Originally Posted by Bucco (Post 1516362)

Originally Posted by cologal (Post 1516398)

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.

Originally Posted by ColdNoMore (Post 1516405)

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. :ho:

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee (Post 1516426)

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 graciegirl (Post 1516430)

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 (Post 1516436)

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.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1516436)

You can vote.

You can decide where to spend your money.

Originally Posted by fw102807 (Post 1516446)

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.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1516463)

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.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1516463)

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.

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1516496)

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.

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1516496)

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1516430)

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 cologal (Post 1516501)

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.