Spring for Some
By Leslie Noyes
Spring comes early in Florida.
Flowers blossom and the grass grows taller. Bees pollinate, birds court, squirrels scamper. It’s a time of life and renewal.
But as I walked around my yard today taking these photos I was overcome with grief. Surrounded by this display of life in bloom, I stopped to pray for those whose lives were cut short by a gunman last week in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen people who won’t experience spring’s beauty. Young people who will never get to hold their own babies or experience the joy of being a grandparent, growing old with their spouses. I prayed, too, for their families whose lives will never be the same.
One individual with a high-powered rifle ended the hopes and dreams of 17 people in less than five minutes. Was he mentally ill? Perhaps. Did society fail him? More than likely. Did numerous agencies fail to do their jobs? Perhaps, but until someone commits a crime these agencies often have their hands tied. If he hadn’t had easy access to guns would he have found another way to attack? It’s possible. BUT, he DID have easy access to guns, and this access allowed him to literally destroy 17 lives and figuratively destroy hundreds of others.
So stop with your second amendment talking points. Let’s do the right thing and begin looking at real solutions to gun violence in this country.
Peace, please, people.
Praying for Eyebrowz 
I am with you, Leslie. I am so proud of those students for articulating the hurt and fear they have experienced. Washington talks, but will they act. I for one will not vote for anyone with the NRA in their pockets.
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I’ve been reading that several corporations are dropping the relationships they have with the NRA. They understand money more than anything else.
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Whatever works. I, too, heard that a bank of Omaha had a NRA Visa card that they discontinued. Good for them. Hit them in the pocket book and maybe that will get their attention since just basic human morality doesn’t.
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It breaks my heart that 17 souls will never again experience the beauty of spring.
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Breaks my heart, too. The lost potential.
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So well said, Leslie
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Wish it didn’t need saying. 😢
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Yes
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I’m at least gratified to see such unexpected support from corporations who want to disassociate with the NRA. Conservative blogger Jennifer Rubin in the Washington Post today commended them. There are at least glimmers of hope out there. Great post, Leslie. – Marty
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Thanks, Marty. I’ve been circulating petitions to convince corporations to do just that.
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All those flowers and a post that honours the young victims. Probably one of the most effective comments I’ve seen on the subject.
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Thank you. I’m on a mission now.
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If I were in the USA I’d be right by your side,
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I know!
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