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Monster

Jim and Sue L.

Jim and Sue L.

Junior Ranger
The little darlings...all the little darlings. How could anyone raise a hand in violence toward a child?

Jim and I camped near that lovely town last fall and we watched those happy families with their dancing children waiting for the school bus. We thought it was a wonderful place to raise a family.

I don't know what else to say except there is a special level of hell for those who hurt children.

Our prayers are with the 20 families in Connecticut tonight.

Sue and Jim
 
Such a sad happening. I cannot imagine why! Even at our 7-12 school parents who usually wait in the parking lot for their children to come out - came in to get them. A time to pray for the parents whoes children were killed as well as all parents.
 
While it was 3500 miles from my front door, it hit home. A lot of the kids were very close to Laddy's age. Luckily he loves his cuddles, because he has been getting extra ones this week, what with our shooting on Tuesday and this horrible event. I am taking a hiatus from the news for a while. Between trying to recoup and the evil, I have too much spare time to think. HGTV seems less dangerous, although Laddy has all sorts of new decorating ideas for Christmas now, and I can't keep up.

Lots of prayers for the children and the parents in CT. I shutter to think what they must be going through. My heart is aching for them.
 
I think it hit all of us one way or another. Did you know that town was once voted America's favorite place to raise a family? My cousin, by marriage, is friends with a mom of one of the little girls lost. Yes it is a small world. Thoughts and prayers for everyone. It will be a long recovery...
 
This is what it is to be human. We have to embrace the horror along with the good, learn from it and try to stop history from repeating and repeating and repeating.

Sue
 
And while we are on the subject, let us consider this hot potato: the alienation and de-socialization of our children through hours and hours at the computer playing violent video games or watching violent films.

I, for one, believe "entertainment" that glorifies and rewards a high body count, anti social tendencies and a fractured psyche is a volatile mixture.

This is a tough one, guys. If it makes you uncomfortable, I will be perfectly willing to have it removed.

Have at it.

Sue
 
I wonder how much is contributed by our 24/7 news media and social media. I am not an expert but it seems that some of these individuals are looking for attention whether they remain alive to see it or dream of the notoriety their action will give them after they die.
 
jsl said:
And while we are on the subject, let us consider this hot potato: the alienation and de-socialization of our children through hours and hours at the computer playing violent video games or watching violent films.

I, for one, believe "entertainment" that glorifies and rewards a high body count, anti social tendencies and a fractured psyche is a volatile mixture.

This is a tough one, guys. If it makes you uncomfortable, I will be perfectly willing to have it removed.

Have at it.

Sue
Click to expand...

I do agree with your sentiment, though we have no idea if this murderer played video games, etc. (though it is reasonably fair to assume that every teenage boy in AMerica DOES play such games, it is not a given. I have a nephew who plays video games, but none of the shootemup variety.

But I do know that if I had a kid with such issues, I likely wouldn't allow him to play such games (or watch such films - but good luck with that sort of rule for a kid who has behavioral issues). But I'd also work with his doctors. We have no idea, yet, if this murderer was under a doctor's care, etc.

-Al
 
I believe you both have hit key issues.

Joan, I have just run upstairs to this forum to escape the unending bombardment of this tragedy. I have heard more than one reporter comment that they do not want to encourage copy-caters...and then go on and on and on about the shooter.
I suppose that is what my grandmother meant by "talking out of both sides of the mouth".

Al, I agree there are lots of fun harmless, video games. And yes, we do not know if the shooter played the more violent games or what sort of care he was given. Only the investigation team has any idea so far and they aren't talking. I say, "good for them"! The less air time they give this guy, the less chance someone else will want to grab their "moment of fame".

What a world. I held my grandson so much tighter today. Told my granddaughter how much I loved her.

Gonna sign off now 'cause I'm crying too much to continue.

Sue
 
first, I understand the desire of all of us to find "solutions," but I also think it is important to allow time for grieving. The rush to find solutions can take away from the grieving, and I don't think that is fair.

second, I heard yesterday that there have been studies about violent video games and movies, and the studies show there is NO increased tendency to violence by folks who watch such stuff. That said, the results might be different if the viewer had certain psychological issues.

I am not arguing for or against. Just passing along what I have heard/read.

- - -

As to being "bombarded" by the story, I find this puzzling. TURN OFF THE TV. Don't blame the media. Each of us has the power to watch or NOT watch what is on TV, etc. Take some personal responsibility.

(This is NOT directed at JSL but at the millions of people who are claiming the media is to blame, when THEY are the ones who choose to watch. There is PLENTY on TV and on the web to watch - you don't have to watch the news.)

-Al, sincerely not trying to offend!!
 
No problem, Al. Takes a lot more than that to tick me off.

Yes we can all turn off our idiot boxes if things get too much and I have many times this week (and that includes the radio), but I shouldn't have to resort to that. I do want the news - lots of world out there - and unfortunately all they are doing is this tragedy. Also, several times an hour, during programs, they barge in with "updates" that usually involve sobbing family members. It is sickening - almost ghoulish - the way they hone in on the heartbreak. That is what I meant. If you can't get away from it without hiding, you are being bombarded.

And I do put half the blame on the media. We can choose to turn off the TV, but they can also choose to return to journalism... that is, if they can remember what that used to mean.

