Photo owned by The Grand Rapids Press
To the Grand Rapidian Powers That Be:
First things first, do not panic.
I know the initial instinct upon witnessing an act of free expression is to suppress it. This is a perfectly natural response for those marinated in lifelong conservatism, lightly sauteed in self-righteousness.
The “graffiti” currently gracing your beautiful city streets is what us “common” people call art. [READ MORE]
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EDITOR’S NOTE: My heart goes out to the families that were affected by this horrific, tragic event. My prayers and meditations will be dedicated to you. May the Creator grant you strength, fortitude, and comfort during this terrible time of adversity.”
On the evening of July 7, 2011; an armed man took to the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan; murdered seven individuals (one of them a child), holed himself up in a home, took two hostages, initiated a standoff, before finally killing himself.
This is a tragedy.
A shame.
An outrage.
A downright, unnecessary display of heartless, senseless violence.
However, as we raise our voices in collective mourning and protest, it is imperative that we aim our rhetoric in the direction to which it is due.
And, I maintain, as I always have — the correct target is not the 2nd Amendment, but rather the various loopholes and oversights, which allow and even encourage the placement of illegal, unregistered weapons into the hands of criminals. [READ MORE]
I know, I know … it’s been a while since I’ve written, and some of you are probably thinking I’ve forgotten you, fallen off the face of the Earth, or completely neglected my own personal weekly writing challenge for 2011.
I assure you, I have not.
In the last five days, I’ve moved four states from my home, settled into a new apartment, and am undergoing in-processing for a career course I’ll need if I ever hope to advance.
As soon as I can settle into this new routine, I’ll be right back on the writing grind, ranting, raving, and asking all those questions I like to ponder.
In the meantime, enjoy this great comic brought to you by one of my favorites (click the comic to visit the site and find more goodies):
