Comments on: CouRAGE

By: Christine Moffatt

Christine Moffatt — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 03:30:57 +0000

Going over some older emails after months of being diverted by divorce craziness. Anyway, this post struck a chord with me. While gun control in our culture is something I believe needs serious attention, I also feel strongly that mental health care is a huge part of the problem. I too, have made a decision to take some action in my own community and have begun the process of building a not for profit dedicated to helping families get support when their loved ones are affected by mental illness. All too often, families are suffering in secret because of shame, fear and lack of opportunities to get support in their communities.

Family Oxygen has a simple, but important mission to organize support groups where families or friends can interact with others dealing with the ramifications of mental illness and it effects on the entire family – and the community. We will be launching a network of meetings in the New York area this summer (eventually we plan to expand much further). It is our hope that by offering support to families a place to share their story in a confidential setting it will help chip away at the stigma of mental illness that too often forces families to deal with escalating symptoms of a loved one by themselves with sometimes disastrous results. Mental illness isn’t experienced in a vacuum and in order for a patient to truly heal, they need the people in their support system to be healthy too. A caregiver isn’t going to be any good unless they put the proverbial “oxygen mask” on themselves first and sometimes that “mask” is simply a safe, nonjudgemental place where a family doesn’t feel alone.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:22:08 +0000

Thanks, Val. It’s going to take a lot of small steps to create big changes. Right now I’m focusing on signing as many petitions as possible and joining other groups that have already built tremendous momentum like One Million Moms for Gun Control http://onemillionmomsforguncontrol.org/

Check out what they are up to–I think you will be impressed.

By: Valerie Brooks

Valerie Brooks — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:20:11 +0000

Thanks, Becky, for putting your energy here and on this problem. We can change, but we need to get the influence of the NRA out of Washington. I was amazed at the amount of dis-information being sent around the internet and had run ins with friends who surprised me with their positions. I posted a number of Snopes corrections where I found false info. I love what your followers had to say and we need to keep our actions going.
Bravo!

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:56:47 +0000

Thank you, Lynne. It’s mind-boggling how the 2nd Amendment has gotten distorted, and how the economics of the gun industry has inspired those who benefit most to stir up fear to increase sales. The article you shared reinforces all the reasons why we need to prevent such senseless loss of life–especially of our society’s youngest and most vulnerable.

I’m heartened today by Obama’s speech. “With rights come responsibilities. The time to take action is NOW.”

By: Lynne Favreau

Lynne Favreau — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:27:30 +0000

I applaud your response and wholeheartedly support endeavors to end this type of violence. Yesterday, I read this article, http://forward.com/articles/168277/noah-pozners-family-remembers-and-mourns/?p=all and all I could think was how dare anyone believe they have a right to methods of mass murder. We need to keep the discussion on the front page until legislation/action is taken to protect society from these type of atrocities.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:12:34 +0000

I wish I had seen it. Television is a rarity around my house. I’ll have to see if I can track it down. Thanks for letting me know.

In the meantime, here’s a link to MomsRising.org http://action.momsrising.org/sign/Walmart-Weapon/?fs=fb organizing a petition to push Wal-mart to stop selling assault rifles and high-capacity magazine clips.

By: injaynesworld

injaynesworld — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:09:58 +0000

This week General McChrystal (sp?) was on Morning Joe advocating for gun control legislation. That was pretty impressive.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:00:50 +0000

I agree, Jayne, that hearts and minds are the most important elements in this conversation. Our country clearly a long way to go, but I feel like a whole lot of people who have remained silent in the past, have finally reached their tipping point on this issue and are now willing to stand up and make their voices heard. I’m glad to you know you are one of them!

By: injaynesworld

injaynesworld — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:33:06 +0000

As it is said, it takes a spark to start a flame and I can feel the fire in your words. It’s long past time to take a stand against those who have perverted the Second Amendment to suit their own selfish desires. In a civilized society, individual rights must be balanced with community rights. Just because one may have the legal right to own one of these military-style killing machines doesn’t they have the moral right, but I’m afraid it will be necessary to change hearts and minds before it will be possibly to change laws. I’m with you all the way, Becky.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 20:22:23 +0000

Nancy, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love this part the most: “I remain hopeful, determined and committed to finding a path of peace.” So beautifully said.

Here’s to courage and action in the new year ahead and to finding solutions that bring more peace to our country.