You said you write, at the core, the same newsletter every week. I think that might be because the world needs the reminder every week. Please keep it up—there are infinite variations and facets on your main through line. It’s also a really accessible way to dig into thinking about what it is we’re all doing here in this life.
I don’t mean to diminish your excellent points, but you state, “I live in a country where, every few weeks, a massacre occurs...” which caught my attention. There have been 27 school shootings in the US so far in 2022. We’re almost 22 weeks into the year. That is not all mass shootings, the ones at grocery stores, etc. Just schools: more than one a week. In total, there were 213 mass shootings in the US as of May 15. That’s not one every few weeks; that’s more than one a day.
I would like to start with the fact that there are many people and races that enjoy the shooting sports ,hunting and owning and bearing arms. I live in Alaska and I hunt. There are too many people in our country who can survive by not working not laboring and staying busy and too much time on their hands. Maybe I am naïve and it seems like a busy person has no time to scheme up harm for others especially if you’re just trying to pay your bills and get to the point where I am, I own a home, have a small pension and comfortable. Laboring and carpentry work most of my life and still working some in my 70s
Sounds like you've lived a really full life of honest labor, Hans. A lot to admire about that, for sure. As for the hunting, I've got no qualms with that either. I'm not a hunter myself but I love a lot of folks that are, and I'm not all that concerned that hunting rifles are the cause of all this death and destruction. That's all I really care about; helping more of my neighbors across this country live healthier, longer, more dignified lives. Appreciate you taking the time to write.
Thank you Garrett. And for the church-going readers of this newsletter: https://fmumc.org/devotionals/just-breathe/
Thanks for sharing that- it's really lovely.
Thank you, Garrett. As always, you help me make sense of what my heart is struggling with.
Like your writing so often does for me!
You said you write, at the core, the same newsletter every week. I think that might be because the world needs the reminder every week. Please keep it up—there are infinite variations and facets on your main through line. It’s also a really accessible way to dig into thinking about what it is we’re all doing here in this life.
That really means a lot, Katie. Thank you.
I don’t mean to diminish your excellent points, but you state, “I live in a country where, every few weeks, a massacre occurs...” which caught my attention. There have been 27 school shootings in the US so far in 2022. We’re almost 22 weeks into the year. That is not all mass shootings, the ones at grocery stores, etc. Just schools: more than one a week. In total, there were 213 mass shootings in the US as of May 15. That’s not one every few weeks; that’s more than one a day.
Good point!
As a former Milwaukeean and fellow writer and parent, thank you for finding the words to articulate exactly what’s been weighing on my mind.
Thank you, and thanks for keeping our city in your heart.
Thank you for your thoughtful words that pry my mind open bit more.
❤️❤️
care and solidarity to you and your family
Appreciate that, Lee.
Thank you Garrett. ❤️
Thanks for sharing your words with me today as well.
Feeling solidarity with all that you have written.
Solidarity is the perfect word for right now.
I would like to start with the fact that there are many people and races that enjoy the shooting sports ,hunting and owning and bearing arms. I live in Alaska and I hunt. There are too many people in our country who can survive by not working not laboring and staying busy and too much time on their hands. Maybe I am naïve and it seems like a busy person has no time to scheme up harm for others especially if you’re just trying to pay your bills and get to the point where I am, I own a home, have a small pension and comfortable. Laboring and carpentry work most of my life and still working some in my 70s
Sounds like you've lived a really full life of honest labor, Hans. A lot to admire about that, for sure. As for the hunting, I've got no qualms with that either. I'm not a hunter myself but I love a lot of folks that are, and I'm not all that concerned that hunting rifles are the cause of all this death and destruction. That's all I really care about; helping more of my neighbors across this country live healthier, longer, more dignified lives. Appreciate you taking the time to write.