2023 was a devastating year in terms of the number of Americans who died by suicide. More than 50,000 individuals lost their lives, marking the highest number on record. This statistic hits close to home for me, as I personally experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide. The harsh reality is that the quality of life in our society is on a downward spiral, and as a result, suicide rates continue to increase. We are living in a time where most people are struggling to make ends meet, one medical emergency away from financial ruin. The combination of financial instability, a hyper individualistic culture, and a lack of community support creates a perfect storm for individuals to feel like they can’t go on.… Continue reading
The tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of a New Mexico State Police officer by a driver he tried to help is a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day. The senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of a hero who was simply trying to assist a driver in need is truly heartbreaking. It is unfathomable how someone could commit such a heinous crime, not only taking the life of a paramedic and stealing her car but then going on to kill a police officer who was there to help.
The fact that the perpetrator, Jaremy Smith, showed no hesitation in his actions and operated on pure impulse is chilling.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the alarming reports of hundreds of experts signing a petition warning of Trump’s cognitive decline, I can’t help but draw parallels to personal experiences with dementia in my own life. Watching a loved one struggle with the symptoms of dementia was heartbreaking and difficult, and seeing similar signs in Trump’s behavior is deeply troubling. The sudden garbled speech, the vacant stare, the moments of confusion – these are all too familiar to me, and it’s unsettling to witness them in someone who holds such power and influence.
Despite the clear signs of cognitive decline, it seems that Trump’s supporters remain steadfast in their unwavering loyalty.… Continue reading
In 2024, as the political landscape begins to shift once again, it is crucial that we address a topic that has been looming over the presidency for years – the mental illness of former President Donald Trump. The signs have been there all along, with experts pointing to a laundry list of symptoms that align perfectly with narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. It is alarming to think that someone with such a toxic combination of personality features could hold the highest office in the nation.
Trump’s blatant disregard for the truth, his inability to admit fault, and his constant need for validation all point to a deeply rooted mental illness.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and frustration when thinking about the recent conviction of the father of the Michigan school shooter, just weeks after his mother was also found guilty of manslaughter. The sheer negligence and lack of care displayed by these parents is truly appalling. As a parent myself, it breaks my heart to imagine a child reaching out for help, only to be laughed off and ignored by those who are supposed to protect and care for them.
The fact that these parents attempted to flee, leaving their son to face the consequences of his actions with a public defender, speaks volumes about their character.… Continue reading
I can’t help but be deeply affected by the recent events that unfolded in Pennsylvania. The news of the shootings that led to a shelter-in-place order being issued and businesses closed, with the St. Patrick’s Day parade being canceled, is truly disheartening. It hits home on a different level when it happens in your own community. The fact that it appears to be a domestic issue involving the suspect, Andre Gordon Jr., who killed his stepmother, teenage sister, and the mother of his children, adds to the tragedy.
This incident raises important questions about gun control, mental health, and the sense of community in our society.… Continue reading
I can’t even begin to comprehend the depths of desperation and despair that must drive a mother to attempt to sell her own child to a store employee for a mere $500. The news of a Florida mom accused of such a heinous act is not just shocking but also incredibly heartbreaking. The idea that a child could be treated as nothing more than a commodity, a transaction, is beyond belief.
The employee’s refusal to go along with the transaction may have potentially saved the child’s life, but it also sheds light on the grim reality that some individuals are willing to stoop to such lows.… Continue reading
The news of a suspect barricaded in a New Jersey home after killing three people in a Philadelphia suburb hits too close to home. Literally hearing the helicopters hovering above for hours brings a chilling realization of the horror that has unfolded. The fact that all the victims are women, including his stepmother, 13-year-old sister, and the mother of his children, speaks volumes about the targeted nature of this heinous crime. It makes you wonder – how could someone act so violently towards their own family members?
In the midst of such tragedy, the issue of gun violence rears its ugly head once again.… Continue reading
Nex Benedict died by suicide, as stated by the medical examiner’s report. This news hit me hard. It’s heartbreaking to think about the pain and suffering that must have led Nex to take such a drastic step. It’s infuriating to know that this bright young soul felt so trapped and hopeless that death seemed like the only way out.
The fact that bullying played a significant role in Nex’s decision to end their life is deeply disturbing. It’s a stark reminder of how toxic and damaging bullying can be, especially when it goes unchecked and unpunished. No child should ever have to endure such cruelty and torment at the hands of their peers.… Continue reading
As I read the headline about a California officer shooting and killing a 15-year-old boy holding a gardening tool, my initial reaction was one of shock and disbelief. The ambiguity of the phrase “holding a gardening tool” left much to the imagination, ranging from a peaceful gardener tending to his plants to a violent attacker wielding a dangerous weapon. The headline seemed intentionally misleading, painting a picture of innocence that was far from the truth.
Upon delving deeper into the details of the incident, it became apparent that the situation was more complex than initially portrayed. The young boy, Ryan Gainer, was not just casually holding a harmless gardening tool; he was actively engaging in a violent altercation with his own family members.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker