (but not easy) to me:  Finding common-sense solutions to making our Country safer.  In the face of fear and way too much violence involving firearms.  

 

President Obama has put VP Biden in charge of a commission to look at the gun violence permeating our culture.  This is no ordinary commission in that the President expects results and recommendations, "concrete policy proposals," next month.   Often when a commission is formed to study a problem, it's a way to procrastinate dealing with that problem.   Commissions historically take a long time to come up with recommendations that often aren't taken.  The fact that the President chose VP Biden shows a commitment to finding solutions here.

 

Aside from the two articles linked above, you might want to know, if you don't already, that Wayne La Pierre will appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" this Sunday morning (December 23).  We'll see if David Gregory can get him to speak honestly.   Meanwhile, I'll be checking out whatever statement is made today.

We shall see.

Presidential Action

President Obama announced the first step on gun control following the Newtown school shootings: an interagency task force, led by Vice President Joe Biden, charged with guiding the administration's response. The proposals from the task force are due in January and the president said he will act on them "without delay."

"We know this is a complex issue that stirs deeply held passions and political divides," Obama said at the White House. "But the fact that this problem is complex can no longer be an excuse for doing nothing."

For more information... http://www.politico.com/

And the funeral services for victims of the Newtown massacre go on today, Wednesday, December 19.

 

Thanks, Mr. Rogers

You're still our favorite neighbor.   [from Dodinsky's Garden of Thoughts/FB]

Follow the NRA's Money

A significant post from my friend Lyn on Facebook.  Thanks for sharing this and for all you do to make this world better, whatever the issue. This will help in our efforts to see sensible gun regulation legislated:

Interesting data from followthemoney.com on NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S (NRA) massive campaign contributions. If you're interested, keep scrolling down, it provides the contributions by state, by legislator, etc. I COMMIT TO WATCHDOG THIS IN 2013... AND TO WORK FOR GUN-CONTROL AND EFFORTS TO CHANGE OUR COUNTRY'S FETISH FOR VIOLENCE.

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION

www.followthemoney.org

See who NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION supports in state-level political campaigns.

Here's a link I've tested!


http://www.followthemoney.org/database/topcontributor.phtml?u=1854&y=0

Moms Rising

Mothers are a powerful force.  Do you remember when driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs was the norm in this country?  I do!  Huge numbers of senseless deaths as a result of DUI.  Then along came Mothers Against Drunk Driving and things haven't been the same since.   These mothers and their coalitions challenged the status quo, aggravated hell out of legislators and staff in state after state until they were heard and their mission was accomplished.  I've seen grown men, elected members of the Senate and House, hide rather than face these women.  As I said, the Mad Mothers could be annoyingly persistent.  Some of them were downright pushy.  And you know what?  Bless their hearts, they got it done!  Made it unacceptable, then made it illegal, then changed our culture.  Thank you again for your incredible service to our Country,  M.A.D.D.

Imagine what could happen if mothers were to unite like that again, this time around common-sense gun safety laws.   Take all the time you need to visualize the energy and power such a coalition would bring to the firearms issue.  See it, see it.   Meanwhile, here's the link to a petition for the NRA:

http://action.momsrising.org/letter/newton_shooting1/?akid=3753.1863330.w8SSbL&rd=1&t=1

Petition for Gun Control Legislation

 Here's a link to a petition that will go to the President.  May signing be the first step in raising your voice for enactment of meaningful gun control laws! 


https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/today-day-sponsor-strict-gun-control-laws-wake-ct-school-massacre/RH2jzffq#thank-you=p

Of Fear and Firearms

We wake up in a fog, knowing something’s terribly wrong.  We feel empty as a drum, and the lump in our throat hasn’t gone away.  We’re feeling the collective grief enveloping this country and the world after the senseless killings at Sandy Hook Elementary. 

This is another day to pause and send powerful, loving thoughts to the families experiencing unthinkable loss.  A day for prayers and reflection, a day for getting our hearts back to some version of peace.  A day for saying out loud how much we mean to one another.  A day for saying I love you.  A lot.

