Loose Ends

I’ve seen more and more people advocating leaving Facebook and Twitter for other, newer, startup social media sites.

Some are doing so for political reasons, some for privacy reasons, others because they don’t like the way either place is administrated for one reason or another.

There is a measure of validity in all those concerns.

Me?

I’m staying on both and this is why.

Facebook and Twitter are two of the last communal experiences that we share as people and a nation.

I’ve written ad nauseum about how we all used to watch the same TV programs, movies, share the same news and music, etc.

These were vital to sharing a common identity.

The constant subdividing into smaller and smaller groups where only those we agree with are is highly detrimental to having any common identity beyond our insular tribes.

I follow and friend people I disagree with intensely…because I need to know what concerns others have if we are to find common ground and real solutions.

I follow and friend people I agree with to know that I’m not batstuff crazy…

California has placed a moratorium on the death penalty.

We know that the death penalty has been given to innocent people, that it  is predominantly is given to minorities and the poor more often than wealthy white folk.

We know there are issues that need to be addressed and resolved.

We also know one the men awaiting death in California was one Richard Allen Davis, who kidnapped, defiled, and murdered 12 year old Polly Klass in 1993.

I remember sleeplessly watching the news after her kidnapping and the fervent prayers for her safe return…and the crushing news of her death at the hands of a monster.

Reform the way we use the death penalty…but don’t allow men like Davis to live after taking life.

If you Californians have lost the nerve to throw the switch, I’ll drive down and do it for you…

I’ve noted here often the case of Emilio Gutiérrez and his son who fled Mexico for their lives.

Charles Bowden wrote the story up… “We Bring Fear”…

The Mexican army wants to and will kill him if he’s deported.

After 11 years we have denied his application for asylum.

“The Mexican government will protect him”, we say…ignoring the fact that we know the biggest cartel in Mexico is the Mexican government.

God bless America…

I almost forgot…as soon as I can afford it I will go see “Captain Marvel”… and I will enjoy it much and without guilt or shame.