Where Is the Love?

I suppose today's title is cheesy, and it may seem like I'm being glib about our latest national tragedy, one that happened less than ten miles from my son's apartment. I am sick. How can people hate so much? Then that dumbass from Texas (whose name I refuse to say) quoted scripture that justified the killings. I had thought earlier about how hard it would be for conservatives to decide on a side to take; essentially it boils down for them to being "pro-gay" or "pro-Islam". That must be a hard choice for the haters. Even our usually-big-jerk governor showed compassion and solidarity for our state and all our citizens. Again, I am sick.

Next month, my son will graduate from a school very close to where this happened. We have a family meal planned afterwards at his favorite restaurant, a steak and seafood grill that it literally around the corner from the location of the shootings. My entire family, including my granddaughters, will be there. Should I be afraid? Not only is this the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, it's the closest one to me and most of my family. I'm not trying to make this about me in any way; I think many people have these thoughts now. Should I stay home? Should I go out? Should I hide just in case something might happen? My thought on all of the above has always been a resounding no. Even though previous attacks have been farther from home, I have known people who used them as an excuse to avoid school or work. Maybe they were truly afraid, but that's the real way the terrorists win, when they change our way of life.

One last (minor) point, because I think the idiot from Texas will not be the only one to make Biblical allusions regarding this situation, gay people are not the only ones who go to gay clubs. I am heterosexual and have been to at least two gay bars, one by accident and one where a blues singer I like was playing. The "God-people" who spout this kind of shit are themselves playing God; they don't get to sort out who should or should not die at any particular place or time. So I will invoke God here myself: In the name of all that's holy, please love each other. That is, in my view, the only thing that might help.