I was going to write about preparing for Christmas, but in light of the tragedy in Connecticut yesterday, another thing entirely came to mind.
Why?
I have lots of questions that all start with “why”.
Why does this tragedy enflame a discussion about gun control?
Why are we not debating, instead, about how to help those with mental illness?
In almost every case of mass shooting, the person who did these unthinkable crimes was someone with a history of mental illness. Why are people not getting the help, the therapy, the medication, etc. that they need? Why are their families not getting the help and support they need?
Why does this have to be about gun control?
Why, in this great country of ours, can we not focus properly on people as the highest priority?
Why do we tolerate celebrities getting millions of dollars to entertain us, but we pay our teachers barely enough to make a living?
Why?
Why does the Congress debate a “fiscal cliff” and threaten to cut aid to the most vulnerable among us when they aren’t doing their job?
If they can’t resolve the budget issues, don’t we as a people have a right to cut their funds off? Why does someone else suffer if the elected officials don’t do their job? In the real world, if you don’t do your job, you get fired.
Why?
All I have right now are lots of questions. Why? Why? Why? Why did all those children die? Why? Why did teachers die?
I’m usually not one to go off a political rant. I really don’t like to debate politics. But these are really human issues, not political ones. Or they should be human issues.
Why can we not make people, all people a priority in our society?
Decency can’t be legislated, it has to be practiced by everyone. Every day. In every way.
So, as we are all going to have to keep moving forward, in spite of our collective grief and shock, Christmas is coming. Most of us are preparing in some way.
Maybe this tragedy will change how you behave while you are huslting and bustling about town. Maybe you will toss a few extra dollars in the red buckets. Maybe you will stop before a lighted tree and say a prayer for a grieving family. Maybe you will be more patient while waiting in line at the stores.
Maybe you will be moved to be a better human being. Maybe you will see the dark, ugly side of yourself when you find it difficult to be a better human being.
Maybe then you will be motivated to find out what Christmas is really all about.
lifefullyinhabited 