Yesterday (Thursday) morning, I awoke feeling a lot more refreshed than usual. I rolled over on my right and looked at my alarm clock. Wow! It was still early, 6:15am and I was fully awake. It occurred to me I hadn’t woken up even once to go to the bathroom during the night. When has that happened last? I honestly can’t remember.
Feeling revved up, I thought “You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to put on my baggy Champion shorts and dead man’s walking shoes. I’ll take a brisk, one mile walk then come home and watch the next episode of Westworld on HBO Max while eating my Wheaties with a sliced banana.”
After I brushed my teeth and put my shorts on, I brought my shoes into the livingroom to lace up while watching the local news. After turning on my tv, I heard this.
Yesterday afternoon, 52 year old Bryce Tacy of Washington County walked outside and shot his neighbor in the back of the head, 44 year old Jerry Anderson who was mowing his lawn on his riding lawnmower. Tacy then went back into his house and refused to come out when the police showed up. A SWAT team was called, and talked Mr. Tacy outside after 30 minutes.
Do you know what Tacy did next? He begged the police not to take him to jail, because he was too small to go to prison. Shouldn’t you have thought of that before gunning down your neighbor in cold blood, Mr. Tacy? Where do you expect them to take you, Candyland?
Jerry Anderson leaves behind a wife and 2 teenaged twin boys. As for Bryce Tacy, he has a 28 year old son who doesn’t live at home anymore—but a wife who will probably have to sell their nice home to pay for a defense attorney. His life, for the most part is over.
Just another day in gun-happy USA.
I wish there was something happier to watch in the morning, before guns took over. Back in my grade school days, I was always the first one out of bed on school mornings. Dad was usually gone at the crack of dawn (coal mining construction) and us kids let Mom sleep, as she often worked nights at Fisher’s Big Wheel (a local department store). I would come downstairs, turn on the tv and while the Farm Report droned on I’d take my navy shower and get dressed for school.
My youngest sister Courtney wasn’t born yet, and the next-to-youngest sibs Steve & Donda were too young to go to school, but I’d wake up my older brother Duke next and sister Shawn. Then, bowl of Post Toasties in hand, I’d sit down in front of the TV to watch New Zoo Revue.
I loved New Zoo Revue—actually, I loved Emmy Jo, in her smart miniskirts and white go-go boots. And of course, Doug because he could play the guitar (and his name was Doug). Here’s the show’s opener, it’s goofy as hell and still great.
That’s it, I’m done. Happy Memorial Day, everyone.
Before guns took over? Or perhaps before they made the evening news. I remember several shootings when I was younger. They just didn't make national news like they do today.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying there isn't a problem and that it isn't getting worse because there is a problem and it seems to be getting worse. I'm just saying that the constant playing these things on the national news cycle tends to get people edgy and worried when statistically they probably shouldn't be. But it does need to be brought to public awareness if anything is to change so I guess it is just a double edged sword.
We didn't have a television at all when I was a child so my entertainment with breakfast was a book.
Ed I'm aware there's always been gun shootings--at the same time, when I went to school in the 60s & 70s, we never had locked doors, armed guards or crazy-ass kids doing mass shootings with AR-15s! So yes, guns have taken over. It's unfortunate conservative politicians stand in the way of any real change.
DeleteI remember when I was in school (graduated in ‘95) there would be an occasional fist fight. I never had to worry about being massacred while sitting in a classroom. This country is run by a bunch of weasel republicans who bow down to the gun lobby and the rednecks who can’t part with their military weapons. Ted Cruz, Greg Abbott (pre-recorded), Kristi Noem and the orange monster are speaking at the NRA convention this weekend, 3 days after the massacre. These same republicans claim to be “pro-life.” I am hoping the democrats start to lessen the class and decorum they have and get dirty like the republicans do, because that’s the only way things will change.
DeleteDanielle, so well said and I couldn't agree more. Thank you! 🙂👍👍
DeleteGrowing up I don't remember most people owning weapons and if they did, they weren't military grade with huge amounts of ammo. Killing machines is what they are and we allow everyone and everyone to buy them. Other countries have people who are mentally ill, misfits, bullied kids and angry loners yet these tragic events aren't a daily/weekly occurrence. That's because their citizens can't get their hands on these types of weapons! Unfortunately, I don't see it changing and so mass shootings will keep happening over and over. Thoughts and prayers, etc. :(
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, so well said and so true. And sad to say, I agree with your cynical outlook. Maybe our kids kids will get fed up to the point of making real change.
