The Right To Arm Bears

Not many members of the wild kingdom own guns. I think a coyote was busted with a large stash a while back but I digress. The most common owner of a gun is you or me. Hunting or personal protection are the most common reasons one would own guns. Let me say right off the bat that I have no problem with responsible gun ownership. How we define responsible is the query I am considering.

Police officers must go through training. Hunters take classes as well. Those who wish to apply for a concealed carry permit must also pass some stringent tests. The everyday person though only need wait the required time before they take possession. Mental health issues aside how can we be sure that these gun owners know just how to use it?

A number of issues come to mind. How the gun is stored and maintained is important. It must also be secured and the ammunition kept separate from it. When it is used and for what reason must be considered. Assuming a gun owner has these bases covered there is still one fact that we take for granted. Not all who own a gun actually know how to shoot it.

Most people think that it is simply a matter of aiming and firing. Unless your target is directly in front of you there is a good chance you will miss. Some guns must be cocked before firing. Do all owners know how to un-cock a gun if they choose not to fire? We may not think of these things until it is too late. Those who know their gun inside and out may not visit a gun range very often. If practice makes perfect this must be the best reason to do so.

Despite all the precautions one may take, such as using a gun lock or locked gun storage, youth still manage to get their hands on Dad's firearm. When it is used by whomever there are still plenty of examples of bystanders being shot and killed. In some counties and states it is not clear just when one can shoot a burglar for instance. Even when defending one's home one can be charged with a crime. Some laws exist to prevent what is seen as overkill when an assailant only has a knife or bat.

Gun owners have every right to keep and bear their arms. This right should not be infringed. There are some limits that I think are necessary though. Semi-automatic weapons are not necessary to hunt. Bambi is not packing heat and is really no threat. If in the course of firing a weapon an innocent is shot or killed there should be a strong punishment waiting for those who pulled the trigger.

So much time is spent trying to limit gun ownership by law-abiding citizens in an effort to reduce their sheer number. Take the guns from the gangs who have no business carrying them and rely on decent people to use theirs with discretion and reason. We will not bring back the days of the wild west if good people are allowed to protect themselves against the bad ones.

Gun ownership is a right guaranteed by our constitution. It was a good law then and it is a good law now. The protections in place and the precautions taken when selling guns are good ideas. We should stop assuming that just because you have the cash you also have the necessary knowledge as well. We must learn about what the laws require and exactly how this deadly weapon works; inside and out. Nothing can offer us full security. Upholding our rights though is a damned good place to start.

Poetry In Motion

Recently I went to see my favorite minor league baseball team. The Toledo Mud Hens are a "AAA" team that is part of the Detroit Tigers' franchise. They built a new stadium a few years back. This was my first chance to see all of the improvements. Compared to the Tigers the parking was cheaper, the seats were closer and the fun overall was greater. Baseball is more than our national pastime. The sport is a thing of beauty to behold.

I do not dwell on what people commonly complain about. Expensive tickets, high salaries and drunken fans are beside the point. The wonder and beauty I see cannot be spoiled by such mundane trivialities. Baseball is really very simple at heart. A pitcher tries to throw a ball without it being struck. A batter tries to hit the ball with all his strength. The other players' sole purpose is to provide support.

It is exciting to watch and wonder just how the pitcher will throw the ball. We wait breathlessly to see how the batter will react. The scoreboard offers many statistics but it is the field we watch. With hot dog in hand or peanut shells underfoot we root for our team and hope for the best. Positive thinking permeates all who attend the event. Player and spectator alike smile inwardly as they focus outwardly.

There is that singular moment in any game which defines the beauty I previously mentioned. The ball is thrown. The batter swings. We hear the crack of the bat and watch the ball sail effortlessly toward the outfield. We rise and cross our fingers. The ball continues its trajectory and a home run is achieved! The crowd melds into one voice as they cry in exultation. One lucky patron may leave with a prize greater than most men dream of.

So much emotion is felt by so many. We watch this game with love in our hearts. The actions on the field make us feel so alive! We live vicariously for those few hours through those whom we idolize. It is not just the delight we feel that draws us. It is the return to a state of childlike innocence that keeps us there. We secretly long for that feeling and satiate it whenever the opportunity arises. This is why baseball is so connected to our hearts and minds.

Baseball is played in many countries. Children everywhere grow up playing some form of it in their neighborhoods. We collect the memorabilia and souvenirs that connect us to the players we love. No other pastime represents the best in humanity. What else can create such adrenaline without any side-effects? Baseball will always fill us with happiness and hope. Go out and enjoy it no matter where it is played. Break out your mitt, forget your worries and be a kid once again!

