Was the newly released video from the shooter’s body cam? Or from his hand-held mobile phone? That needs to be made clear, especially if it’s his cell phone. Holding on to the phone in one hand and the gun in the other and not dropping the phone in the critical moment of shooting…would say something about his intention and his lack of fear.
Excellent essay. Thank you. I am older with no direct descendants and I can see clearly where we are headed. One of the things that amazes me is the assumption that things are going to go along the same, that a sports schedule several years hence is actually going to happen for instance. It might, but we may be in utter chaos in a few years.
I,too am older with no direct descendants and in a long term relationship. We decided a long time ago that we would try to do our part to lessen our footprint on our planet. We try to use less single-use plastics, recycle as much as possible, drive very little, lower our thermostat, compost, grow our own vegetables.... we all need to be more responsible for our planet. Generally speaking, humankind is a very SELFISH species. We are RAPIDLY destroying our nest!!
Thank you for another brilliant essay, Mary. This one is among your best, and that's saying something. My wife and I have three grown children that live outside the home. We tried to instill every fiber of our environmental conscience into them, make them aware that if they didn't take an active role in doing their part, that they would just be adding to the misery that their children are sadly probably already guaranteed. The regime's stripping of all environmental regulations, and pulling out of all international climate accords (the only country in the world to do so), is grotesque and shameful. The message it sends to not only the world, but especially to Americans, is seismic in its callousness. Absolute power corrupts absolutely has never been more apt as we watch a wannabe tyrant do his best to claim unchecked dominion. I truly do fear for us.
Thank you so much for this, it really means a lot. Also a quick clarification: I’m Shanley, and I’m the one who wrote this piece. Mary is my mom, so being mistaken for her is honestly a huge compliment (and I’m genuinely grateful you read it in her voice).
What you shared about raising your kids with an environmental conscience really landed. That kind of steady, values-based parenting is real work, and it matters, even when the larger political moment makes it feel like everything is sliding backward.
And I hear you on the fear. Watching protections stripped away and global commitments treated as disposable can feel both grotesque and destabilizing. You’re not alone in feeling shaken by it.
Thank you again for reading, and for caring as fiercely as you do. Sending a lot of solidarity to you and your wife.
Was the newly released video from the shooter’s body cam? Or from his hand-held mobile phone? That needs to be made clear, especially if it’s his cell phone. Holding on to the phone in one hand and the gun in the other and not dropping the phone in the critical moment of shooting…would say something about his intention and his lack of fear.
Yes it was his cell phone. And it appears that he moved the phone from one hand to the other when he reached for his gun.
Excellent essay. Thank you. I am older with no direct descendants and I can see clearly where we are headed. One of the things that amazes me is the assumption that things are going to go along the same, that a sports schedule several years hence is actually going to happen for instance. It might, but we may be in utter chaos in a few years.
I,too am older with no direct descendants and in a long term relationship. We decided a long time ago that we would try to do our part to lessen our footprint on our planet. We try to use less single-use plastics, recycle as much as possible, drive very little, lower our thermostat, compost, grow our own vegetables.... we all need to be more responsible for our planet. Generally speaking, humankind is a very SELFISH species. We are RAPIDLY destroying our nest!!
Thank you for another brilliant essay, Mary. This one is among your best, and that's saying something. My wife and I have three grown children that live outside the home. We tried to instill every fiber of our environmental conscience into them, make them aware that if they didn't take an active role in doing their part, that they would just be adding to the misery that their children are sadly probably already guaranteed. The regime's stripping of all environmental regulations, and pulling out of all international climate accords (the only country in the world to do so), is grotesque and shameful. The message it sends to not only the world, but especially to Americans, is seismic in its callousness. Absolute power corrupts absolutely has never been more apt as we watch a wannabe tyrant do his best to claim unchecked dominion. I truly do fear for us.
Thank you so much for this, it really means a lot. Also a quick clarification: I’m Shanley, and I’m the one who wrote this piece. Mary is my mom, so being mistaken for her is honestly a huge compliment (and I’m genuinely grateful you read it in her voice).
What you shared about raising your kids with an environmental conscience really landed. That kind of steady, values-based parenting is real work, and it matters, even when the larger political moment makes it feel like everything is sliding backward.
And I hear you on the fear. Watching protections stripped away and global commitments treated as disposable can feel both grotesque and destabilizing. You’re not alone in feeling shaken by it.
Thank you again for reading, and for caring as fiercely as you do. Sending a lot of solidarity to you and your wife.