A shout out

Oh shoot, I’m so frustrated. Guns and violence everywhere. It’s too much… another emotional hairball.

So, I try to relax watching TV. When my anxiety goes up, so does the clicker.

But then I’m flabbergasted at the number of shows that feature violence, torture, even grisly scenes in a morgue. What’s up with that? What are they thinking? Do our kids get inspired by these? I guess nobody has can stand up against media. In fact, most of us fall numb in front of it

Anyway, TV used to be fun, like watching Bonanza or Ed Sullivan. Sure, sometimes people got killed, but nowadays crime and murder gets dragged out. Guns and gore. Ya’ think our children get great values from this? If they learn something, hopefully it’s something positive, like a great idea for Halloween costume.

Anyway, the shoot ’em up mentality is scary. We see gangs and beheadings going on and wonder why innocent kids are shot by insane people.

Even here in our docile Sonoma County, Fish and Game allowed humans to pay $500 to kill deer. And sure, regulating guns would help. But, at Lake Sonoma they killed deer with bow and arrow. What’s up Sonoma?

And we know that majestic Cecil the lion died for 50,000 big bucks. Humans seem to still think hurting other beings is a game. What to do?

Take down the deer’s head from above the fireplace. It’s a start.

And as long as I’m having this nervous breakdown, I’ll add that football is another a weird sport. I don’t want to offend my football fan friends. I enjoy it sometimes and I like their tight outfits. But, in April the NFL admitted that nearly a third of its players get brain damage. Just consider if we could put athletic heroism towards the public good; football could benefit our communities rather than billionaire owners and sponsors.

Anyway, maybe aggression and competition are too deep in our primitive bones. In America alone, “more preschoolers are shot dead each year than police officers in the line of duty, ” wrote the New York Times recently.

The story added that a poll this year “found that majorities of gun-owners favor universal background checks; tighter regulation of gun dealers; safe storage requirements in homes; and a 10-year prohibition on possessing guns for anyone convicted of domestic violence,” assault, etc.

But, still: “The gun lobby argues that the problem isn’t firearms; it’s crazy people. Yes, America’s mental health system is a disgrace. But to me, it seems that we’re all crazy if we as a country can’t take modest steps to reduce the carnage that leaves America resembling a battlefield… Right now, the passivity of politicians is simply enabling shooters.”

Ok, so back to the question: what to do? Sy Safransky feels, “we see prison as a solution to the problem of crime. Instead of preventing crime by allocating resources for healthcare, early-childhood education, food, housing, and other basic needs, we’re sending people to prison.”

My suggestion? We start thinking and talking more deeply about our values, what matters and what is really heroic. Let’s look at our own anger and competitive urges. We need more affordable mental health and support systems.

Wendell Berry says, “In order to end war, somebody, some nation, would have to stop fighting. In order to stop fighting there would need to be an alternative, something to do instead.” I wouldn’t suggest football. Then again, most politicians act they’ve already sustained brain damage.

Finally, a masterful interchange with Bill Moyers interviewing Grace Lee Boggs (at age 92, still fabulous):

Moyers: “You know, a lot of young people … will say; What can I do that’s practical? How do I make the difference that Grace Boggs is talking about? What would you be doing?”

Grace Lee Boggs: “I would say do something local. Do something real, however, small. And don’t diss the political things, but understand their limitations.

Okay, we locals can create a new world. So, let’s go Sonoma! In the meantime, please just shoot pictures, not living beings.