What if you or your loved one were a victim of a crime, mass killing, or other domestic terror event? What would your regrets be?
I know that it's possible that my loved ones or me could be victims of a crime, mass killing, or domestic terror event? And this reality scares me. I want a long life. I love living, and have a very long list of what I'd like to do during my time on Earth. I don't want to die and I don't want my loved ones to die too soon or face a tragic end. I want a safe, loving, good world where people thrive. I believe most people feel as I do.
So what can we do?
Sensible gun laws
First, we have to advocate for sensible gun laws and regulations. As we do with automobiles, simply start a registry of gun ownership and put into place countless laws to ensure that reasonable guns (not war weapons) only belong to those who can safely and wisely handle them. Of course it won't be perfect, but it will be a lot better. Many countries around the world have far better gun safety statistics than the United States--we're behind when it comes to gun safety and preventing senseless gun deaths. Gun safety saves people from senseless gun deaths via suicide, domestic assault, accidents, crime, and massacre.
Support good leaders
Next, we have to elect leaders that promote the greater good, leaders that inspire us to work for betterment rather than hatred, harm, divide, racism, hurt, pollution and more. Leaders like Donald Trump only incite the worst of humanity. Trump, a known leader of domestic terrorism as exemplified with his very public encouragement and dereliction of duty during the deadly January 6th Capitol domestic terror insurrection, is a hero to young killers--they have been inspired by his words of racism, divide, contempt and inhumanity. Leaders like that bring us down, down, down. Instead vote for civil, honest, hard working, collaborative good leaders that will bring out the best in humanity.
Work for healthy communities
Report after report detail the problems with mental health many face today. In a large part, I believe this is due to a lack of healthy communities. Why might your community be unhealthy? What will build greater health for your community? Work to build healthy communities where people have reasonable jobs, good pay, healthy recreation, no pollution, vital natural resources, beautiful natural lands and waterways, and needed social, medical and educational services. Healthy communities lead to healthy personal and social lives. In this regard, we have to be careful about too tight, all-size-fits-one solutions--our country is vast and diverse, and the priorities for safety and good living in one community may differ from that in another. That's why, in this regard, often times grass-roots solutions are best.
Promote positive, healthy, honest media
Trump, master propagandist, and his like-minded allies across the globe have utilized social media to promote their hate-filled, self-serving, divisive propaganda. They are talented at this as they know how to use the media to greatly and destructively manipulate people. Don't allow this to happen. Find ways to make good laws and policies to maintain honest, positive media--we can rid the media of misinformation and protect freedom of speech too. Let's do it.
No prejudice and more positive social networks
Isolation can be deadly. In many instances of mass killings or domestic terror, we see stories of social isolation and exclusion. The more we accept the vast diversity of who we are as people and what it takes for us to thrive, the less prejudice we will have and the more positive social networks we will also have. The more we are narrow minded, the less healthy as individuals and groups we will be. Our diversity is our strength.
Be positive and broad minded
Say hi to people. Ask people how they are doing. Expect the best of people. Lend a helping hand. Engage in activities online and offline that introduce you to people you might not ordinarily meet. Identify groups that are less accepted or supported in your community and reach out to help. The more we can work to build a positive world, the better we will be. Also, in this regard, don't expect people to be perfect--it's a process learning to work with and get to know people different from you in any way. Stay open minded and remember the more we extend ourselves to others and learn from them, the better and more fulfilled we become.
Refer to the stats
Most times our prejudice is related to long held myths, misinformation, and prejudices. When you find this cropping up in your mind, look to the statistics. The statistics tell the truth of a matter, and knowing the stats is a good way to relieve your mind and acts of the ingrained untruths you've buried there over time.
Do the good you can
None of us are super human. No one can do it all to make positive change, but everyday we can do the good we can. Every morning ask yourself, What good can I do today? And do some good no matter how small that is. Even a bright greeting can change a person's day for the better. You can do that.
As a people, we can always do better. We've been too complacent and accepting of inhumane acts, words, efforts--we can do so much better to prevent the bad that's possible. Let's do that.