[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Bucco

Those who now have equal rights (like using bathrooms etc) or women who now can vote are two quick examples that show how this country has had marches and it successfully worked.

This is not a kingdom.

And if we find a way, or even just DISCUSS how to protect our precious voting, that might help, but those who can call it fake.

Exchanging views, and protesting with free speech USED TO BE SOMETHING REAL AMERICANS treasured.

Might I also add, that no one has the right...to not be ****ed off.

And your point about how peaceful marches have righted wrongs in this country a number of times...is dead on.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by cologal

I like a movement that has started after this shooting.

People are sending checks to the politicians which are made out with THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS instead of money.

Oh I would like to shake her hand: Quote:

Amid endless calls for “thoughts and prayers” instead of legislative action in response to mass shootings, a woman in Michigan decided to take matters into her own hands.

After Wednesday's mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, Fern Malila mailed a letter and a check in the amount of "thoughts and prayers" to Representative Jack Bergman, a Michigan legislator.

“Dear Rep. Bergman,” she wrote, “since you and your colleagues in Congress seem to feel that this is the solution to mass murder, please accept this contribution.”

Maybe, just maybe, we could start a letter writing campaign along those lines!

Originally Posted by ColdNoMore

Might I also add, that no one has the right...to not be ****ed off.

And your point about how peaceful marches have righted wrongs in this country a number of times...is dead on.

Yes peaceful marches have changed things in the past but things are very different now. I am as ****ed off as anyone but I am also fearful of large gatherings.

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

Oh I would like to shake her hand: Quote:

Amid endless calls for “thoughts and prayers” instead of legislative action in response to mass shootings, a woman in Michigan decided to take matters into her own hands.

After Wednesday's mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, Fern Malila mailed a letter and a check in the amount of "thoughts and prayers" to Representative Jack Bergman, a Michigan legislator.

“Dear Rep. Bergman,” she wrote, “since you and your colleagues in Congress seem to feel that this is the solution to mass murder, please accept this contribution.”

Maybe, just maybe, we could start a letter writing campaign along those lines!

Love it

[graciegirl]

Most of us use the term "thoughts and prayers" kindly, as an expression of understanding and an outreach of love and compassion. We have all used it at a time when there are no words to use that will alleviate the grief and pain another is suffering.

I am afraid that it isn't the thoughts that are now being held in disparagement, but the prayers.

And that is troubling and heartbreaking for many sincere and good people who are innocent of any wrong doing and have no intentions of harm.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Most of us use the term "thoughts and prayers" kindly, as an expression of understanding and an outreach of love and compassion. We have all used it at a time when there are no words to use that will alleviate the grief and pain another is suffering.

I am afraid that it isn't the thoughts that are now being held in disparagement, but the prayers.

And that is troubling and heartbreaking for many sincere and good people who are innocent of any wrong doing and have no intentions of harm.

No one is questioning this but I believe what this woman did was send a symbolic message that we will no longer support legislators who refuse to take action.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

You will not change anyone's mind by sending a check written out to "thoughts and prayers" but you will **** off a lot of people.

I totally disagree with you - of course! Who would be p****d off by sending such checks?

If this became a National movement I believe enough politicians in this country would sit up and take notice! There is real power in people when they band together to get something done - you only have to look back in history to the Freedom Marchers to see how much difference can be made. There is an anger in this country that I have never seen before.

The only thing better would be using the Voting Booth to make ones feelings known.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

You can vote.

You can decide where to spend your money.

Yes and what she is doing is telling her legislators that she will not send them money or vote for them until they do their job. These politicians need to know that we are unhappy with them and their lack of action and that their chances of re-election are not good if they do not do something.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by fw102807

Yes and what she is doing is telling her legislators that she will not send them money or vote for them until they do their job. These politicians need to know that we are unhappy with them and their lack of action and that their chances of re-election are not good if they do not do something.

Some do not blame the legislators. Some think the shooter was to blame. Or the shooters mother. Or genetics that caused his illness. Or the FBI who didn't act on the tip.

I willsay it again. Minds are not changed by arguing and fighting. Things in this country are changed by voting. Or how we spend our money.

