POSITRACTION: Find the light and follow it
2019-Aug-11https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/when-i-was-alone-at-the-h
ospital-at-4am-a-lyft-driver-restored-my-faith-in-humanity/
When I Was Alone at the Hospital at 4AM, a Lyft Driver Restored My Faith in Humanity
By Sterling Bindel-Jan 21, 2019
*** begin quote ***
It was three days after New Years and I hadn’t slept since the ball dropped. I paced my house in a manic state, desperately closing my eyes, hoping rest would find me – but it never did.
Like it always does when I’m sleep-deprived, my epilepsy began rearing its ugly head. My brain felt like a nest of old computer wires tangled together, periodically shocking me with electricity. My body shook violently but there was nothing to be done, making sleep even more impossible.
I knew I had to do something; I hadn’t wanted to admit it, but I couldn’t fix this myself. I had exhausted my resources. My toolbox of solutions was empty. I decided to go to the hospital around 1AM. My roommate drove me. He let me out at the sliding doors of the ER and then headed back home.
*** and ***
I was discharged around 4:30AM. Alone and feeling vulnerable in the middle of the night, I was outside of an ER that was thirty minutes away from my home in Richmond, Virginia. I called a Lyft to pick me up and hoped against hope that it would be someone kind, someone safe.
A small SUV pulled up in front of the hospital doors and I climbed in, expecting some awkward small talk. After all, it was 4:30AM and I was being picked up from a hospital by a complete stranger. I buckled my seatbelt, and then the driver turned around; she was a woman in her mid-forties with the kindest eyes and a box of Christmas peppermints waiting on the seat beside me.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” she asked.
“Oh, I’m fine. I just have epilepsy so I can’t drive.” I replied, expecting her to shrug it off and hit the road. Instead, she began to tell me about her daughter’s recent epilepsy diagnosis. She said she understood my struggle of being sick and unable to drive; needing food to stay healthy, living on my own, but not being able to drive to the grocery store; the unique riddle of needing help, but not knowing how to ask. She continued to talk about her daughter and I could tell it weighed on her heavily, watching someone she loves struggle to fill the fridge.
*** and ***
But then the next day, she called me, knowing I needed food but sensing that I didn’t want to impose – and we went to the grocery store that afternoon.
She not only provided safety and helped me fill my cupboards, but she gave me something I thought I had lost: she gave me hope. It was just a little taste, but it’s carried me through a lot, and these little glimmers of light can be so bright in the dark – and now I know that when the nights seem dark, my best choice is to find the light and follow it.
Editor’s note: one week after GNN published her story, Sterling received a text from Kathy saying that the article had inspired Lyft Inc. to donate $500 to the Epilepsy Foundation in their honor. Furthermore, Sterling was gifted $150 in Lyft credit to help her with transportation.
*** end quote ***
Yes, there are good and caring people out there.
Everyone has their own set of problems.
This story makes me believe I should be alert to solve one of them.
# - # - # - # - #
JNEWS: Hughes, Karl [MC1978] “Hammering Out a Living.”
2019-Aug-11Dear John,
I believe that Karl is a member of the Class of 1978.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
Hughes, Karl [MC1978]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-11 @ 13:00
https://essexnewsdaily.com/headlne-news/77593
Helping others find a job that fits like a glove
By Daniel Jackovino on August 9, 2019
BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield resident Karl Hughes has a few aha! moments for you, if you have a minute. A sixth-generation carpenter, the Bronx-born Hughes, 62, has spent 45 years in the trade and more than half of that time was spent thinking about writing a self-help guide, which he says will be beneficial to anyone, but especially blue collar workers. Published by THiNKaha, the guide is titled “Hammering Out a Living.”
“It’s been a work in progress for 25 years,” Hughes said recently during an interview in his Mohr Avenue home. “But believe it or not, I just started working on it in February.”
The book has an unusual format. It is essentially a compilation of 140 quotes and hashtags divided into seven sections, with headings such as “Choosing Your Path,” “Reputation Matters” and “The Importance of Values.”
For instance, in Section II: “Good Morning,” there is quote No. 19: “An affirmation is a belief put into words and repeated to yourself with conviction. Affirmations are a great way to begin your day.” And quote No. 24: “A positive outlook is essential for achieving a #SuccessfulLife, for without it, you will lose heart and become discouraged. #Affirmations #Carpenters.”
Hughes attended Manhattan College for fine arts and communications but preferred carpentry and its better wages. He remains a reader but said the thinks most blue collar workers are not big readers. He also said that there is a tremendous need for blue collar workers and believes that brief quotes that act as career road signs and inspirational thoughts are a way to reach them.