DeleteWhat about those cowboy movies on TV? Guns have been everywhere ever since they were invented. Don't vote for Republicans. They make things worse for all of us.
ReplyDeleteWell Gigi, everyone says it's like the wild west again! I just wish we could follow in Australia or New Zealand's footsteps. They knew when things had gotten too far and were able to stop it.
DeleteDug, I've never seen The New Zoo Review. But I did grow up with Howdy Doody Time as well as Roy Rogers and Gene Audrey...
ReplyDeleteAs for the gun problem, Texas is probably the worse... and I can't see it changing. The NRA has too much power and control over the politicians. And I know mental illness is an issue too - but I feel that if it was more difficult to get hold of a gun (especially military weapons), it would at least cut down some of the problem.
Rian, I don't know what got me thinking about New Zoo Review! I bet I haven't seen that show since 1972, it was just a reminder of happier mornings. You know what's funny? Texas always seems to be on the news in regards to gun problems, women's rights, voting rights. But every single person I know from Texas are the best people I know. I'm not kidding.. it's just a strange irony. Anyway, absolutely right about the NRA. When will enough be enough.
DeleteEnough was enough twenty, thirty years ago.
DeletePeople had guns when I was youngster (pre TV) but they were mostly for hunting for food or target practice, not to be used on people for slaughter except in war. Sadly we are at war now with our own people who can't seem to see assault weapons just don't' belong in civilian hands and certainly not 18 year olds.
ReplyDeletePatti thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I always feel better after reading your words, and this was no exception. I couldn't agree with you more. Well put, my friend.
DeleteSad beyond words, I know Doug, but did you manage to get on with your planned walk? We can only add our voices in protest and vote with hopes of a better world.
ReplyDeleteFlorence, I sure did. I just had plenty to think about along the way. And you're exactly right.
DeleteOh Doug, I'm sorry after a good night's sleep you had to wake up to that kind of local news. Our country has gone beyond anywhere I ever thought we could be at this time. I'm sure you had fire drills when you were in school, when I was in school in the late 50s we actually had Air Raid Drills where we had to get under our desks and cover our heads, but who would have thought there would come a time when schools had to have mass shooter drills. Something has to be done but we always say that and nothing is ever done. Our country is so split down the middle these days that one of my biggest fears is what that division could lead too. I have actually heard some Republican leaders speak of a civil war. This is so heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteI also miss the days of getting up and watching cartoons in the morning. Only in my day it was Howdy Doody, Captain Kangaroo and Romper Room!
Bonnie, one thing about that awful news yesterday morning... makes me more appreciative of my own life (and loved ones). But you're right, never thought I'd see our country so divided. I'm afraid of a real Civil War too... but this path we're on right now.. it seems impossible to stay on it much longer. Thanks for your comment Bonnie, your words are always appreciated. PS I grew up with Romper Room & Captain Kangaroo too! :^)
DeleteEven the conservative NY Post says, "Nearly six out of 10 registered voters — 59% — agree that it is important that their elected representatives pass stricter gun control laws." Some 80% of Democrats, half of Independents and even almost third of Republicans say we need stricter gun laws. Theoretically, a Republican could keep his/her mouth shut during the primary, then come out in favor of stricter gun regulation during the regular campaign, and they'd get elected in a landslide!
ReplyDeleteTom, I don't blame conservative voters. I think this is between GOP politicians and the NRA. Did you see that Katie Couric report from two days ago? These congressmen are getting millions of dollars from the NRA, my God why isn't that illegal! I used to have a grudging respect for mitt Romney until I found out he was the worst! Ah well, thanks for your comment Tom you make a good point. 👍
DeleteThere’s a saying that Australia and America are 90% the same. It’s in that 10% where the interesting stuff lies.
ReplyDeleteWell, you managed that 10% today – you came up with a completely foreign country. Learning new things is always good.
Thanks Peter, I just wish we had the brains to take a lesson from you guys.
DeleteNever heard of that Zoo show. I was bored at breakfast and read the cereal box. I watched Mighty Mouse Playhouse. I miss old time cartoons. And they used to have some before movies were shown in the theatres.
ReplyDeleteWe gotta stop the gun lobby, similar to the way we stopped the "smoking cigarettes is just fine" folks. My ex actually stopped smoking when he found out they were adding nicotine to the ciggies. He didn't like being fooled.
