Face-bored

My children first introduced me to Facebook in December of 2009 as a place to find old friends and possibly family. It was a time in my life when I needed something new and exciting as I did not get out much so this really filled a void.

What an exciting new world; I got to see pictures of people I thought I’d never see again. Some had children, some went back to school, some lived all over the world and some had even passed. What a quick way to get caught up with everyone I grew up with. I was hooked.

Like anything else in this world; things change. Over time Facebook has become a Political Forum for so many that is has become difficult to enjoy. Especially during this past Election year; people were relentless. People were posting with such passion that they must have really thought their posts would actually sway some voters; that is a disgrace. If you are that unsure of who to vote for that you cast your vote because of what a “friend” on Facebook says then you really need to look in the mirror. Do a little reading, watch news from both sides, surf the NET and finally be a leader not a follower. Vote from your heart.

With the recent horrific happenings in Newtown, CT., the latest debates have been over Gun Control and our Second Amendment to the Constitution (the right to bear arms). Personally, I hate guns. I never owned one, never been hunting and just don’t get it. Having said that, I do believe that as an American you do and should have the right to bear arms. I do feel though that there needs to be a line drawn in the sand as well. Why do some people need an arsenal in their home? Why do they need semi-automatic weapons? True, people kill people not guns. BUT people kill people much quicker and with great ease as seen in the latest mass murder. There will always be some nut going on shooting sprees but the key is to minimize the damage. Limit the number of weapons per person. If Adam Lanza didn’t have access to these types of weapons these children (some if not most) would still be alive. Period. Not sure what the debate is. Why is this so difficult?

Start with eliminating semi-automatic guns. When has a person protected their family with this gun? How many deer do you need to kill at once? Seriously. Keep the laws but make changes to them. I am sure in 1791 when it was adopted they weren’t thinking of shooting sprees some 220 years later in an elementary school. Time to make a change.

I am no lawyer but this is common sense. You can’t stop the violence but you can minimize the damage.

I am sure people will keep pushing their political (and sometimes religious) views on Facebook and over time you will notice me no longer being your friend. I am trying to keep Facebook as the place to share good times and some slightly bad times (some things are just not meant to be on FB). I will continue to share music and sports and photos from events and places I visit. After all, I met my beautiful wife on Facebook!

Just my two cents.

Mark