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JOY: Heegle, Patty [MC????] and Powers, John [MC????] wed
2019-Aug-12
Heegle, Patty [MC????]
Powers, John [MC????]
[JR: Collecting from Facebook is a real pain.]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-12 @ 15:09
JNEWS: Lynch, Kieran [MC1989] joins First Republic in NY
2019-Aug-12https://www.register-herald.com/region/four-wealth-managers-jo
in-first-republic-in-new-york-area/article_2b2b5bb4-4622-56bf-8714-8b68e166f6f5.html
Four Wealth Managers Join First Republic in New York Area
Aug 12, 2019 Updated 5 hrs ago
*** begin quote ***
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 12, 2019--
First Republic Bank (NYSE:FRC), a leading private bank and wealth management company, today announced that Kieran Lynch, Jack Inserra, Craig Kaufman and Joel Kaufman have joined First Republic Investment Management.
*** and ***
Lynch has 27 years of wealth management experience. Prior to First Republic, he was a Senior Vice President at UBS Financial Services. Before that, he worked at Smith Barney for 13 years. Lynch has served as a financial advisor to high net worth families and worked with clients to develop comprehensive wealth planning strategies. He is active in the community and works with his local church parish and the Bergen Irish Association. Lynch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Marketing from Manhattan College. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
*** end quote ***
Lynch, Kieran [MC????]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-12 @ 15:15
Dear John,
I believe that Kieran is a member of the Class of 1989.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
Lynch, Kieran [MC1989]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-14 @ 13:32
JOY: Mercaldi, Amanda Connor [MC2004] is expecting
2019-Aug-14Mercaldi, Amanda Connor [MC2004] is with Matthew Mercaldi in Port Chester, New York.
[JR: Congrats on your new son!]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-14 @ 13:26
JEMAIL: Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) gives a Mike update
2019-Aug-14Good Evening All,
Mike has been home now for six days and has been doing well on the medication that the MDs put him on. Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 14, Mike has 2 Doctor appointments to review his condition and reaction to his Medications. Please keep the volume up for Mike and Cathie as we pray for continued good news and improvement. We Need Mike In Our Starting Lineup. Mike , Cathie and all the McEneneys thank you you for your prayers and good wishes. Msgr. Brennan's Mass this past Fiday with the Marists was special. Thank you all. God Bless.
Colon, Philip J. (MC1962)
[JR: I agree. He’s my “class year” research head.]
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-14 @ 13:30
JOBIT: Parsons, Harry [MC1954 RIP]
2019-Aug-16Dear Phil & John –
We just received a call from Thomas Skrobala, informing us that Harry Parsons class of 1954 has passed away.
I will pass along the information as soon as we hear
May He Rest In Peace.
Indivisa Manent,
Lou
Louis J. P. Calvelli
Director of Alumni Relations
# - # - # - # - #
Parsons, Harry [MC1954 RIP]
Guestbook: None cited
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 12:31
JOBIT: Brengs, Raymond Aloysious "Ray" Jr. [MC1965 RIP] 2019-Aug-09
2019-Aug-16https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fredericknewspost/
obituary.aspx?n=raymond-brengs&pid=193641181&fhid=7864
Raymond Brengs Jr.
1943 - 2019
Raymond Aloysious "Ray" Brengs, Jr. age 76, of Lewes, Delaware and formerly of New Market, Maryland, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 9, 2019. Born July 16, 1943 in Bronx, New York, son of the late Raymond A. Brengs, Sr. and Grace T. (nee Bolster).
Ray was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School. He received a Bachelor's degree from Manhattan College and a Master's degree from George Washington University. Ray was retired from government service as an engineer for the Department of the Navy. Ray was a Friend of Bill for 36 years. He loved his family, friends, traveling and fishing.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth "Beth" Brengs (nee Calter); his children: Steven Ramsey of Longmont, CO, Renee Bowers of Ellicott City, MD, and Rachel Davis of Frederick, MD; his grandchildren: Brennan and Skyler Ramsey and Alexander and Joseph Bowers; his sister, Katherine (Brengs) Nagle, (Richard J.) of Truro, MA; his nieces and nephew: Kathleen Nagle of Wellfleet MA, Richard L. Nagle (Heather) of Ashburn, VA, and Kelly Ann (Nagle) Zaik, (Edward) of Ghent, NY. Ray was also loved by many great nieces, great nephews and extended family members.
A Celebration of Ray's Life will be held at 3:00 PM on August 24, 2019 at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, where friends may visit beginning at 2:00 PM.
