There have been sixteen days so far this month. There have been fifteen murders so far this month. DC is in the midst of a crime emergency and it completely blows my mind. Think about it - the fifteenth murder took place early yesterday morning, which means that, on average, one person has been killed every day this month. ONE MURDER A DAY. It is completely beyond words and yet I struggle to put it into words because I don't want to not think about it.
On the other hand, war seems to be on the horizon in the middle east and there the death toll rises at a much higher rate. The world is a scary place sometimes. What blows my mind, though, is how the "crisis" can be on the news every single day and yet people still seem to have no idea what is going on. The other day I heard commuters discussing it on the Metro and from what I gather they firmly believe Israel is fighting with Palestine. I also overheard people who clearly believe that Israel is overreacting and is fully to blame (well, less Israel and more "the Jews" - seriously, people say these things...out loud...in public). And I suppose there are those who are perfectly content not to know what's going on at all. I mean, really folks? The American media has already dumbed it down an awful lot for you. Do try to keep up, will you?
Finally, and trust me, I know this is NOWHERE near as serious or important, a heat wave is about to hit DC. In case you didn't know, DC really only has a few temperatures in the summer and if it's not rainy and kind of gross then it is sunny, HOT and ridiculously humid. We're in the latter stage now. For instance, it is 11:10 pm and eighty degrees outside...and not a pleasant 80 degrees. The next few days should break 100 degrees and that's WITHOUT factoring in humidity, etc. Ick. Just ick.
4 comments:
i hear ya... it is scary -the violence between Hezbollah and Israel and possible (probable) consequences, and the ignorance and/or indifference of americans.
-Marcia
I knew you'd understand.
My mom told me last week that she likes talking to my friends because we are so aware of what is going on in the world, unlike the students she works with. Hope the heat wave lets up soon. It is already 90 degrees in Neenah!
Cole
You have inspired me to be more aware and more knowledgeable (did I spell that right?) about whats going on. I may not be one of your students, but you are still a good teacher.
Karen
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