For Health Reasons

Our lifespans would be much shorter if not for advances in health care. Prescription drugs save lives. In a few cases there is only one drug that makes us feel better. Those who suffer from glaucoma or the effects of chemo know what I am talking about. Marijuana, or more specifically Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), makes these individuals feel much better. It reduces feelings of nausea and lowers the amount of pain. The drug is illegal unless under specific circumstances. It is best to look at both sides of the issue.

Can Marijuana do harm? For those mentioned above it may increase quality of life. There are safe and clean places to purchase it. Leaf and pill form are made available to anyone who can pay. There are times though when this drug ends up in the hands of youth. Adults have been known to drive while under the influence and cause accidents. Not all growers act in a responsible manner. Their farms create industrial type wastes and increase crime rates in the surrounding area.

Users argue that it is a cheap high. They maintain that it makes them feel good, allow them to be more creative and that there are no long term effects. Scientists have not come to a consensus as to Marijuana's cumulative physiological effects. Whether it is a "gateway" drug has been highly debated. I maintain that it is. Like any aspect of life, when it stops satisfying our desires, we seek out more and greater of an effect. Drugs overall are no exception.

Although Marijuana is taxed, few people out of fear of arrest, actually pay what they owe. Crime rates increase due to drugs. Costs to enforce existing laws are more than some communities can bear. Harm reduction rather than prison is a viable option. It costs a state much more to house non-violent offenders than to decriminalize the use of Marijuana. These financial costs as well as others must be weighed against the common good.

Even though the drug helps those whom are sick there are still laws against casual use. THC pills should be freely prescribed by doctors for the ill. Arrest for the others is appropriate. There should be a price to pay. This price should not include prison but instead we must find a way to treat these individuals. It would be better for all concerned. More money would be available for public services rather than housing and feeding criminals.

There is another way of looking at the problem of illegality. Police spend far too much time going after Marijuana users. Dealers, by their very existence, increase local crime rates. It might be best for the United States to simply decriminalize the drug but control its growth and its distribution. In this way the criminals are taken out of the loop. People would then be free to enjoy the drug without fear of reprisal. Those found guilty of crimes committed while under the influence would incur a stiffer penalty.

Much good could come from Marijuana if it were made legal. Hemp can be used to create clothing, paper and food items. People would be free to do what they like in the privacy of their own homes. Treatment of disease or sickness would not hold such a stigma. Crimes rates would be reduced and a new source of revenue would be found by state and federal governments. Marijuana addiction would be openly treated by hospitals and clinics. Adults who provide the drug to youth would still be prosecuted as they would if it were alcohol or another drug.

This is not likely to happen. Harm reduction is simply not practiced here. It is for the same reason we do not believe in preventative medicine. We, as a society, do not pay attention to an issue until it becomes a problem. I am a realist. I believe that Marijuana does little harm as compared to other illegal substances. Far too much time and money is spent on fighting its growth, sale, and use, housing non-violent criminals and local crime committed by dealers. It is high time we decriminalize Marijuana and save millions in taxes. Society would be better served if we stopped fighting the monster that propaganda created.

Little Things

I went to the grocery store today. Christine and I enjoy shopping at a particular grocer despite the fact that it is not terribly convenient. We like their small size and large selection. The only aspect of the experience I do not like are the rude customers. Some people act as if only they exist. Instead of getting upset I take a deep breath and think about the little things in life that make me happy.

We sometimes forget that it really is the small details that make us smile or give us warm feelings. Seeing a cute baby or new puppy makes even the most cold-hearted stop and look. Watching seeds grow into beautiful flowers makes us feel good. A nice and relaxing drive allows us to simply enjoy the scenery. Even an hour spent in quiet reflection brings a sense of peace we sorely lack.

Most of us have an endless list of tasks we must accomplish. We get so caught up in what we must do we never find time to do what we would like to do. I admit that it feels good to end my day with having all jobs completed. What about the things we want to do rather than have to do? It is not easy to integrate our work selves with our other selves.

I would like to enjoy my hobbies or catch up on my reading. I tell myself how important these things are. Being busy feels so natural that I give little thought to these things during my day. The last thing I want is to fall behind and end up in a proverbial hole. When I fall behind on some tasks they become that much more stressful when I finally make time to handle them. There seems to be some price to pay no matter how efficient I am. Something always falls by the wayside.

So what is the solution? I wish I knew. Christine and I are both in the same boat. We are perfectionists and workaholics. Neither of us can ever do enough in a day. We never quite feel good about ourselves no matter how hard we work. This is something we both have in common. Being too hard on ourselves may just be the root of this issue.

There are some ways we can combat this problem. Being easier on ourselves is the first step. We must be willing to admit our own limitations. Seeing that relaxation and enjoyment are just as important as work is the next step. Scheduling chores and games will help to balance our days. It is so hard to be objective about this issue. Christine and I decided that we would help each other devise a plan for change. Each of us is better at helping the other than we are at helping ourselves.

