On Friday I wrote a post for the Montana Romance Writers expressing what I believe is the only answer to the tragedy — love in all its forms.
With a book it’s easy. If you don’t like a scene, you delete it and do it over. There is no “do-over” for the children at Sandy Hook Elementary. Or the shooter.
But there is a “do-over” for the rest of us. As the rhetoric rises for and against gun control, there are people expressing hard truths among the noise. A frightening, but honest, portrayal of a mother’s trial with her mentally ill son, made the rounds at Facebook. A suggestion to do a mitzvah (act of kindness) for everyone killed in Newtown was retweeted multiple times. And, as always in times of great tragedy, new connections were forged among people who never had the time to connect.
I discovered a new book which I know I need to read. Columbine, by Dave Cullen, was written after ten years of research. Cullen also provides a website with tools and resources for people who want to reach out to someone who might be troubled–troubled enough to take action that will impact others in his or her path (although they tend to be young males, these killers among us.)
When I was nine, Jack Kennedy made his “Ask not…” speech. It was a good question at the time and it’s a good question now. How can we reach out in love to the rest of our fellow countrymen and women? How can you contribute to….
- A sane dialogue about gun regulation?
- Working toward better mental health support?
- Another person’s view of themselves and of the world?
- 28 mitzvahs?
If we only continue to think of ourselves, our fears of tomorrow and how we can no longer tolerate the “other” in America, I believe we will continue to lose what’s best about our country.
What do you think?
(I’ve written a sequel to this post talking about the fear generated by this event.)
patti says
Myself I had a pretty bad day for me. After reading what you wrote Casey I feel so blessed and thankful for all I have in life. Thank you for reminding me to try to do better for all around me.
Casey Dawes says
And sometimes you are the one we need to reach out to and touch. Being able to truly do an “act of kindness,” I think, is being willing to accept one for ourselves. (And we all know how good I am at that, she says, laughing hysterically.)
LynnB says
Your comment about being intolerant of the “other” in this country really strikes a chord with me. I feel blessed that I live in a country where we have the right of free speech and I try to be open minded when others express their opinions. But I read a lot of comments to articles on a large number of sites and daily I am amazed at the hateful things that are written and some of it too the most mundane things as Kate’s pregnancy. When did we as a country turn our back on the Golden Rule? Until we learn to treat others with the respect and compassion that we would want for ourselves I am afraid that we will continue on this downward spiral.
Casey Dawes says
Yes, many hateful things are said every day, not only on the internet, but within families, friends and even “religious” communities. I think when people stopped loving themselves for who they are is when the Golden Rule began to fall apart. If you don’t know how to love yourself, if you live in fear that someone’s going to put you down (or worse), then lashing out first may seem natural. I believe you can’t really love anyone else unless you love yourself first…and that can be a hard task some days!
We cannot control others, especially how they think. We can only set the example and work at being tolerant, yet not a doormat. As you know, this is a theme I often have in my books!
Thanks for your insightful comment.