Or, more specifcally. To attempt to tie the spate of senseless murders and
shootings to current socio-economic conditions implies that had current
conditions been different, that the perps involved would NOT have chosen the
actions they chose. I contend otherwise.
I am my "brother's keeper" to the extent that I feel obligated to provide
them the opportunity to become productive members of society. I must also
to a degree, take into consideration, the history surrounding their specific
circumstances when providing this opportunity.
I stop being my brother's keeper when they choose to either not fully use,
or abuse the asistance that has been set in-place that affords them an
opportunity to become a productive memeber of society. In my opinion, there
is no social trangression with regard to providing that "right" that can be
construed as a reason for the senseless violence that is currently
occurring. It is not possible for society to throw enough money, or
assistance, to indiviudals that choose this path, that would stop them from
their actions. It is possible however, to minimalize these actions by
taking a hard, consistent approach by saying it is unequivicolly wrong and
unacceptable.
You cannot not "eat an elephant" (solve a complex problem) in one-bite. I
realize this. To qualify the horrific acts of the few, by stating that it
is "socio-economic-related" does a great injustice to the majority that
choose to accept responsivility for themselves in their everyday lives.
There is a SuperAmerica not too far from were I live. At it works a young,
single african american woman with 2 children. She is currently working her
job (40 hours/week), going to school to get a degree AND raising 2 children.
She has a beat-up clunker of a car that is only good enough to get her
back and forth to where she needs to go. The car has a leaky oil-pan gasket
that causes the car to use about 2 quarts of oil/week. I leanred this
several months ago, because I cared enough to ask he how she was doing.
I stop there sometimes for no other reason than to ask her if she needs her
oil checked. I do so because it is important to me that she knows someone
that has no vested interest, cares enough to help her. I WANT her to keep
fighting. I WANT her to succeed and get a degree and provide a better life
for herself and her children. There is a spirit inside of her that is
undeniable and easily recognizable.. As long as she continues to try, I
will continue this small act of kindness. I monitor her situation because I
DO care about her. And I would be willing to do far more (than just check
her oil) for her, if she needed it. As long as she continues to give an
honest effort....
I believe that there is goodness and compassion in every person's heart. I
also believe that there is the capaciity for everyone to do more, or be
willing to give more to assist those that are less fortunate. I do not
believe however, that the way do get the average person to do so, is to try
and hold them accountable for things that happen which are inherently "bad"
for the majority of people that are trying to lead productive lives.
We need to send a clear-consistent message to ALL children in ALL parts of
our society that guns, violence and a lack of effort (on their part) will
only lead them to an unhappy/unfullfilled existence. With NO QUALIFIERS
ATTACHED. When this occurs, then we will have something to discuss.
It needs to STOP being politically correct to avaoid the issue.
dennis plante
lind-bohanon
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