'Green' update

A few weeks ago I wrote this post about many restaurants no longer providing plastic straws with beverages.  Since then I've been to a couple places that have switched over to more earth-friendly paper straws, and a couple places who only give plastic straws upon request.

Then this week I saw this Facebook meme which combined this topic with another close to my heart: gun control.

While this is initially funny, it does draw the striking contrast between how easy it was to change behaviors related to plastic straws versus the nearly impossible feat it will be to change behaviors related to gun control, thanks to the wealthy NRA and greedy politicians who accept its bribes.

Sensible gun control

The well-spoken, concise students have been doing a great job articulating the need for sensible gun control both at the March for our Lives events last Sat and on TV since.  There were 2 local marches in my area on Sat but I was unable to attend due to work.

Of course Fox News and the NRA are trying to discredit these students (many from the school in Parkland FL) and have gone as far as calling them "crisis actors".  I just hope that these students and their many supporters don't tire out.  We need to keep up the pressure until change occurs.

If this were adopted hunting rifles and simple hand guns would still be legal.  And really, there's no reason for any civilian (non-military) to possess any other kind of gun.

It amazes me that the NRA, most Republicans, and many gun owners get so crazy at the thought of sensible gun control.  They leap from 'ban assault-style rifles' to 'take away all our guns'.

It also amazes me that the majority of the NRA, Republicans, and gun owners claim to be Christians yet reject many principles Jesus taught.  In the Bible at Matthew 25:35-36 New International Version (NIV) it reads:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. But Republicans are against most programs that aid people in need.  This is likely a more accurate description of the Republicans' actions:

While I sometimes feel fatigued over all the politics of the day, I believe sensible gun control is important enough that we must continue to stand up and advocate, contract our representatives, and not let gun violence become normal.

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

Only a few lumps of snow remain as a reminder of the blizzards we had nearly a month ago. This weekend the temp is supposed to reach 50 degrees so I imagine the remaining lumps won't remain much longer.

My friend Jared sent me this, which made me laugh.

Speaking of the Tea Party, have you heard about the Coffee Party? Cooperation, not obstruction in government. This makes a lot of sense to me.


Sun evening Spouse & I are going to an Oscars party at Steven & Thad's. Neither of us are big into watching awards shows, but for some reason its a whole lot more fun doing it with others. Its also a potluck, so that will make it extra fun!

My friend Jared sent me this little gem, too!


Have you read about the "open-carry" movement targeting Starbucks? It seems that Starbucks originally said guns were not allowed in their stores so the open-carry folks taunted Starbucks by arranging meet-ups at Starbucks locations with other gun-toting members. Starbucks eventually gave in. For the life of me, I don't understand why a regular citizen (not a police officer or security guard) would want to walk around in public witha gun on their hip. What is the purpose? It seems to me that these people may be overcompensating for low self-esteem, in which case they need a therapist, not a gun. Or maybe they are victims of physical and/or mental abuse who feel they need to show a gun on their hip so people won't mess with them. Again, a therapist can help with that. I'm all for people having lots of personal right, but not when they endanger the lives and safety of others. In my opinion, having regular citizens walking around with guns is like having toddlers walking around with steak knives.

This is how I sometimes feel:

I am going to Richmond again for work next week. I'm hoping to meet up with fellow blogger Kelly this time. Unsure of how much time I'll have to post while I'm gone, I've created some stuff in advance to keep you occupied and entertained.

Have a great weekend!!

Crush du Jour: Nick Wolanski