Can you relate to any of the issues I have mentioned? I am sure my wife and I are not alone in this. Many of us spend too much time with work and too little with friends, family and ourselves. This problem is far from simple. I do not mean to suggest otherwise. I only hope that I have offered some guidance toward fixing the problems in your own life. You never know what words of advice will be useful to you. Maybe you will find a few as you peruse my blog. Stranger things have happened!

We The People

I was quite harsh when writing my last post. I offered extreme points of view without offering any new insights. I simply have little faith in our political system. It seems to me that politicians do whatever furthers their careers without taking us into account. Only when they are pressured or threatened do they make an effort to create positive change. Not all political figures are so shortsighted. Some people get into politics to better others' lives.

We must admit that although power corrupts there are some that are above such petty concerns. Idealism cannot be killed by adversity. This is why some of those who represent us continue to do what is right. Some of whom we elect take our needs seriously. They see the problems in our lives and in our communities. They work hard to make things better for all.

Politicians cannot perform their good work without our input. We have an obligation to take part in the political process. It is said that one letter is treated as many. Our leaders assume that many people feel as one letter writer professes. Your one voice and your one vote can do a world of good. Do not assume that a problem will be solved when no one speaks up.

Please do not let the cynicism of my last post dissuade you from becoming politically active. There are so many little ways in which one can make their voice heard. We can all choose a particular cause and work toward making things happen in a positive way. All laws were created because people spoke up and got the message out. Learn the names of those who represent your interests and contact them about your needs and ideas. Keep speaking out and keep the faith!

Give And Take

To serve others is a calling for some and an hourly job for others. A few individuals aspire for greater recognition and responsibility. These people wish to lead with the altruistic goal of service to all. We call them politicians. I contend that those who are elected start their careers with good intentions. Soon enough they discover that money and power is the name of the game.

Just who takes from society and who gives? We all do. Politicos may wish to meet our needs. They listen to their constituents. They do so in order to understand how best to lie and manipulate us. In reality they perform acts and make speeches that make them appear to be making a difference. They want to please us, or at least, appear to be doing so.

Our politicians want to keep their jobs as much as the rest of us. They have to play the game to keep the money flowing. Some of it may actually trickle down to us. We pay our taxes ostensibly to allow us to take advantage of public services. I think we all know that many of these services are used by those who pay little of the costs involved.

We are no better as we try to get what we can. We cheat on our taxes. We lie to get what we want. Some might argue that the system is flawed. We have no choice but to fib when necessary if we are to get our needs met. There is too much red tape. We made the system what it is. We voted for it. We have no right to complain.

Who would we complain to anyway? Power corrupts and those who represent us are about as corrupt as they come. The only reason they spend so damned much on their campaigns is that they know they will make it all back... and then some! We give our vote and they take whatever their position and authority will allow them.

I have very little faith in our political system. What I do have faith in are the few individuals who really make a difference. They are the quiet ones who work behind the scenes. They do not seek accolades nor remuneration. You rarely learn their names but their deeds speak for themselves.

Life is all about giving and taking. Give what you can and take what is fair. Aspire to be like those special souls who work towards the betterment of all. It is fine to look out for your own best interests. Too few can be counted on to take care of us. In the meantime we can do what the politicians cannot. We can serve our fellow citizens. You who give without taking certainly have my vote.

Not My Shoes

It has been said that things come in threes. This is my third post about people dealing with people. We all have our individual burden to bear. Our pain is no less nor greater than what our neighbor endures. My wife manages her COPD and I deal with my Fibromyalgia as best I can. We all suffer silently in some fashion. It is easy therefore to think only of ourselves. When we make a decision that may affect others we must put ourselves in the other person's shoes.

My other recent posts cover all that I can say about thoughtful and considerate human interaction. I believe that it takes a strong person to sublimate their own desires in favor of helping another. We can all do this in ways that are big and small. Altruism is a noble pursuit. This is what I hope will develop within you as you read my blog. At the very least we can emerge a bit more from our cocoons and reach out to others. Love and kindness are rewards unto themselves. Try it today. I guarantee you will feel so good inside!

Follow The Rules

Children are taught to always follow the rules. Society as we know it might come to a screeching halt! Which rules to follow and when changes as we age. People become more discerning. There are penalties adults pay when rules are broken. The mind balances the potential rewards with the potential of getting caught. Not much thought is given to how often our laws, or rules, are fractured. I believe that we could all use a good reminder about the benefit of playing by the rules.

