Today is a big, hotly contested election day across the U.S. Much has happened that has mobilized voters. Stakes and turnout are high.
There’s an initiative that would make gun control in Washington state the strictest in the country, tightening regulations on automatic weapons — you know, guns capable of mass slaughter — and requiring strict background checks, I1639. Signs opposing 1639 have popped up like mushrooms. I’ve yet to figure out how billionaires figure in, or how victims become criminals. But I suppose that’s my bias speaking.
I grew up with guns in a law enforcement family and I learned to shoot a rifle as a child. I’m not a clueless snowflake when it comes to guns. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that guns aren’t a go-to solution, weapons to level a human playing field. Yet, here and now, they have slaughtered innocents in our schools, churches, play fields, theatres and concert halls, and workplaces. It seems our flags are becoming fixed at half mast. I voted. I don’t know if it will make a difference. One can only hope.
Lots of placards there. I find American politics confusing, though Australian politics right now also has me shaking my head.
Do the unexpected. Take 20 minutes out of your day, do what young people all over the world are dying to do: vote. – Rick Mercer
One of the things that has always struck me as odd about the gun lobby is that tired old line about a ‘good guy with a gun stopping a bad guy with a gun.’ What’s to stop that good guy with a gun from having a very bad day?
I hope the mid terms go strongly against the current administration. He won’t get the message, but those around him might.
Guns are everywhere and it’s sad and crazy.
It will be an interesting evening in your country.
I agree with you about the gun issue. It hit very close to home this past weekend in my city when a gunman walked into a yoga studio, killed two women and injured several more. It seems we are not safe anywhere.
How can any sane person fail to see the reason in banning weapons used for mass slaughter? I’ve been a gun owner for years and have enjoyed shooting hand guns for sport but I’ve come to think there’s no good reason that anyone needs a gun in this country nowadays. And some morons are calling for all teachers to be armed; in fact I just read of a school district that requires all staff to carry a weapon. This is lunacy. Having taught for a number of years, I know that most teachers have a hard time finding a pen or pencil when they need one; they’d shoot themselves in head if they needed a gun in a hostile situation. And where in the world would they keep a gun. High school kids could break open a locked desk drawer in about 3 seconds. They could also disarm many teachers in less time. The whole scenario is too weird to even contemplate.
Meanwhile, let’s hope that our friends and neighbors see how this country is beginning to look a lot like Nazi Germany and vote in such a way as to turn things around.
Let’s hope there is change in the air Kay, voting is the only way to make that change. Fingers crossed ✨