Tag: Children
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THIS HAS TO END
Although I am unable to go to the March For Our Lives in Washington today, I stand with those who do. It’s time to end gun violence.Children shouldn’t be afraid to go to school, but sadly, many are scared today. They deserve better. I am a parent and a former teacher. Every educator I’ve spoken with agrees that arming teachers isn’t the answer. The only people who should have a gun in school are trained, active-duty officers.
Teachers, who are already underpaid, are there to educate our students, to prepare them for the future. Many schools don’t have sufficient books, computers, or other basic resources. Asbestos is still present in several while some in warm climates lack air-conditioning.
A few people have said that gun violence is a mental health issue and not a gun issue. They are wrong. It’s both. Instead of putting money into training teachers to use guns, or spending millions on a parade we don’t need, we need full-time nurses and counselors to effectively help all our students. Instead of cutting funds for education and healthcare, provide them to identify and to treat those in need.
The second amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but owning a gun comes with responsibilities. Not everyone is capable of safely handling firearms, nor should they have easy access. I have no problem with gun ownership or hunting. In fact, I know several gun enthusiasts and love a good piece of venison, but you don’t need an assault rifle to take down a deer or protect your home. There are easier ways to make ground meat than spraying dozens of bullets.
I am required to have:
A license for my car
Insurance for my car
A license to drive a vehicle
A license to fish
A license to hunt
A license for each of my dogs and catsIt is not too much to ask that:
All guns be registered
All gun owners be licensed and insured
All gun owners be required to take gun safety classes.
All gun owners be required to pass a written and practical class to receive a gun license.
Gun owners that commit violent crimes or prove a danger to themselves or others lose their license and be required to give up their guns.It’s time to put an end to easy and unlimited access to firearms and hold all gun owners accountable.
Give our children a safe and healthy environment to live, learn and grow.
They are our future.
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When Will It End?
It will not end until we stand up and say
“NO MORE.”
Check out this article by Charles French.
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A. L. Kaplan Wins Another Flash Fiction Challenge
A. L. Kaplan is the Readers’ Choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge. The winning entry is decided by the popular vote and rewarded with a special feature on Indies Unlimited.Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss out on special deals and announcements.
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FEED THE BABIES
Crack, crack. Five eggs for her little boy sizzled as soon as they hit the butter-filled pan. Their clear gelatinous goo solidified and she pulled them off the heat. Jason liked the yolks liquid.
“Morning,” said Jason. He shuffled into the kitchen rubbing sleep from his eyes. His nose wrinkled when he saw the eggs. “Are the yolks gushy?”
After twenty-eight years you’d think he’d say thank you, but she ignored his winey tone. He was all she had.
Jason prodded the egg. Satisfied they were prepared properly, he stabbed his fork into the yolk. Oozing yellow liquid, the egg wriggled and flopped on the plate like a skewered fish. A horrific squeal rent the air. He dropped the fork and screamed. Gaping maws of jagged teeth opened on the yokes. Growling, they leaped from the plate.
She sucked in a sharp breath and opened her eyes. It was only a dream. Suddenly, Jason yelled and she raced to his room. Five tiny dragons fought over an old pastrami sandwich on the floor. Jason gaped from his bed, still wearing yesterday’s clothes.
As one, the dragonets looked at her. “Thanks for the tasty meal, Grandma. May we please have more?”
The compliment shocked her more than seeing dragons. Grandchildren. Finally. Who was she to question how?
“You’re welcome,” she said, patting their heads. “Jason, dear, you have children to support now.”
“But…”
“But nothing. Go to work.”
Ignoring Jason, she sat and read a story to her new charges.
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LITTLE SQUIRT
Chocolate, gooey caramel. My mouth almost waters. If only I could still taste that luscious candy, but the reanimated can’t do that. It wouldn’t be bad if I got out more. I mean, Grandma is great and all. She brought me back to half-life after I was killed. It’s just not the same without other kids to play with. Halloween is the only day I can go outside without freaking the living. Believe me, you don’t want the pitchfork and torch brigade chasing you.
“Trick or Treat.” I hold out my sack with the other children.
A lady hands me a handful of candy. “Great Costume.”
I thank her and hurry toward the next house. Two little girls sob at the curb. Halloween should be fun, not sad.
“Are you ok?”
The bunny points a gloved paw at three disappearing teens. Her ears bounce with each sniffle. “They…took… our…candy.”
I hate bullies. “Here, take mine.”
Big, round, adoring eyes look up at me. Being undead has its perks. I track the thieves faster than a bloodhound.
“That candy isn’t yours.”
They laugh and tower around me. “Get lost or get pounded, squirt.”
“Squirt, is it.” I take a deep breath and squirt them with inky old blood.
A moment of stunned silence, then they clench their fists. I point down. They stare as skeletal hands reach up and pull them into the ground. Half-buried, they shriek and struggle.
“Don’t steal, especially from little kids on Halloween. I’ll be watching.”
