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Day 208: Is it "Enough" Yet?

My inner peace was shattered yesterday over a plate of butter chicken and dal at the Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant in Salem.

Add http://www.tajmahalsalem.com/
My mother called, sounding distressed. I think she was crying. She told me to turn on the news, there had been another shooting. I told her I was at a restaurant. They only played the "Punjabi" Indian music channel.

 So she filled me in.  It was still an active shooter situation in San Bernardino, California.  I told her to take a deep breath. I would call her back after I got to the bus station. They had wi-fi, I could get breaking news on my Kindle.

 I finished my lunch.  I did not mourn the loss of my inner peace.  I believe it is important to stay alert and informed in this world.  Noone can help or make changes if they turn their back on suffering and injustice.

 I walked downtown Salem, through the capital mall, past the"Walk of Flags". It occurred to me that life goes on.  Everyone seemed to be going about their normal life in Salem, Oregon. While there was terror, fear, and death one state south of ours.

 I got to the bus station and found a little corner with an electrical outlet. I sat crossed legged on the floor and plugged my Kindle in and started to read.  I heard some commotion beside me. I looked up to see some Cherriots Bus employees putting up Christmas decorations.  They were all smiling.

 It struck me as bittersweet and ironic that the shooting took place at a Christmas party at Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino,

 I had images of the "Who's" from "Whoville" in Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". You know, near the end when the Who's wake up to find their trees and gifts had been stolen. The Grinch is sitting up on his mountain with an evil grin. He is expecting moans and wails of sadness. 

But instead he hears singing: "Fahoo fores, dahoo dores
welcome Christmas, come this way..." (Welcome Christmas, by Geisel, Theodor S. / Hague, Albert
( http://www.metrolyrics.com/welcome-christmas-lyrics-dr-seuss.html)

He didn't ruin Christmas afterall!  

I don't think we are as resilient as the Who's.  Most of us. Not yet, at least. I think where many people are at is self preservation and denial.  Many just simply do not watch the news. Or change the subject to more pleasant topics. Like sports. Or Christmas shopping.

 Forgive me, but this sickens me.

 I refuse to become complacent. I vow to not become desensitized. I would rather turn away from commercials that encourage us to spend money, and reality shows that dumb us down. I will continue to watch every possible news coverage and pray and cry for the victims. I have so far. I will be there for the next attack. Unfortunately it is not a question of if there will be another attack, but when. We will not move forward if we do not get out of our comfort zones. Comfort, in my humble opinion, is over rated. Especially in this broken world where people are fighting just to survive.

 I have seen many tweets, posts and blogs with the words "enough is enough!"

  When will enough be enough?





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