State and federal laws must come first. Murder is a big no-no. Paying taxes is another necessary evil along with jury duty. Obeying the speed limit is a must unless one does not mind paying tickets. These laws were enacted with the sole purpose of keeping us safe. Taxes pay for public services. The courts ensure the just are freed and the guilty punished. Traffic is controlled in order to reduce roadway fatalities.

Every city has its share of ordinances that every resident must obey. Trash can only be put out one day a week. Lawns have a height limit. Broken down autos are not to be kept in one's backyard. These and other rules exist so that uniformity is achieved and to protect our property values from falling. Just one ugly home or yard can affect the values of an entire block.

There is also another type of rules that are not written in stone. They might be found in books on etiquette or in a Ms. Manners column. They are covenants of a sort that help to ensure we all get along. It is all about being thoughtful and polite. Saying "bless you" when someone sneezes. Preventing your grocery cart from hitting another shopper. Not invading someone's personal space. They all help us live in peace with each other.

As adults we tend to follow the rules less and rationalize our actions more. An old adage comes to mind: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. As vital as it is to think critically about our actions it is just as important to consider how they affect others and the world around us. I do not wish to sound like a broken record. I have discussed this issue in previous posts. Let this simply be a reminder that other people matter too!

Hidden Consequences

I recall an episode of Judge Judy where a person was sued due to damage to their vehicle. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant had allowed her shopping cart to roll into her car. There was a dent as a result. The defendant claimed that she was not responsible. I still see people who leave their shopping carts everywhere. Individuals do not always consider the consequences of their actions.

So often when shopping for groceries I see carts strewn about. Some take up parking spaces. Others are resting against the side of a stranger's car. I have also seen them abandoned in parks and on street corners. It is the responsibility of the store to gather them up to be sure. In the meantime there are cart corrals where a customer may leave it after they have finished their shopping.

There are other examples of laissez-faire attitudes. Garbage is strewn about our roads and highways. Drivers regularly use their cellphones while commuting. These behaviors are not limited to automobiles. Diners in restaurants care little about the fact that waitstaff is taxed whether or not they receive a tip. It may be natural for a dog to bark but what about the nuisance the noise causes others?

I am sure that you can come up with your own examples of annoying behavior or pet peeves. There are many who just do not care how their actions affect others. I believe that this has a cumulative effect. We develop greater disdain for those whom we do not know. We slowly, over time, become downright selfish. Any behavior can become a habit. Only seeing what affects us is a terrible way to live. Other people simply become roadblocks that we barrel through with nary an afterthought.

Not all of us act in such a cold and careless manner. I am speaking to those who think that as long as their needs are met, what else is there to discuss? There is a world outside of your head. People exist and their wants and needs are as valid as yours. Try to consider others. When you act please do so in a manner that you would expect from another. Selfishness makes one small and petty. Be a big person and let your generosity and caring shine through!

Class Is In Session

I do not remember much of my school years. I attended more than a few institutes of higher learning. There is one aspect of my educational experience that stands out in my mind. I usually hung around with people who seemed to be like me. I always enjoyed being near other computer geeks. Wherever they went I usually followed. This behavior is not unusual. Most young people are more comfortable with those they feel are like them. We tend to carry this mindset over into our adult years. We seem to classify others based upon ingrained prejudices.

It is natural as an adult to try and fit in. We learn this behavior early on in life. As children we are more open to those who look differently than we do. We have not yet learned about societal norms at such an early age. As we age we tend to see people as fitting within various strata. We base these feelings on skin color, income and other factors. As we grow we make decisions based upon which strata we feel most comfortable.

We are not that complicated. The strata above contains those whom we try and emulate. Their lifestyle and opportunities are what we work so hard to obtain. Those below us are those that we look down upon and decide that we are better off in comparison. Reaching for greater heights has its own inherent difficulties such as unrealistic expectations. What I am ashamed of is looking down at others and thinking that we are somehow better and more worthy.

Many times in my own life I have seen those whom I thought were beneath me. It made me feel better about myself to look upon them with such derision. I saw their behaviors and told myself that I would never be like them. I would never do the things that they do. Yet every time I thought this I was proven wrong soon after. Each situation I wrongly believed I would never experience always showed up at my door. I became a fool time and time again.

I really believed that I was better than others. I was so damned sure that there were things I would never do or say. I made many bad choices and got knocked down a peg or two every time. I have learned the hard way not to take people for granted. We are all susceptible to the same vices. Prideful thinking affects all of us. Any one of us can fall from grace. We should be willing to accept the first hand from a stranger trying to pick us up.

We need each other. We are all fallible beings. You never know from whom help will come. When it is offered please take it; no matter their appearance. They may not dress or speak or act like you do. Their donation into the family of man can be as great as yours. Eventually we all end up in the muck and mire of life. Take the hand offered you and be grateful. Be that hand for another. Understand that we are all the same in the eyes of our maker.