[Bucco]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Some do not blame the legislators. Some think the shooter was to blame. Or the shooters mother. Or genetics that caused his illness. Or the FBI who didn't act on the tip.

I willsay it again. Minds are not changed by arguing and fighting. Things in this country are changed by voting. Or how we spend our money.

The blame is the shooter, nobody else....To even venture to, or to list as an option the FBI is just plain ludicrious and very political

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Some do not blame the legislators. Some think the shooter was to blame. Or the shooters mother. Or genetics that caused his illness. Or the FBI who didn't act on the tip.

I willsay it again. Minds are not changed by arguing and fighting. Things in this country are changed by voting. Or how we spend our money.

Actually, Gracie, most of what you say here is tragically true.

But I would say “arguing” with some people will not change their minds. There are those who cannot bear to acknowledge reality because then they would have to deal with it so it is easier to allow themselves to be pawns. But I am seeing others who are waking up, looking around, and paying attention — and looking between the lines.

And — about that “how we spend our money” thing you said — right, right , right. But, you see, those young people who have witnessed unspeakable horror don’t have any money. Lobbyists have money. Lots and lots of money. And money talks.

But, for the first time, in nearly two decades of school shootings — the slaughter of innocents — I am hopeful because I have seen those thinking, articulate young people commit themselves to the future of our country. They might not have money, but they have power — and they cannot be bought.

And, yeah, this old high school teacher stands beside those kids.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Boomer

Actually, Gracie, most of what you say here is tragically true.

But I would say “arguing” with some people will not change their minds. There are those who cannot bear to acknowledge reality because then they would have to deal with it so it is easier to allow themselves to be pawns. But I am seeing others who are waking up, looking around, and paying attention, and looking between the lines.

And — about that “how we spend our money” thing you said — right, right , right. But, you see, those young people who have witnessed unspeakable horror don’t have any money. Lobbyists have money. Lots and lots of money. And, yeah, money talks.

But, for the first time, in nearly two decades of school shootings — the slaughter of innocents — I am hopeful because I have seen those thinking, articulate young people commit themselves to the future of our country. They might not have money, but they have power — and they cannot be bought.

And, yeah, this old high school teacher stands beside those kids.

WE ALL STAND BESIDE THOSE KIDS. THAT IS THE POINT. We each BELIEVE WE have the answer and think we are changing other people's minds. WE ARE NOT. We each have one vote. All we do is aggravate each other. None of us killed those children and none of us want any more dead from guns, knives, airplanes, bombs, poison in our water, thugs, thieves, or mentally sick people. I don't think teaching young children to hate in any form is good stuff.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Boomer

Actually, Gracie, most of what you say here is tragically true.

But I would say “arguing” with some people will not change their minds. There are those who cannot bear to acknowledge reality because then they would have to deal with it so it is easier to allow themselves to be pawns. But I am seeing others who are waking up, looking around, and paying attention — and looking between the lines.

And — about that “how we spend our money” thing you said — right, right , right. But, you see, those young people who have witnessed unspeakable horror don’t have any money. Lobbyists have money. Lots and lots of money. And money talks.

But, for the first time, in nearly two decades of school shootings — the slaughter of innocents — I am hopeful because I have seen those thinking, articulate young people commit themselves to the future of our country.

They might not have money, but they have power — and they cannot be bought.

And, yeah, this old high school teacher stands beside those kids.

[cologal]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Most of us use the term "thoughts and prayers" kindly, as an expression of understanding and an outreach of love and compassion. We have all used it at a time when there are no words to use that will alleviate the grief and pain another is suffering.

I am afraid that it isn't the thoughts that are now being held in disparagement, but the prayers.

And that is troubling and heartbreaking for many sincere and good people who are innocent of any wrong doing and have no intentions of harm.

Gracie, this movement is in response the Congressmen and Senators who take money from the NRA. Then when another one of these mass shooting all they say is "our thoughts and prayers". Its long past time for action in regard to the AR15.

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by cologal

Gracie, this movement is in response the Congressmen and Senators who take money from the NRA. Then when another one of these mass shooting all they say is "our thoughts and prayers". Its long past time for action in regard to the AR15.

Should we also take action in regard to the Mini-14?