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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Horrors / Politics Look for the Helpers

Posted by Jonathan Golob on Sat, Dec 15, 2012 at 9:48 PM

Fred Rogers sums up a good way for adults and kids to process this sort of week:

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.

My heart goes out to the teachers, the first responders, and the parents in Newton Connecticut—the helpers in this tragedy. The bravest Americans are those who face disasters and, unarmed, find courage to care for others even to their own ends. It's this courage—not the risible fantasy of elementary school teachers packing concealed weapons—that gives me hope.

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That's a nice alternative way of looking at it.

Posted by floater on December 15, 2012 at 10:00 PM

And keep in mind that over the last couple of years teachers in our country (and their union) have been demonized.

We all want good, solid teachers for our children but remember they are people doing a difficult job. And, the one person standing between your child and a bullet may be a school staff member.

Posted by westello on December 15, 2012 at 10:46 PM

Except the helpers remind me that some of the victims died helping and now their help is forever denied to us. Is it ok if watching the helpers makes me want to rip out the nearest gun owner's windpipe with my teeth instead?

Posted by DisorganizedReligion on December 15, 2012 at 10:58 PM

My sister sent me a link today, and after following it, my reply was "Thanks, I really needed that". That also happened to be the exact same reply I got from those I passed the link on to.

Here it is: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/moments-t…

Posted by PaulBarwick on December 16, 2012 at 12:50 AM

Fred Rogers was a truly good Christian. I miss him...

Posted by MemeGene on December 16, 2012 at 1:58 AM

@4 I have tears in my eyes but thank you - I did need to see all that today and be reminded of all the good people in the world.

Posted by jwlsesq on December 16, 2012 at 7:43 AM