Sandy Hook

The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary affected me in many ways.  Everyday a news story would come on that would bring me to tears.  I just can't mentally process why or how someone could do this to babies?  Those children were innocent!  We all blame different things.  We want answers.  Some say it is because of violent video games, while others blame gun control and mental health awareness/ insurance companies.  He, who should not be named (no glory from me buddy), had no humanity.  That is the real problem here.

Other countries have guns.  Gun control isn't the problem.  The system actually worked for him.  He was denied a gun.  Why his mother felt the need to own assault rifles is a little questionable, but nonetheless, perfectly legal.  I'm not going to fight about this issue here.  I have other points to discuss.

If you didn't join the gun control platform, you joined the mental health one.  Some don't feel the insurance companies provide enough support, and that's why he did his unthinkable act.  While I agree that mental health issues tend to be brushed under the rug, I think we are past that.  His actions were no longer human.  They were just evil.

Which leads me to my point.  Humanity.  To look at a child that is 6 years old and shoot them, is no longer a human action.  He was a monster.  We live in a culture where it is okay to be rude and snippy.  We don't treat each other with respect anymore.  We are bad to each other!  When I am driving, I know I personally have quite a bit of road rage.  For what purpose?  Because the other driver is too slow?  What good does it solve?  What happened to holding the door for someone, or helping old ladies cross the streets?  Why do we get mad at sales people and feel entitled all the time?  Why don't we smile at strangers, and if we do, why do we get looked at like we are crazy (unless they are old)? 
Forgive me for stereotyping.  I know that you are not guilty of any of these things.  My point here isn't to pass blame, but to recognize a problem.  I have no doubt that mental health issues are part genetic and part environmental, so my suggestions may help or maybe not.  I want people to look at each other for what they are.  They are people.  They all have family to go home to just like you do.  They have feelings just the same.  They are affect positively by that smile you gave as you walked past.  They appreciate the gesture of holding the door for you so you don't drop your Chipotle (I dropped mine.. true story).   Waving to your neighbor shouldn't be awkward, even better, get to know them!  Let's get back to the golden rule.  I want to be treated like gold, so I better reciprocate! 

Now, I'm no fool.  Do I know for certain changing how we treat people could've prevented that?  No.  I have no idea.  I think "he" was no longer human.  He had lost his humanity along the way.  Maybe he still would've been crazy.  Who knows.  I just would like to think that if "he" or another like him, had been treated like gold, he would've had less motivation.  I want them to know that they were cared about and loved (not now, before their actions).  I want them to see that all people are inherently good, as Anne Frank believed.  I also believe that mantra.  Perhaps that is my flaw? 

So my faithful blog followers, here is your mission.  Go out and be good.  Easy enough.  Don't let doors slam into other people's Chipotle.  When a baby throws their toy outside the stroller unbeknownst to mom, give it back.  Let pedestrians cross the sidewalk without huffing and puffing.  Don't yell at the McDonald's people, mistakes happen.  You live once, why be grumpy all the time?  Make a difference in somebodies day, hopefully they take that cue and reciprocate.  Maybe it will get to that disturbed individual who has given up on society.