Rights and Responsibilities
Today is going to be a long day and it will last most of the night as well.
I can only walk a few feet without being forced to sit because of unrelenting pain…I can stand for a minute or so.
Despite this, I have positioned two cat carriers at the front door.
I have separated essential medication from non essential and have situated them next to a backpack that already contains my laptop, a phone charger, and a power brick.
I will go fill the car with gas shortly…as soon as my pain meds kick in enough to get to the car.
I have to be ready to evacuate myself, two cats, an elderly woman with advanced dementia, and a non communicative disabled brother.
I have no idea where the hell we would evacuate to.
Three years ago a fire burned much of my town to the ground.
I had to evacuate us then…I was unprepared that time.
I have to be prepared today as it is the 4th of July and and today many people around me will celebrate their freedom by setting off fireworks in 100 degree heat, despite what happened in 2020.
It’s their “right” to do so.
Their “rights” supercede the risk of setting fire to the town again, the risk to pets ,and the PTSD many veterans experience when the mortars explode.
Veterans aren’t the only ones who have PTSD…those of us who lived through the fires become anxious at even the smell of smoke in the summer.
As with many of the issues that plague us, all the talk is about “rights” and there is no conversation about “responsibility”.
I long ago gave up my “right” to fireworks in favor of my responsibility to love my neighbor as myself.
Unfortunately, due to my health, I’ll be unable to help my neighbors evacuate when the exercise of their rights results in the need to do so.
End of rant.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July…
glad to see that some are replacing fireworks with alternatives, although the illegal fireworks are rampant in socal despite police efforts to curb their use
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fireworks-displays-drone-shows-4th-of-july-celebrations/
Richard,
I celebrate all the creative alternatives to celebrating!
Michael,
I’ll be praying for your safety today. The Big Ben Lomond fire was close enough to me (you could see the glow and we were inundated. by smoke) to make me improve my evacuation options. Three of my co-workers lost their homes and had to move out of the area because they couldn’t afford to rebuild here.
I’m not sure if it’s rights and responsibilities anymore. I think some people are just stupid!
Linn = amen…. some people just cant think
“I think some people are just stupid!’
I’ll say the amen…
we should ALL be praying for Michael
Thank you, Em.
If you all could add my godson to your prayers…he’s having a mental health crisis and need a touch from the Lord.
It’s a brutal time to be a young man…
🙏
Yes, it’s still daylight for at least another hour, but some in the neighborhood are already testing out their mortars. I love mortars–I bought a bunch on my last excursion through the northern territories that sell gobs of them, but I use them sparingly and without being obnoxious. Tonight, I won’t be using them at all as my heeler/border collie is quite anxious with the explosions. I’ll be baby sitting her until all calms down.
If hell breaks loose, I’m 45 minutes away–bring ’em all.
Michael, praying that your preparations are only precautions, and can go unused.
fil, your generous offer makes me smile.
moderation is the middle ground that has been lost in this age of American extremism. I’ll try to practice some with my whiskey on ice. 😉
Linn, do you still live near Ben Lomond? Not sure why, but I was under the impression that you lived in the San Diego area.
Capt. Kev–my door is never locked, not even the whiskey cabinet. We raised seven kids so we’re used to crowds.
Captain Kevin,
I live about 20 miles from Ben Lomond in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. San Diego would be nice! But U’n very happy here.
fil,
That’s very kind of you…actually, it’s just who I’ve always known you to be.
I am praying for you & your family Michael…so many difficult things going on at one time! Also for God to keep your home safe 🙏🏻
pslady,
Many thanks…it’s been intense.
We made it through the night…I was worried for Liam, but he was just annoyed by all the noise and went to sleep. 🙂
Linn, that’s a nice area. It has been many years since I’ve been able to drive long distances, but I would often stop in Ben Lomond on my way to or from Oregon to eat and stay in one of the cabins at the Tyrollean Inn.