A Public Service Announcement from a Coloradoan

Last updated on: July 20, 2012 at 7:09 pm by Roger Wolsey

A Public Service Announcement from a Coloradoan 2012-07-20T19:09:48-07:00 Roger Wolsey

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

It’s a sad day in Colorado. Our collective hearts hurt.

I didn’t want to blog today. Blogging in response to everything that happens in the news can come across as knee-jerk, reactionary, self-serving, and exploitive. We’re called to “pray without ceasing” — not to blog without ceasing. Sometimes reverent silence is what is needed.

But I’ve been asked for a response to what just happened. So, I’m not writing a blog. I’m providing a Public Service Announcement:

1. The single best way for us to respond at this time is to give blood and/or plasma at your local Red Cross or similar agency. This saves lives.

** Colorado Locals: Bonfils Blood Center is asking for blood donations, especially O neg, A neg and plasma. The need will continue for many days, so if you can’t get in today, call 303.366.2000 to make an appointment for early next week.

2. It’s time to end the antiquated prohibition that ban gay men from giving blood. Here’s how to contact HHS and urge them to end the antiquated ban that prevents gay men from giving blood. They bleed red too and I’ll happily welcome their blood should my son or I need it. http://www.hhs.gov/ash/contactus/contactus.html.

3. Capital punishment isn’t the answer. Killing people to teach people that killing people is wrong is oxymoronic. It also costs more to the taxpayers than incarcerating someone for life. But most importantly, it goes against our faith and cheapens human life and perpetuates the failed myth of redemptive violence.

4. Calls for an increased in concealed carry handguns isn’t the answer.

One out of every five Americans will suffer mental illness at some point in their lives. Who are any of us to think that we won’t be one of that number?

Studies also show that people’s handguns are more likely end up harming them, or one of their loved ones, than it will be used to “shoot a bad guy.” Moreover, James Holmes was wearing a helmet, a gas mask, and body armor.

5. What would help a lot is to enact true universal health care in this country that provides mental health coverage. Here’s how to write our congresspeople and urge them to do that: http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

6. Another thing that can surely help is for each of us to smile at more people more often, hug more people more often, and tell more people that we love them more often.

7. Pray for the victims and their families and loved ones — and also for the shooter and his family and loved ones.

8. Finally, here’s a song by my friend Amy Steinberg that may help soothe some tender hearts.

Thank you for your prayers for the people of our state during this difficult time.

Peace.

Roger

The Rev. Roger Wolsey is an ordained United Methodist pastor. He is the author of Kissing Fish: christianity for people who don’t like christianity. In addition to contributing to Patheos, Roger also blogs for Sojourners, Huffington Post, and Elephant Journal.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

June 26, 2012

Wild Goose 2012: Jesus, Bayard Rustin, & Walter Wink Live!

Next Post

July 26, 2012 Now THIS is outlaw! Progressives with backbone.

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month May 2024 March 2024 February 2024 December 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 October 2022 June 2022 December 2021 September 2021 August 2021 April 2021 March 2021 September 2020 August 2020 March 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 September 2017 May 2017 February 2017 January 2017 October 2016 August 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 November 2015 September 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 October 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 July 2013 April 2013 March 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Marah" mean in Hebrew?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Strength Bitter Healing Blessed