Newtown, Connecticut Sadness

There have been so very many tragedies over the years and many many in this year itself.  The senseless killing of the children and staff in Newtown, Connecticut has really effected me, bothered me to the core of my being. Such sadness.

In the wake of the tragedy, many issues surrounding gun violence have come to light. Uncommonly for me, I became glued to CNN news, trying to find some sort of understanding, some sort of answer to what happened. The truth, as always, is that even though we want so desperately to understand, to analyze what happened, there is never any way to really understand what was in the killers thoughts. Desperation, sadness, anger, craziness, whatever it was, in his mind he justified his actions and put this into play. We have also come to a place where we analyze everything to death, literally. It seems we are more interested in analyzing and talking about it than finding a solution, of taking any steps to move forward.

In the days that followed, I had thought, or perhaps hoped, that there may be a seize in the violence. Somehow, though, it seems to continue. In New York, Fire Fighters were ambushed. This breaks ones heart. In the midst of these massacres, the Big Guys of Gun Control deny that there, in fact, need to be a control of guns of any kind. More Guns.

I am writing this because I just do not understand the insanity. I make a conscious effort to, at the very least, always understand the point of view of both sides, however right or wrong. It seems though, even with the crimes that have taken place, just even in the last year (in America), personal Ego agenda remains the most important factor in the agenda of the NRA. It has been said that the solution is more guns. Guns in the hands of the good guys. It was said that if the secretary at the school had a gun, then he/she could have shot the killer. I am not denying that, yes, this is a possibility, BUT there are many many other possibilities that could have played out. Rarely does "if we do A then B will happen." There are far too many variables. This also set up an entire country in a state of fear. What if, when if, what about, constantly on the defense. That is such a sad place to be.

America, the home of the Free... Free to Kill You and Me.

I am not American. I am Canadian. I did live during my childhood in America. I have many American friends and family. The Americans that I know are wonderful, caring, loving, amazing people. So they should live in fear? That just does not make any sense.

I am in no way suggesting there be a ban on guns, nor am I suggesting that I have the answers. But I am suggesting that the NRA is rallying on bringing back the Wild West and this cannot be the answer. No Guns do NOT kill people, but People with Guns DO kill people.

There are answers and there are solutions. The issue is that everyone must be open to the discussion. It cannot be one-sided or Ego based, it must be solution oriented.

There is much to be said about Video games, Televisions, Movies, etc and the influence of violence in our society. I recall many years ago, when after being brought up on movies such as "Peter Pan," it was said that some men now suffered from Peter Pan Syndrome. This became acceptable, as well as many other similar syndromes.
I am unclear as to why this is different. What I do know is that people believe what they want to believe. Typically to keep them safe, in a comfortable place.  Our society tends to generalize and label. Often this makes one feel better about oneself. I personally believe that this generalization often tends to place the blame elsewhere. There becomes less and less accountable to the action. What is most clear to me is that this HAS to change for us to move forward.

There is so much good in this world, on this earth. It is being overshadowed, it seems, by such a need for so many people to stand out in the crowd. In the end, everyone wants to be loved, to be important, to be special. It seems that although we want to individually succeed, this society has then taken it upon themselves to judge that, to ridicule anyone else's success. This has got to be confusing. We tell young girls that it is most important to be themselves, whatever that it, whatever they look like. Yet, we constantly judge them, make fun of the outfits they chose to wear, ridicule them if they gain 10 pounds, get a zit, go out without make-up or their hair styled (magazines, entertainment shows, etc). We send crazy messages about love and beauty, and portray crazy messages in music videos. Is there any wander why children and teens have issues. There are enough challenges growing up, discovering who they are. There has to, to some degree, some accountability on the part of the media.


Things need to change. I can only begin with me. Each of us can begin within oneself. That is the only place to start and each of us can make a difference. Strive to be the best person that you can be, teach your families, your children to be the best person that they can be. Be Kind Be Generous Be Nice. Be Real. Be Honest. Drugs, Street Drugs as well as prescription drugs are out of control and a reflection. Moderation is just not a word that is acceptable. It's more more more. I believe that media, television, the big screen and video games DO have an effect on us. Honey BooBoo is sad, Jersey Shore is sad. "Reality Shows" are sad and in no way based on any reality that I am aware. Let's fill our lives with positives and good. One of my favorite things to say is "Just because it seems like a good idea at the time and you CAN do it, doesn't mean that it IS a good idea and that you should do it. Stop and think first.

On a daily basis, I watch both Anderson Cooper (talk show) and Ellen DeGeneres. These are 2 people who are trying to break-through, to make a difference. In these shows they are accountable to their thoughts and this translate into their actions. On Ellen's show, it always surprises me how 'real' her guests seem, how comfortable. They rarely show the "show biz" side of themselves. That is a gift.

I am starting to feel a bit better about what is transpiring. I have traveled to the States many many many times and this is the first time that I have been fearful of traveling there again. Sad. It's time to Change. To see the good, to strive to be the best person that we can be. A journey of the soul.