the answer is that we must heal
But the "why" of these killings confounds us
We don't need CNN talking heads
to tell us that he was a disturbed individual
or interviews from school-mates to gain insight
But we need to know why
killings take place,
not just by "disturbed" people
What about Russia?
What about Germany?
What about Rwanda?
What about U.S.?
What about Wounded Knee?
What about Kent State?
_____________
I am writing this post for the Week 56 Writing Challenge, where we are required to write 33-333 words using the word "heal" in the context of restoring purity or integrity.
I don't usually like to justfiy or explain my posts, but in this case, I feel the need to make two points. We should do everything we can to deal with crazy people and gun control is one of the things which can help. But my second point is that I don't understand why we are more focused on random acts of violence, when governments have committed acts of violence and we rarely speak up in horror, the way we did this past weekend.
Your comments are appreciated.
Interesting note about the atrocities committed by governments. It's easier to focus on 'crazed' individuals rather than disturb the political chessboard.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janna. I like the chessboard metaphor.
DeleteAlthough I wholeheartedly agree with you, we as humans tend to react much more vocally to things that happen in our backyard. Well expressed. Thanks. (RogRites)
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid you are right. Thanks Rog!
DeleteAnd I love the title.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rog. Glad you liked it!
DeleteI was shocked to hear about it myself! That is a sector where the whole world needs healing...
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's for sure. Thank you Habiba.
DeleteWell said Lumdog. And the list goes on and on. And yet we still go through our lives with the illusion that we are safe and nothing bad is going to happen to us! Well, better that than being paranoid, I guess.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. I'm sorry I couldn't be funny with this one, but I see you've held up the tradition nicely ;)
DeleteA very good point.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Deletevery compelling - especially the title
ReplyDeleteThank you Jody.
DeleteYou gave words to what were just thoughts after the incident. This is great work Lumdog.
ReplyDeleteYes, those thoughts had been nagging at me and this piece just spilled out. Thanks for your kind words Ruby.
DeleteYou have hit the nail on the head. We need to heal the world of avarice and aggression; and by the world, I mean that politicians are largely to blame.
ReplyDeleteThank you Viv.
DeleteIf only the Why's could be answered. There will always be a different reason and explanation. We need to heal together instead of hurting each other. Well written.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Bo.
DeleteI love the title, the sentiment, and the urge to action or at least the urge to understand. Politicians, the media, the money... we put others at risk with all the rhetoric. More than at risk, in harm's way. Nice work, lumdog.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are very kind words. Thank you Steph. I really liked your entry this week.
DeleteWe may never know the 'whys,' and there is so much that needs to be addressed that it often seems futile.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem futile. But then, protests helped to end the war in Vietnam Nam. Maybe we should all express the horror we feel, just just about the crazies. Thank you Tara.
DeleteTypo. I meant, "not just about the crazies."
DeleteI do wish the focus was different; the disturbed people are just easiest to make noise about because there are so few things we can do about them. The difficult choices come when dealing with the things rational people do on purpose.
ReplyDeleteExactly, that's why it's much more disturbing to me. Thanks Annabelle.
Deleteprovocative and stark. I like your courage.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's courage or anger. But I really appreciate your comments. Thanks Lance.
DeleteExactly. Just because a person holds a title of political office doesn't give him/her the right to allow or commit unspeakable crimes. The problem has to be solved at the root--the origin.
ReplyDeleteThanks Draug.
DeleteWe, as a nation, are especially zealous about our children in many ways. Hurt our children and we are doubly wounded, which is why this disturbed person did what he did. We are also, as a nation, very fond of navel gazing, preferring to be preoccupied with ourselves than with the rest of the world. We can't be outraged by what we don't know, goes the logic. I've run up against it time and time again.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we are naval gazers for sure! It takes something to hit us in the face but even then, we choose to be ignorant when governments are involved.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for your comments Tina.
DeleteCongrats from the beach, lumdog!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! I thought you were incommunicado! Thanks Gina ;)
DeleteCongrats!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim.
DeleteMy gosh, sitting here trying to think of the right words to say...I couldn't agree with you more. Why violence? Why anywhere? Peace & love fall from our mouths so easily, yet seem to fall away- both the speaker & recipient. Ugh...I'm blown away by this small writing of yours; small, but tremendously powerful.
ReplyDeleteThe sign in thing doesn't recognize my url (dont know why) but if you want to visit, it's janesinsane.com.
Jane
Thank you so much Jane. I like to write small because I think it's more accessible. I love the word limits because it forces me to think small and write to the point. I'm glad you liked it.
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