Silence begets violence?

The shooting at the elementary school in Connecticut was truly heartbreaking. The numerous facebook statuses, and tweets about the situation show that those around use really care about our neighboring state and the community of Newtown. I can't help but feel the sorrow for the children, families and community effected by the actions of one person. It is hard for me to even fathom how someone could have the power to commit such a horrific crime let alone even think about doing so. As Catholics it is our responsibility to protect those around us. If you think about it, not only did this boy effect the school and Newtown, Connecticut, but people all over the world are talking about it and praying for the victims. I mean look at us, we even have a blog dedicated to the situation. The question of gun control has come up. The laws are being questioned, whether or not people should be allowed guns or not. To be honest, I feel that if guns were illegal people would find other ways to commit these awful acts of terror.  It is important for us to discuss this situation so that we can find solutions and ways to prevent these acts of hatred from happening. As a society, it is our job to stop the repeated cycle of terrible acts. We are put on this earth to not only see the good in others, but also better others around us as well as ourselves.

Factory Fire

I feel that it is a disgrace that we as Americans are buying products that are produced in factories that do not allow the rights that us as Americans have Almost everything we own are made in factories by hardworking people who are put in dangerous situations similar to the Bangladesh fire. As consumers it is our responsibility to consider where these products are coming from. If corporations and the government do not take actions, we as citizens must do something to insist on their actions. How do we expect to have our rights while those providing for us do not. When it comes to wages, I think we need to understand that in order to give fair "living" wages the items are going to cost a lot more. This is why fair trade products are so expensive. At times we want want want for less but we forget who is not getting properly compensated for that "amazing deal" we just got. This story of the Bangladesh fire is just one example that has been brought to our attention while this is happening everyday all over the world.