Jay and Sammy's Comments

Hi Jay and Sammy, and everyone!;

  I wanted to respond to your great comments in post form.  I am still searching my thoughts on the post you offered your comments;
  As I considered fear, as I considered the spreading and maintenance of fear, I began to think on the concepts of prejudice.  Now, most people in our day and age would be quite adamant that they are not prejudice.  I am sure that many of their best friends are black, chinese, irish, gay.... add tag here...  Interestingly enough, it wasn't all that long ago that there were comments along the line that "Irish" were undesirables.  "Italians".  "Native Americans/Indians".  Again.... add tag here.  People are talking a lot about Hatians, Mexicans, and if you talk with some in Florida you will here a lot about Canadians.  People see differences in others and, perhaps, a fear response of what that will do to their own position in that little society, perhaps just for someone to hate?  I don't know, but it isn't long before some group of people are deemed undesirable.

  I believe the perpetuation of fear is the culprit.  I believe that the news agencies, like Sammy specifically mentioned, are the culprit.  And, I find it interesting that so few people own such a high majority of the newspapers/media.

  Presumed innocent; looking at someone and thinking that they are no less a man than I, no more into trouble than I, no more likely to pillage, plunder and rape than I, is lost it seems.  Those in power thrive on fear as a motivator, and knowing that frightened people are not the most logically equipped of people, have no problems with ridiculous rants and predictions of doom.

  Thoughts?  Take as much space as you wish.... I would love to find a better direction for my scattered mind.   Hugs.

The Presumption of Innocence

  Good Afternoon all those bored enough to come to my blog. ;)  I've had a thought bouncing about in my mind for some time now, and while not fully formed it still seems time to get it out.  I hope you all can follow this ramble...

  It wasn't all that long ago that I was a kid, oddly enough in the very same neighborhood in which I still live.  It was an exceedingly safe neighborhood then, and in my experience it still is.  And yet, there are some who are afraid to have their children ride their bikes unsupervised on the same streets I ran carefree.  In fact, it could be argued that things are safer in this neighborhood now than ever; there are now no less than five police officers taking up residence here and at least 4 teachers - I would presume more of each.  Yet, parents are afraid.  Why?  Crime rates are similar if not less than when I was a kid.  All crime rates - ok, not the "cyber-crimes".  Computers where not "desk top" then, much less "lap top".  
  It has been argued in the past by many people that our news agencies thrive on an attitude of fear.  "If it bleeds, it leads".  People thousands of miles away from a violent crime are frightened, yet it is completely inconceivable that any part of that particular crime could touch them.  Why?  Fear sells, of course.  But, what does it cost?  Big question there:  what is the cost of fear?
  I've never been considered the bright one in the room - and let's face it, if I am found to be the bright one in any particular room, that is one troubled room!!  But, slowly I've realized that people are fearful and negative all too often, myself included.  The stranger on the road is not one who looks to be hurt, hungry, needing a place to rest and a cool drink; he is the violent ax murderer, the burgler casing the joint, the sex fiend stalking the wife, kids and dogs, the psycho just itching to lose his mind all over someone's family.... etc.  
  

   What ever happened to that basic concept of expecting the best of people?  Whatever happened to presuming that someone is not out to rape, rob or murder someone?  We used to have this legal concept of "presumed innocence" where the state had to prove that someone had committed a crime.  We can't go on "it could happen", or "he did it once and even though he paid the price for it we believe he'd do it again in a moment", or even "I gotta carry my gun everywhere I go because any minute now someone could go flipping insane!!!!".  

  I don't know; I don't know where to go with this thought.  Maybe you all have the next step??  Comment away.....

hugs

randy  

Love

I am blessed to be loved.  I am blessed to have someone waiting for me when I come home, deliriously happy to see me.  She loves to cuddle, she loves to play, and she loves to steal the bed from me inch by inch as I sleep.  She makes me smile, laugh, and occasionally shake my head in frustration.  But, always, she loves me.  She is my Gracie.

  Here is a wonderful story of how love is a two way street.  How we are better people because we love, not who we love.    Hugs.  randy.

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/07/19/schoep-the-arthritic-dog-made-famous-in-viral-photo-dies-at-age-20/?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial&hpt=hp_t3

Animals can become viral stars for any number of reasons: a hilariously grumpy face, an exquisite fashion sense or even just a ridiculous amount of cuteness. But Schoep, the German Shepherd mix who just died at age 20 on Wednesday, owed his internet fame to a photograph taken last summer.

The original image, captured by photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, featured the dog and his owner, John Unger, sharing a peaceful moment in Lake Superior. As the Pioneer Press reports, Unger, of Bayfield, Wisc., began taking his then 19-year-old pet into the water to help soothe the dog’s joint pain from arthritis. The buoyancy of the water, he found, helped lull Schoep to sleep. Unger’s friend Hudson, who wanted to capture the pair’s relationship, snapped the now-famous photo one evening and posted it on Facebook. The touching image soon swept across the web, turning Schoep into a canine celebrity. The original photo has been shared more than 214,000 times over the past year and helped raise funds for the elderly dog’s care. Animal lovers from across the globe donated more than $25,000 to cover veterinary bills, laser eye treatments and medications not just for Schoep, but for other aging dogs from low-income families in need of special care as well.

But unfortunately, just a month after celebrating his 20th birthday, Schoep has passed away.


Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/07/19/schoep-the-arthritic-dog-made-famous-in-viral-photo-dies-at-age-20/#ixzz2ZhyoSEHY


A quick note:  20 years old for a German Shepherd is fabulous longevity.  r.
Here is another example of love:  http://scottiestoybox.com/2013/07/20/a-soldier-is-welcomed-home-by-loving-pup/

Beautiful

I am no art critic, so I guess I have no idea if this is good or not in the art critic's guide to snobbery.  I saw it and it grabbed my heart, so I guess that's the sole definition in my book.  I don't know the artist.

  I am captivated by the dual concepts of strength and vulnerability.  I'm just a bit mystified by the slight reflection at the bottom.  I want to know what has this man so sorrowful, so broken.

RIP Trevon