A future service will be held in Frederick, Maryland, to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Ray's memory to the American Leukemia Foundation.
Please visit Ray's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
Published Online in The Frederick News-Post from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16, 2019
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Brengs, Raymond Aloysious "Ray" Jr. [MC???? RIP]
Guestbook: Same link
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 12:35
Dear John,
I believe that Ray is a member of the Class of 1965.
May He Rest In Peace.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
Brengs, Raymond Aloysious "Ray" Jr. [MC1965 RIP]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-17 @ 21:57
JOBIT: Coyle, Harold Kenneth [MC1949 RIP] 2019-Aug-13
2019-Aug-16https://obits.silive.com/obituaries/siadvance/obituary.aspx
?n=harold-kenneth-coyle&pid=193646299&fhid=21933
Harold Kenneth Coyle
1925 - 2019
Harold Kenneth Coyle entered his rest and peace surrounded by his children on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019. Born June 7, 1925, to Harry and Roda Coyle, Harold grew up in New Dorp Beach, S.I., and Jersey City. He attended New Dorp High School where he was a champion swimmer and diver, and later Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City where he also excelled in swimming.
Harold joined the Navy in June of 1942 where he served as an Aviation Radioman 2nd Classman in the famous Black Cat squadron Catalina PBY sea-airplanes in the Asian-South Pacific Theater. He briefly attended St. Olaf College while in the Navy for advanced training. Upon returning from the war, Harold attended and graduated from Manhattan College in three years. While at Manhattan College, Harold was the swim team Captain in 1947 and 1948.
He began dating the love of his life, Rita Catherine (Harrison), who he had met while vacationing at New Dorp Beach. Harold and Rita married on Jan. 29, 1949, and raised five children in New Dorp, S.I. Harold began his long career in human resources before moving to the position as Assistant Director of Catholic Charities in Brooklyn. Harold also worked as Director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Jacksonville, Fla., and Assistant Director in Boston, Mass., where he developed low-income housing apartment complexes in several states for the Catholic Church. He was a staunch supporter and leader as a Director in the SI Pee Wee Football League for many years.
Harold is survived by his five children including Kathleen (Coyle) and Peter Marzano of St. James, N.C., Barbara Coyle and James Shaw of Ithaca, N.Y., Kevin Coyle and Louise Ricciardi of Hilton Head, S.C., Harold "Harry" Coyle of Belmar, N.J., and Brian Coyle and Michele (Casilli) of Morganville, N.J. Harold also was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
His joy was seeing his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren become accomplished in their academic, career and sports goals. He especially loved family visits and family reunions filled with reminiscing, singing old songs and dancing. Harold also enjoyed reading, watching football, movies and rooting for the Mets.
Calling hours are Friday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, New Dorp, S.I. A celebration of Harold's life will be held Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, New Dorp Lane, New Dorp, S.I. The family wishes to thank the Veterans Hospital Hospice unit of Lyons, N.J., for their care in his last days.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to: VA New Jersey Health Care System, Voluntary Service Program Manager (135LY), 151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, NJ 07939 OR Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 East 23rd St., New York, N.Y. 10010 c/o The UFA Widows and Children's Fund. Make checks payable to: The UFA Widows and Children's Fund.
Hanley Funeral Home
60 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
(718) 351-1800
Published in Staten Island Advance on Aug. 15, 2019
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Coyle, Harold Kenneth [MC???? RIP]
Guestbook: Same link
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 12:42
Dear John,
I believe that Harold is a member of the Class of 1949
May He Rest In Peace.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
Coyle, Harold Kenneth [MC1949 RIP]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-17 @ 21:56
JOBIT: Grant, James J. Jr. [MC1956 RIP] 2019-Aug-14
2019-Aug-16https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/northjersey/obituary.aspx?
n=james-j-grant&pid=193652500&fhid=21796
James J. Grant Jr.
1935 - 2019
Aberdeen - James J. Grant, Jr., 84, of Aberdeen passed away on Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 at Bayshore Community Hospital, in Holmdel. Born in Teaneck, he was a long-time resident of Bergenfield and moved to Aberdeen in 2004.
He earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Manhattan College, a masters at Rensselaer and his doctorate at Fordham University. Jim spent his entire career at St. Peter's College as a faculty member, chair of the Physics Department, Dean and Academic VP until his retirement in 2010.
Jim loved playing bridge, reading, going to the Jersey shore, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed the New York Times crossword puzzle daily, in ink. He was a loving husband to Edythe who predeceased him in March of this year. He was also a loved and loving father and grandfather.
