Tag: Abuse

Nearly 40,000 People Died From Guns in U.S. Last Year, Highest in 50 Years – The New York Times

Frederica R. Burrage

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/18/us/gun-deaths.html

GUNS KILL.

This is my Sunday Soundoff: I don’t mean to offend anyone, but I’m offended. We all need Prayer! No matter what God you pray to, utilize his or her guidance and comfort. Everyone should be saddened by the rise of gun violence in this country. If you don’t believe in a God, do something or say something to make a positive difference in your local community and government.

Who came up with this ridiculous statement: “Guns don’t kill”? Really? Stupid people use guns to intimidate, harm others and kill animals and humans. What regard is there to life? Self defense cannot be used in all cases.

Unarmed people running away (be it fear or cowardice), don’t deserve to be murdered on the street by police officers. Teens are killing each other over petty issues. Children are shooting their parents with their own guns because they were not safely secured. Safe and secure seems to be the same thing but not in these horrific circumstances. Homegrown terrorists are murdering hundreds of innocent people. Meanwhile, the president of the United States is inciting fear and hatred of brown immigrants. What Gives?

Everyone deserves the same rights- to feel protected by our parents, our peers and most importantly, by our government leaders without judgment.

No matter how many strides we make, as individuals, as a country, as a race, a class of people, we fall short. The cycle of bias, abuse, hatred and violence, in America continues. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? I’m still searching. Shine your light on what matters to you and your family. Stay focused on what is happening right in your neighborhood. Be aware and speak up for what is fair for all. Try to avoid negativity and shine bright!

#PrayforPeace #ENDviolence #Blessings #BetheLight #Love #Coexist

Me Too Am Speaking

Frederica R. Burrage

COCOA BUTTER MASK

I move with pride                    even though I hide                      the pain inside-                            I speak of shame                      not to defame                                or place blame-                        the embarrassment              was a detriment                          to my temperament-                    I didn’t choose to be a part of any movement or hash tag-      especially if the requirement meant that I’d be privy to sexual molestation-                It is with hesitation                that I proclaim            victimization-                    This is sad…                                  However, my aim                  is to lose the humiliation            that I hold inside-                        The resentment survivors carry, can vary                      from fear to anxiety-                  from depression to grief.            By standing up against abuse,  it’s a slight relief-                      Do I regret speaking up about the who touched me              that night? No-                              At the time (age 10),                    I lied and stated that                nothing was wrong                      but I cried-                            What made me think            that I could be strong enough    to say something,                      to tell my truth-                            When I did                                    I was not believed-                      It was not a reprieve                  It was a game-                              The only thing I achieved was  the name of  a liar.                      Him, he became the victim-      I tried to tell                                  that I was playing in Hell            with the devil                        with a grin-                                    He actually smiled at me            ever so gingerly                      like he was protected-                I felt neglected                          My family                                    did not help me                        My feelings were rejected-        I did not receive a hug,              a kiss or a pat                            on the forehead.                          I got yelled at instead-                Usually my mother                      coated our ills            with Cocoa Butter…                      it was better than pill-          This time, she seemed torn, confused, removed, worn.        I had nobody-                          My scars were infested              by sores                                      My skin bled with spores            of contempt.                                  I was used-                                    Even though                          years have gone by,                      therapy does not conceal            the harmful memories-                                                                        Prayer and meditation helps    to heal the clutter of emotions.  Forgiveness is key-                      I am writing my truth                to liberate me from hate.            Holding such rage in                  is not healthy-                              I pray that I can          shed some anger            towards this dead man.              I will forgive him one day-        My bruises are mine.                  Other people have died              trying to hide much pain.          I say ENOUGH!

My testament is to inspire,      to empower other people          to come forward.                        SPEAK UP!                          DON’T BE AFRAID!                      Seek assistance and put a stop  to this violent crime          before it repeats-                      It’s time to SUPPORT            each other-                                    LISTEN to one another              and mend scars                      that don’t fade-                          Let perpetrators know                their mistreatment won’t be tolerated and they will be punished!

#MeToo     #AmSpeaking            #Itriedtotell     #MyTruth

Reduce the fear                          of double victimization              by giving an objective ear        to someone in need.