And after that, it will be time to give some serious thought to ending our culture’s neurotic love affair with firearms.  Time to dispel the myth that guns are the answer—to whatever the question might be.  I’m not talking about messing with your second amendment rights, not suggesting you turn in your hunting rifle, Bubba.  But no one, NO ONE, outside the military and law enforcement, needs an assortment of assault weapons.  And high-capacity gun clips— rapid fire for killing masses of people— need to go. Period.

                            Advice for budding activists.  Image from Asheville Yoga.

Did you know 40% of all guns in this country are purchased online without background checks?   There’s room in that information for some life-saving legislation.   Rep. Carolyn McCarthy of NY has been a passionate, hard-working advocate.   I don’t know what percentage of citizen weapons are bought at gun shows, but any—without background checks—would be too many.

 According to Jeff Goldberg on Andrea Mitchell’s show yesterday, there are between 280 million and 300 million guns in the United States.  Those are the ones that can be counted!   Apparently we are one terribly frightened country.  I believe most everything that brings disharmony, personally and for our society, can be traced to fear. (The opposite of love is not hate, but fear—think about it.)  Let’s explore the fear together, in a reasonable way.  Let’s share the intention of doing something about the firearms problem in the days ahead,  the same way we are sharing the grief of what happened in  Newtown, Connecticut yesterday.

Horrific as the deaths of the innocents in Newtown are, so are the deaths of children—and human beings of all ages, killed or maimed by gunfire —on the streets of Chicago in the past year.  And in Aurora, OK.  At Virginia Tech.  In an Amish school, a Temple in Wisconsin, a Unitarian Fellowship, a theater filled with innocent movie-goers.  And on and on and on.

To end this post with a tiny flicker of hope:  Seven NFL players have given up their handguns in the wake of a fellow athlete’s death.  They decided they no longer want to own a gun.  They also might have realized they didn’t need  a gun either.  Any citizen is free to re-think carrying a handgun.  Just as we have a “right to carry” we have the right not to arm ourselves.   We can opt out of fearful thinking and become a truly free human being.  

We haven't begun to explore—as a culture— the depth of personal freedom and peace that could come from letting go of fear.  What a wonderful world it would be.  Will be.

A Sad Day To Remember

For me, a line was drawn in the sand today, drawn with the blood of  27 humans murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  In the peaceful town of Newtown, Connecticut.  Children ages 5-10 attend school there, Grades K-4.

 

I imagine there was nothing unusual in the way the morning started on what seemed an ordinary Friday in mid-December.   Parents no doubt nagging the kids to finish their cereal, locate their homework, and hurry, hurry before the bus—

 

Don’t you suppose that’s what went on in households around the school this morning?  Before 9:30, that is, when the shooter showed up.  He had multiple guns and a whole lot of bullets, enough to kill twenty-seven people.  Twenty children, six adults and the shooter, age twenty-four.  
 

Raise your hand if your thoughts didn’t flash back to Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora, the Amish schoolhouse, and the mall shooting near Portland, Oregon—wasn’t that just last week?  Violence is violence.  Death is death.  Still, it cuts deeper when most of the victims are children.  The trauma for the young survivors is unimaginable.  No doubt it will affect them the rest of their lives, having their innocence ripped away like that, in seconds. 

 

President Obama struggled to keep his emotions under control in a moving statement to the Nation this afternoon.  He is a father, after all, and a man of empathy.

 

I’m declaring my personal line in the sand, my political purpose in the days ahead:  I will give my best efforts toward the passage of serious gun control laws.   It’s time for thinking Americans—and Americans capable of feeling the pain of loss, yes, even other people’s loss—to pull together.   It’s time for voices ordinarily quiet to be raised in unison against the merciless bully that is the NRA.  Actually it’s way past time. 