Jim is survived by his son James III and his wife Elaine of New London, PA, by his daughters Theresa and her wife Kirsty Eisenhart of Portage, MI, Catherine and her husband Duane Fowler of Middlebury, VT, Sheila and husband Francis Dott of Surprise, AZ, and by his 7 grandchildren.
A memorial visitation will be at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ on Saturday August 17th from 3-7 pm and on Sunday August 18th from 12-2pm, with a brief service at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of traditional remembrances please consider a donation to compassionandchoices.org.
To share a favorite memory or leave a message of condolence please visit James' page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
#-#-#
Grant, James J.Jr. [MC???? RIP]
Guestbook: Same link
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 12:57
Dear John,
I believe that James is a member of the Class of 1956.
May He Rest In Peace.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
Grant, James J. Jr. [MC1956 RIP]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-17 @ 21:55
JOBIT: Greeley, John J. [MC1961 RIP] 2019-Aug-10
2019-Aug-16https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newportri/obituary.aspx?
n=john-j-greeley&pid=193640183&fhid=4213
John J. Greeley
John J. Greeley S.T.D., 89, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away at Newport Hospital on August 10, 2019.
John was born in New York, NY to the late Arthur L. Greeley and Mary F. (Fogarty) Greeley. He was the husband to Mary Louise (Ide) Greeley, PhD.
After John had graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in New York, NY, he entered the Novitiate of The St. John Baptist De La Salle Brothers of the Christian Schools. John received his Bachelor of Arts at The Catholic University of America and moved on to receive his Master's degree at Manhattan College. He received his licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) and went on to complete his Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) both at The Catholic University of America.
In 1979, he received his dispensation from the Pope to leave the Christian Brothers. In January of 1980, he was hired by Salve Regina University as chair and professor of Religious Studies. John assisted in the Roman Catholic Initiation of Adults Program (RCIA) at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Newport for many years. He also helped with Troop 1 Portsmouth Boy Scouts.
John is survived by his loving wife, Mary Louise Greeley, their son, John J. Greeley Jr., of Somerville MA, and his sister Mary Ann McNamara, of Long Island, NY. He also leaves his nephew, James Greeley, Jr., (Becky), his four nieces, Mary Francis (Greeley) Walton, (Sean), Ann (Greeley) Nelms, (Dan), Kathleen McNamara, (Brian), and Mary Jean McNamara.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his three brothers, James Greeley, Arthur Greeley, and his twin brother, Charles Greeley.
Funeral services for John Greeley will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, Spring Street, Newport RI.
Memorial donations may be made to either The St. Mary's Church Endowment Fund, 12 William Street Newport RI 02840, or to The Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport RI 02840. Additional information available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com
Published in Newport Daily News from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16, 2019
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Greeley, John J. [MC???? RIP]
Guestbook: Same link
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 13:07
Dear John,
I believe that John is a member of the Class of 1961.
May He Rest In Peace.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
Greeley, John J. [MC1961 RIP]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-17 @ 21:54
JOBIT: Sommer, Pius F. "Pete" [MC???? RIP] 2019-Aug-07
2019-Aug-16https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/recordonline/obituary.aspx?
n=pius-f-sommer-pete&pid=193657886
Pius F. (Pete) Sommer
June 11, 1935 - August 07, 2019
N. Fort Myers , Florida
Pius F. (Pete) Sommer passed away peacefully on August 07, 2019 after a long illness.
He was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Donahue Sommer and was born at Westchester Square Hospital, Bronx on June 11, 1935. He attended Manhattan College, NYC, as a science major. He joined IBM in 1956 as an electrical engineer and remained with them until his retirement in 1991. In retirement he worked at the Salvation Army, Fort Myers.
He is survived by his wife of 29 1/2 years, Carolyn (Lyn) Sisti-Sommer. Until her death he was married for thirty two years to Dorothy Rein. He leaves behind his children Michael (Gina) Sommer; Aurora (Trace) Sommer-Kraft; Eileen Sullivan; Joseph (Margie) Sommer; Kenneth (Tina) Sisti; and Dr. Christina (Ron) Sisti(Hernden); sixteen grandchildren; seven great grandchildren. His brothers, Thomas and Henry, preceded him in death.
He was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kerhonksen, as a lector, Sunday school teacher, and an Eucharist minister for St. Mary and St. Andrew Church, Ellenville, NY. At Our Lady of Fatima, Plattekill,NY he served as a Sunday school teacher and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. In Fort Myers he attended St Paul's and was a frequent visitor to Covenant Presbyterian Church. He was a regular contributor to The Smile Train, Childfund, St. Jude's, Christian Children's Fund, Harry Chapin Food Bank, and Covenant House.