I always wondered how being crouched under my little school desk was going to save me from an atomic bomb.
Since you shared with us about your overnight friend escapade, what is a navy shower? Cold and quick? Linda in Kansas
Linda, that New Zoo Revue show aired weekday mornings at 7am, back before that time slot was handed over to local news stations. I'm old enough to remember and miss the old timey cartoons very much! And I am sorry you youngsters had to go through that whole duck and cover pretense in school, but compared to the very real threats today it seems quaint and charming! Anyway, good guess about the Navy shower! Since we lived in the country and got our water from a well, our dad would show us how to turn the water on just long enough to get wet. Turn it off, soap up, quick rinse. I didn't know the luxury of a real shower until I was 19 or 20! 😄
DeleteAlmost a mix of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. I'm very sorry to read of yet another senseless killing. Perhaps if Jerry Anderson had waited one more hour before mowing his yard, Bryce Tacy might not have shot him? Although that's really no excuse. I love a solid night's sleep!
ReplyDeleteRiver, it's my understanding that Tacy thought he was being spied on because Jerry liked to fly drones with his sons. Pretty crazy and will probably help him with a lighter sentence too. As that recent school killing shows, you can be crazy all you want here and still buy and own guns. 😟
DeleteI posted about the NRA today.
ReplyDeleteI saw it River, sad but so true all of it! I left a comment there. I need to check out your own blog more.
DeleteGood morning Doug, how sad. I am at a loss for words. Yesterday in nearby Toronto a man was shot by police as he was seen carrying what looked like a rifle near some schools. I believe it turned out to be a pellet gun but what was he doing walking around with it? Like Patti I grew up with people having guns for hunting. My whole childhood my Dad had a gun in his closet. We knew not to touch it.
ReplyDeleteThe New Zoo Review! Gosh, I hadn’t heard the theme song in years but I sang along with it. Growing up every summer we rented a cottage in New Hampshire for a couple weeks. I remember watching New Zoo Review then. Here we had Mr. Dressup, Friendly Giant......probably others I can’t recall. My Dad was usually the only one up first thing in the morning (Mum was a nurse and worked nights) and my brother and sister and I would eat breakfast with him at the table where there was no tv.
Glad to read you got your walk in.
Take care Doug.❤️
Robin
Robin, I think I'm going to blog more just so I can get more of your comments, I always enjoy reading what you share. First of all, what a shame about the man with the pellet gun--but you're right, he sadly made himself a target. Well, like you (and Patti) I grew up in southwestern Pa where deer hunting was the norm, our school was closed the first day of hunting season. But hunting rifles are a far cry from military arms. Anyway, I'm not sure why NewZoo Revue got in my head yesterday morning, but that was nice reading about you & your dad! Hope you have a good weekend Robin. :^)
DeleteDoug, I can’t get the theme song out of my head! Aaarrrggg!!!😆😆
DeleteRobin
Haha!! Robin I know, I've been humming it 2 days! I'm sorry!
DeleteDid they shoot him without first asking him to "drop the weapon"?? That seems extreme to me to just assume and not find out it was only a pellet gun.
DeleteAll it says in news reports so far is that they were confronted by a man carrying a rifle. The investigation is still ongoing.
DeleteRobin
Oh gosh, Doug... I just returned from a two week trip overseas to news of another horrible school shooting, this time in Texas. And I see you've written about a shooting too. In fact, there was a shooting even here in Hawaii a day or two ago. I forget when because my brain is still in a fog. It's absolutely insane.
ReplyDeleteIt is insane Kay, I'm at a loss for words. I hope your trip was a good one, I'm guessing it was your cruise? I had no idea you'd been gone. I hope you blog about it soon.
DeleteI will in a few days. I have posts scheduled for the next few days because I knew I wouldn't be up to writing anything for a while.
DeleteI thought to myself, "New Zoo Revue? Never heard of it." Then I heard the theme song. I do know that show, and now I can't get the dang song out of my head. Thanks for the ear worm, ya big galoot.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I hate earworms! But this gave me one too. Sorry Debby 😄😄
DeleteI give credit to days of growing up in a moral, Christian household - not perfect by any means but there was a sense of right and wrong, not the "anything goes" style of the day. And the learning was that life's not all about YOU. As a result, many of us didn't want to behave in a way that would make life more difficult for our parents or ourelves. Days gone by. Glad I didn't have children. Kim in PA
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Kim... it was certainly different times.
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