Well Amigos, The Red Man’s view from the Middle this past weekend was most upsetting as all of us Middlers gathered at the Edge to try to catch a glimpse of the chaos that broke out at a gay club in Orlando, Florida early Sunday a.m. What we saw made us shake our heads at the utter horror of the massacre taking place one more time in the gun-happy USA.
What is wrong with those people? a Middler from Canada turned toward moi and asked, Aren’t you from there? Hey everybody, listen up. Red is from America and has quite the reputation already here in the Middle. He knows it all. Let’s see what he has to say about Orlando.
More Middlers gathered around and started staring and murmuring. Sweet Lady Gaga. For once, I was struggling to find the right words.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I said I’m afraid I can’t explain why anyone would behave that way – shooting and killing mostly young people having fun on a Saturday night. I can’t explain it at all.
In the beginning Americans were more likely to be welcoming to newcomers because they were all newcomers. But the USA today is not so bright and shiny new… walls of words and labels divide them and devalue America’s diversity in a world where outside influences are a constant threat. A few of them can be a hot mess, but the majority of Americans still believe the country has stood for opportunity and freedom and the right to pursue happiness; those people will continue the war against inequality, ignorance and insanity.
I am proud to see the old woman Slow and Pretty and Spike and SuperSis make sure Casa de Canterbury shares the pain and sorrow of their brothers and sisters in Orlando and will stand with them against the tyranny of terror. That’ s all I have for you.
The crowd of Middlers seemed satisfied and gradually began to disperse and who did I see at that very moment? Chelsea!! Paw Snaps and Twirls! We are united in the Middle, and she seems as happy to see me as I am to see her! We are redeemed.
We watched the old woman Slow from the Edge together as she placed her little 1993 March on Washington flag on the front porch of Casa de Canterbury in a flower-pot.
Spike and Charly stood at attention for the flag, and Casa de Canterbury will stand at attention with the lgbtq community of Orlando. Of that, I’m sure.
Red's Rants and Raves 
It so hard to understand why these things happen. The pack at the RUC stand firm with the lgbtq community and share the pain and sorrow of those in Orlando. When people set out to kill ‘love’ you know the world is in a mess. The best we can do is continue to spread love and keep flying that ‘March on Washington’ flag xxx
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Favorite Australian Author Dianne Gray, we truly believe the RUC will stand with us – we have watched it become a home from the beginning, and we have learned the character of the people who inhabit it. We know they are people of good will toward all, and we thank them for their unwavering loyalty. Bless your hearts, as we say in the South.
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It is terrible what has happened. As I said in my blog last evening, no one has the right to take anyone’s life in their hands, no matter what color, sex, or anything. This world is getting out of hand, but how can I, just one person, fix it…………………Love and hugs
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I was wondering the same thing today, Terry. How do people of good will combat such evil? The only weapon I have is my blog. We share the same weaponry – it’s what we have – it’s what we must do.
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We must keep sounding out until we are heard . I like the way you think
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We must, Terry – and we will.
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We fight it by speaking out. I’ve been quiet, willing to see both sides, but this is a tipping point. When one right impedes the ability for other people to enjoy the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness then it’s time for change. Eventually, enough people will say Nope, not happening like this.
Much love my friend,
Ann
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Ann, of course you are right and it is like any other call for “right.” They all begin when thoughtful, committed people come together and are determined to create change. Margaret Mead says that’s the only thing that ever really does create change. We must not be silent when our friends who love their guns tell us they must have them – yes, agreed. But do you really need an assault weapon to shoot a deer? Really?
We have done too little for too long.
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Semi-automatic rifles have no place in civilian hands, but then I think guns of any kind have no place either. Horrified over the pond and hurting for us all.
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Oh, Annie…Paris…Belgium…Orlando…Germany…the lists of the names of the innocents grow too long, and Evil stalks us all. If I were King, I would insist that all guns be tossed in heaps and all people be forced to take a course in Kindness. Instead of target practice, practice kindness to each other on both sides of the Pond. It is a sad time.
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It’s like the world, the weather and the people are getting crazy, Angel RedMan. I think the world needs Extra Healing Pawkisses, before it is getting out of our paws. Love, Light and Peace ❤ ❤ ❤
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You are right, Granny – it is getting out of our paws. Love, light and peace from your Angel Red Man.
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I posted about this subject but am as always appalled at such examples of bigotry, ignorance and hatred, dear Red Man.
I was happy to hear you and Chelsea made peace. If only the past fifty years would be not in vain. I really liked “Milk” with Sean Penn fighting as his character did, up against the ones who are closed minds. I loved “Dallas Buyers Club” for the character played by Jared Leto. So glad he won for this transgender character.
The song which talks about how many seas must a white dove fly before he can sleep in the sand. . . “Blowin’ In the Wind,” speaks to me, sung since in elementary school. . .
The answer is NOT in the wind; but within US! ❤ ❤
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Indeed, you are right, Robin. The answers to hate and violence are always within us – we simply must stop. I’m afraid my generation has created quite a mess of things. When we are gone, I believe your children and grandchildren will see beyond bigotry and bullying. Here’s hoping with you.
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