News Of The Week Roundup: Week 15, 2021
Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 09:34AM Prince Philip was laid to rest yesterday in a grand funeral that was sparsely attended because of COVID-19 protocols. Seeing the Queen alone was sad on many levels.
She was utterly alone. For many watching the proceedings from home, the sight of the newly widowed Queen Elizabeth II, who will turn 95 next week, was perhaps the saddest image of the day. https://t.co/afjqGsf3Rv
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 17, 2021
There have been 47 mass shootings in just the last month in America. Other countries do not have this problem.
Breaking News: At least eight people were killed in a shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, the police said. The gunman was believed to have taken his own life. https://t.co/OdzN1Jbl1k
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 16, 2021
The Indianapolis gunman bought his weapons legally - after having a weapon seized because of his mental state. He should have never been allowed to purchase more weapons. But here we are.
Breaking News: The gunman in the FedEx shooting legally bought two semiautomatic rifles months after a gun was seized from him over his mental state, officials said. https://t.co/V1khDJ9JAL
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 18, 2021
This might be the most horrifying story I have read from the COVID-19 pandemic and boy, that's saying something:
Some Brazilian hospitals have run out of sedatives, forcing doctors to use restraints while coronavirus patients are intubated
— BNO Newsroom (@BNODesk) April 15, 2021
"I never thought I would be living through something like this," a doctor says. "The patient is submitted to a form of torture" https://t.co/WbbfqupnnK
Are you fully vaxxed and ready to travel during the pandemic? I am! In fact, I am going to Disney World in mid-June. I have not flown since the pandemic was declared in America (well, I haven't traveled anywhere, actually) and I am very excited for my trip. I am glad my flight is a short one at around two hours. Eric and I were not ready to tackle a long-haul flight wearing masks and seeing this story below, I am glad we settled on one domestic trip this year.
I thought this was interesting - and not surprising:
By nearly all measures, the religiously unaffiliated now represent at least a fifth of all American adults, rivaling Catholics and evangelical Christians as the nation’s largest cohort in terms of religious faith (or lack thereof). https://t.co/YT0KBgnzLb
— FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) April 17, 2021
And I leave you with this:
Jon Bon Jovi Jealous Of Former Classmate Who Made It Out Of Jersey https://t.co/xMg9qqn9Zt pic.twitter.com/z87ML8zII6
— The Onion (@TheOnion) April 17, 2021
Reader Comments (7)
Gun deaths. Sad. Just sad. And it doesn't seem to be slowing down.
I don't really know how to feel about the situation with Prince Phil dying. I am sorry for his family's loss. But the concept of a paper monarchy just seems so odd to me. Sounds as if he was an interesting fellow in his youth; sounds as if he was equally interesting (and, yes, controversial) in his later years as the man behind the Queen.
Kixchix, I am sure a 'none' will have their day in the sun. Seems like only yesterday (and I mean that) that people were giving JFK the side-eye, worried that his rotary phone was set up for direct conversations with the Pope! There has been a lot of harm done under the awning of organized religion. No question. But there are a lot of good people of faith (from all religions) who do deeds that help the world and their/oour communities. I have issues with intolerant people of faith who foist (or, if they aren't that tall, hoist) their own insecurities onto others. At the same time, I loathe smarmy atheists who are intolerant of others. Here I am thinking of people like Richard Dawkins. Seems like a super-intelligent chap. But that sneer just sucks the air out of any conversation that people could have about issues relating to religion or atheism. And I can take a middle position too. I give Christopher Hitchens some due, partly because he was funny (in that William Buckley/Richard Rorty/PJ O'Rourke sorta' way) and partially because he faced down death as he preached he would . . . and I do mean preached. I guess my point is this (and it echoes something I said in a recent post): people of principle, on all sides of a debate can disagree vigorously, but can also be respectful. We have to live with each other. So, by all means, make the jokes and poke fun. But recognize that you are stuck on this marble with a lot of people who think differently than you. And if you are capable of at least understanding their POV, that goes along way to making this journey we are all on a bit easier.
Speaking of which, I hope that trip goes great, Allyson! I truly do.
If one looks at the Pledge or US currency one will see, a deity mentioned. Most would think this deity was in there from their inception. No. 1954 and 1956 respectively. That wasn’t too long ago was it? Pretty far removed from the architects of our constitution.
The world is a much better place than it was 50 or a 100 years ago. I refuse to allow the outer fringe on both sides try to make us feel differently; as we navigate so much nonsense.
Peace, Love and Compassion for all. Sweet. Anybody hear the new Thunder album? Pretty rockin. Enjoy the day!
Please stop with the negative connotation of every COVID story, in one breath say well its ok to fly to fly, but don't eat or drink ?!? There is certain media establishments that say these things with certainty like it's FACT. Which it is not. Keep fear in every story vs. just making a decision for yourself
I miss George Carlin - "Oh and by the way, an airplane flight shouldn’t be completely safe. You need a little danger in your life. Take a fucking chance once in a while will you? What are you gonna do? Play with your prick for another 30 years? What, are you gonna read People’s Magazine and eat at Wendy’s till the end of time? Take a fucking chance!"
I agree with you on labels being a burden. But, respectfully, I also believe that some labels help to clarify where people stand on issues. Religious? Spiritual? Atheist? Agnostic (front or otherwise)? Those are starting points, if you want them to be, for a conversation. But I also agree with you that 'fringe' types tend to ruin it (and don't they always?) for those that take those labels seriously. So the fringe end up like An Chovi: they give debate a bad name!!!
Carlin? Hell, Lenny Bruce!!! Those two would have a field day with all of this. And that is a good truth to keep in mind: when times are tough, our jesters are often there to remind us of what we risk losing if we accept what we are told. Thankfully, we still have a few who are there to remind us of that fact. But don't ask me to name them. I risk being called something far worse that 'Him'!