Why write?

Hi. It feels like forever since I have written a Marla’s Musings.

I suppose it has been weeks, maybe a month or two. And, although I have started a few before this one it feels like there is too much to say, or that I am a broken record, or I wish I had different subjects to write about…

But, no. It’s the same issues – and really they are worse. It’s pretty disheartening. Since I last wrote there have been a least two more (maybe three) large mass shootings. Since I last wrote Roe vs. Wade was overturned and life has become much harder for women in America. Since I last wrote the Jan. 6th committee has held more hearings with damning testimony that should make all Americans upset.

But, here’s the thing: nothing has changed. I mean when it comes to people – thinking, and people believing, and people coming together.

Yes, it’s pretty disheartening.

We just celebrated America’s Independence Day and for the first time I did not feel like we deserved to celebrate our country. I felt like it was fake holiday, and we were putting a glossy picture up, to hide the mess. And, with almost choreographed evidence a domestic terrorist committed a mass shooting at a 4th of July parade in middle America. Another young, white male, obviously mentally disturbed decided to buy up high powers weapons and go on a rampage, killing the parents of a 2 year old, and others who should be alive to enjoy retirement and grandchildren. Dozens others hurt. Hundreds there traumatized. Millions of Americans now nervous to go anywhere in public to places where people gather.

People like me, people who want to see more, stronger, sensible gun laws cry when these events happen. People like me hurt, and get mad, and call Congress, and post their outrage. But others stay quiet. It’s obvious. I see you. It’s disheartening.

Shouldn’t we all be outraged by what is happening?

But, I know the machines that stir the political pots have turned us into their robots. We let them feed our brains with endless hours of pseudo news. and opinions, and sometimes downright lies. We don’t question anything anymore. We don’t even consider other possibilities.

The latest example is the story going around right now that Tim Allen has been replaced to voice Disney’s Buzz Lightyear with Chris Pratt. It could very well be true. A reporter asked Tom Hanks (the voice of Woody) about it and Tom simply said he didn’t know why Tim was replaced. Today there are posts and rumors going around that Tim Allen was fired because of his political leanings. I don’t think anyone from the movie company said that that was why, or gave the public any reason. Yes, Tim Allen has on his own been an outspoken voice for the conservatives. That is his right to speak his mind about politics and other subjects. But, people have also been mean to Tom Hanks about it. My husband read me some comments that he saw today, and they were directed at Tom, using nasty language, calling him out, saying he was in on Tim being replaced.

Really???

Please, where is proof of any of this? People – stop jumping to conclusions. Please stop thinking the worst of others, and blaming some that may not even be involved. It is over-the-top what we get fed these days and too many of us believe these made up, slanted, often untrue stories.

I don’t know Tom Hanks but I think he might feel like a pawn in this. In a few days this all will calm down, and Tom will be fine. The machine will be on to fabricating something else to get people stirred up.

The machine knows how to create chaos, to the point that nothing is believed.

It is really disheartening.

But, I will not stop hoping for some sanity. I still believe that some people have integrity, and are honest – especially when giving testimony under oath. I have to believe it. If not, it’s an extremely sad and serious downward spiral. Already I wonder how we can return to civility with each other. If we can’t honor other humans, and believe them, what are we??? Who are we???

I guess I know now why I have not written a Marla’s Musings for awhile before today. My head and heart hurt – for the innocent gunned down on a regular basis, for women with no choice unless finding a secret path to another state or backroom, for half of this country that won’t speak up for honesty and belief in each other.

It is so very disheartening.