Point of clarification:  Apparently some members of the National Rifle Association favor closing the gun show loophole and strengthening background checks.  That's all good.  It's the NRA money that gives the organization control over so many of our elected officials, especially Republicans in Congress.  Members of Congress receiving substantial NRA support at election time dare not cross this powerful group.  To do so can mean losing the next election.   What I'm ready to see is people reclaiming power.  You and me.  No one organization should have so much power that it trumps the safety, the lives, of human beings.  As individuals, few of us have the financial resources available to the NRA; the thing to remember is the NRA is an organization of individuals.  Those of us who care about a safer country, a country that's far less fear-based, can band together, combine coalitions for change.  We must.

 

I’ll write more about gun control tomorrow.  Tonight let’s join hearts and send healing thoughts and prayers for everyone affected by today’s tragedy.  Truly that would be all of us; we are all One, even when we forget. 

                                  (from Pragmatic Progressive/Facebook)                                                     
 

 Let’s pray, meditate and light candles; then let’s get to work. 
But first, answer me this:  Are you in?

Notable Numbers

                                                             (Ashton Cruz/Facebook)

Wise Words from a Republican

(Thanks, Upworthy, for this Eisenhower quote via Facebook.)

Your Smile and Thought for Today

—all rolled into one!  Thanks to Oriah Mountain Dreamer via Joan Borysenko/FB.

Happy Holidays!

If this greeting is offensive, forgive me.  Maybe this is the wrong blog for you.  Or maybe it's the one that will bring you greater serenity and expanded consciousness.  I ran across this post from Being Liberal/Facebook.  May you find some food for thought in it, too!     Namaste.

Supreme News

Bulletin:  The Big Court just announced they'll consider California's Prop 8 and  the "Defense of Marriage Act" — efforts intended to keep marriage equality at bay.  From the part of the newsflash I heard, it sounds like the Supremes will take them up in March and probably rule in June. 

 

I look forward to hearing more on this because, given the makeup of the Court, it's a little unsettling.   Maybe it will be a good thing.  I will become better informed on what it could mean.  Meanwhile,  this news will refuel the Fox talkers, have them dusting off the "values" talking points.   Take heart, dear Libs;  hypocrisy can be entertaining to witness if you have an expansive sense of humor.   Thankfully most of us do.

 

(Thanks to Facebook/The Pragmatic Progressive's page for this image.)

DeMint Will Depart

One less demented extremist in the U. S. Senate.  Of course my home state isn't likely to be much better represented since Governor Nikki Haley will be naming his replacement.  But that's not forever and I'm hopeful—I have to be— that ultimately we can elect a reasonable, bright progressive.  I have my favorite possibility, but it's too early to speculate on a progressive candidate,  woman OR man at this point.

 

Joan Walsh (Salon.com), one of my favorite political pundits, said that DeMint's presence will "strip the patina off the Heritage Foundation." They like to think of themselves as a "think tank" when, in reality, it's more of a talking points tank.  And with DeMint,  Heritage is politicizing the Foundation more than before.  Far more.

 

Walsh also commented on the appalling failure of a disabilities resolution yesterday.  It was defeated by Republicans—in the face of the revered former Senator Bob Dole who was on the Senate floor in his wheelchair asking fellow Republicans to support the resolution.  Ms. Walsh said Senate Republicans reached a new low yesterday, and indeed they did.  Every time we think they can't get more heartless, more outrageous, they manage to stoop lower still (connecting this resolution, irrationally, to an idea that home-schoolers might be dictated to  if it passed.  Really nuts. What parallel universe—?)  

I continue to suggest this:  If you happen to know any rational Republicans, thank them, be nice, say a prayer for them.  They're a vanishing breed.

 

Would you pony up some support for a progressive Senate candidate in South Carolina in the next election?  Let me know!  (No, I'm not planning to run, but I'm hoping we'll have a candidate willing to turn this Senate seat blue, if only for that one election—and maybe longer!  And I'll turn blue from speaking out on behalf of  that candidate, whoever she or he might be.

Get on that Heritage payroll ASAP and collect your cool million.  Here's my wish for your plan to steer the far right even farther right:  I hope you accomplish as much there as you did in the Senate.  Bye-bye!

 

The Wisdom of Stewart