Sue
 
Journalism? What's that? Do you mean responsible, respectful, reasoned reporting of a tragedy like this? Fat chance. Why let yourself get whipsawed in the frenzy of 'news' right now? Once the feeding dies down in a couple weeks the real facts will become clearer. In the meantime, how about watching a few old classics like 'You can't take it with you' or 'Driving Miss Daisy' or something? ;)
 
HGTV is safe. Unless you get inspired. Then it will cost you! That has been my go to. Too many nightmares and sitting in fear at a movie theater after this last week. We got hit twice with our shooting on Tuesday and then the tragedy on Friday. I turned on the news to see about the weather today and quickly changed it after that. We had some snow this morning, and I wanted to see the hilarity that is "The December Snow Storm" with graphics and team coverage. We had about a quarter inch that stuck for about an hour, but that is news around here in the valley. The mountains are getting feet and we can't wait to slide on the stuff. Soon!
 
jsl said:
No problem, Al. Takes a lot more than that to tick me off.

Yes we can all turn off our idiot boxes if things get too much and I have many times this week (and that includes the radio), but I shouldn't have to resort to that. I do want the news - lots of world out there - and unfortunately all they are doing is this tragedy. Also, several times an hour, during programs, they barge in with "updates" that usually involve sobbing family members. It is sickening - almost ghoulish - the way they hone in on the heartbreak. That is what I meant. If you can't get away from it without hiding, you are being bombarded.

And I do put half the blame on the media. We can choose to turn off the TV, but they can also choose to return to journalism... that is, if they can remember what that used to mean.

Sue
Click to expand...

I agree that it is ghoulish. That's the reason I don't turn it on, in the first place. But it's been shown that that is how you get ratings. If we don't want to hear/see that stuff, there are plenty of alternatives. Not every station is carrying the story and repeating on a 15-minute cycle.

Same with the internet - If you don't click the link to the news story, you don't have to read that news story. Simple.

If you want to "stay informed" about the story, as if there is actually any value to that, 15 minutes of news/day is MORE than enough, IMO. If someone is watching more news than that, they shouldn't blame the media for being upset. This stuff IS upsetting to a normal person. We should ALL limit our exposure to it. It does none of us any good.

-Al
 
Mick'nSarah said:
HGTV is safe. Unless you get inspired. Then it will cost you! That has been my go to. Too many nightmares and sitting in fear at a movie theater after this last week. We got hit twice with our shooting on Tuesday and then the tragedy on Friday. I turned on the news to see about the weather today and quickly changed it after that. We had some snow this morning, and I wanted to see the hilarity that is "The December Snow Storm" with graphics and team coverage. We had about a quarter inch that stuck for about an hour, but that is news around here in the valley. The mountains are getting feet and we can't wait to slide on the stuff. Soon!
Click to expand...

I can't imagine how traumatic all of this has to be for you. Sounds like you are doing what you can to stay sane amidst all the horror. HGTV is a good approach!! Throw a little comedy in. Laughter is good medicine, even if only for 20 minutes. And exercise does wonders. Sliding on the snow is healing!!

-Al
 
We have been keeping things off and trying to do things to help counter balance the bad in the world. Buying gifts for friends, buying a hot coffee for a homeless man yesterday during the snow, donating to the food bank, buying toys for The Great Toy drive, smiling at people, dropping coins in the St Vincent de Paul pots, holding doors, and taking deep breaths and extending patience and gratitude. It isn't changing the world, but it changes our world, and maybe it makes a few moments a day better for someone else.

The mountains are my happy place. No news there, and lots of quality time with the family. Long talks on chairlifts, laughing about how out of shape we are and what we used to be able to do 'back in our racing days'. 'Wanna go for a run?' is the skiers version of 'Lets grab a drink and catch up.' For me it is a place to remember, enjoy, and plan.

Now that Laddy skis on his own, we are getting more days in, which is not only really fun for all of us, but lifts my spirits and brings me so much joy. Especially when he gets so excited to go. He can't wait to ski this year. We will have our first day of the season on Monday. The only dread I have how is much I am going to hurt since those muscles haven't been used since April, and I am a little weaker right now, than usual. It is a good hurt though and there are a couple of massage places who I like to give my money to after the first day or two...it provides a good excuse to go!

Laddy and I also went to the movies this weekend. We saw 'Rise of the Guardians'. He doesn't scare easily, so the baddy wasn't too much for him, but I think folks with kids will really enjoy it (heck, folks without kids will like the story too). With the snow coming to us when it did, you can't help believing in Jack Frost after seeing the movie. Excellent story and beautiful scenes.

Happy holidays everyone! Hope your season is merry and bright, and the spirit of the season is with you. We wish you all the best. Stay safe out there!
 
There you go, Sarah. Knew I could count on you to lift our spirits.

Everyone had good ideas. It is healthy to shake things out in the air and, as my wise, wise grandmother would say, " Let them see daylight". As for myself, I have blown my steam and taken some of the pressure off, but this will hurt for ages - as it should.

So I will take a touch of all the good advice from all of you with many thanks. And Sarah has a grand idea about kindness and helping others and snow and fun and falling down...no, wait, the fall down is just me.

No snow in the Bay Area, but I'll find something equally fun...like seeing my grandson's first teeth peeking through those tiny pink gums. What a sweetie.

Camp On,

Sue
 
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