He was a member of the Kerhonksen Rod and Gun Club and the Plattekill Rod and Gun Club. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's in Rosendale, NY at noon, August 23rd. .
Published in Times Herald-Record from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18, 2019
#-#-#
Sommer, Pius F. "Pete" [MC???? RIP]
Guestbook: Same link
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 13:12
Dear John,
I do not find anything in my 'stuff' for Pius.
May He Rest In Peace.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-17 @ 21:53
JNEWS: Martirano, Mario L. [MC1988] MLO @ Savings Bank of Danbury
2019-Aug-16https://www.apnnews.com/mario-l-martirano-joins-savings-bank-of-danbury/
Mario L. Martirano Joins Savings Bank of Danbury
Published on August 16, 2019
DANBURY, CT : Savings Bank of Danbury http://sbdanbury.com), a mutual savings bank headquartered in Danbury with 15 locations throughout Connecticut, is pleased to announce that Mario Martirano has joined the Bank as a Mortgage Loan Officer.
With over 25 years of banking experience, Martirano was most recently an Area Sales Manager for American Advisors Group (AAG) specializing in both conventional and reverse mortgage products. He also owned and operated a NY mortgage brokerage company for twenty years.
In his new role as a Mortgage Loan Officer, Martirano will be responsible for educating and counseling borrowers as well as originating mortgages and home equity loans in the Greater Danbury area. Martirano’s office is located in Danbury at our 90 Mill Plain Road branch; he can be reached directly at telephone number (203) 744-8713.
A graduate of Manhattan College with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance, Mario is active in the community; he is currently a member of the National Aging in Place Council and the Independent Certification Committee. Martirano resides with his family in Mahopac, NY.
# - # - # - # - #
Martirano, Mario L. [MC????]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 13:20
Dear John,
I believe that Mario is a member of the Class of 1988.
Mike
McEneney, Mike (MC1953)
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]
Martirano, Mario L. [MC1988]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-17 @ 21:51
JFOUND: Peers, Stephan R. [MC1974] Ind Dir @ Impac Mortgage
2019-Aug-16https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/company-officers/IMH
Mr. Stephan R. Peers is Independent Director of Impac Mortgage Holdings Inc., since October 1995. Since January 2005, Mr. Peers has been a Director of IMH since October 1995. Since January 2005, Mr. Peers has been an independent financial advisor. From September 2001 to January 2005, Mr. Peers was a Managing Director of Sandler O'Neill & Partners, LP practicing corporate finance covering financial institutions. Mr. Peers received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College in 1974, a M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University in 1975 and an M.B.A. from Stanford University in 1979.
# - # - # - # - #
Peers, Stephan R. [MC1974]
# - # - # - # - # 2019-Aug-16 @ 13:31
ENDNOTE: Shooters Do Not Know Right from Wrong
2019-Aug-17https://www.lewrockwell.com/lrc-blog/shooters-do-not-know-right-fr
om-wrong/?fbclid=IwAR37DQL9nQaPproK2goGEMH7VQUcS3NL
D_LTeCvGkrurFAWYrfzpzxmRNpE
*** begin quote ***
The post by Charles Burris mentions several hypotheses about the conditions under which men fail to receive good moral training:
“Most, according to psychologist Peter Langman, an expert on school shooters, came from homes that also experienced infidelity, substance abuse, criminal behavior, domestic violence and child abuse.”
This hypothesis is on the right track. Instead of focusing on motives, the focus is on where moral training comes from, even though moral training is not mentioned. Hypotheses like these should explicitly bring in moral training as the key. We cannot escape acknowledging this. We can’t avoid talking about values that are correct and right.
To avoid raising monsters, we have to define right and wrong properly and we have to impart it to children. It has to be done starting from an early age. It starts with parents. We should not obscure the process of teaching right from wrong, and also teaching virtuous behavior, by fancy words that academics use like “socialization”. Some thoughts, some behaviors and some actions are definitely wrong and some are right. We should not obscure the clear cases by focusing on the difficult and ambiguous cases.
The hypothesis of Peter Langman is really that a bad family life fails to deliver proper moral training to children. It delivers improper training in its place.
The hypothesis can be broadened. We are having more shooters because the moral training has gone downhill, and it has gone downhill because the training provided in the family, the schools, the churches, the camps, the media, the books, the movies, the government, etc. has gone downhill.
Why has this happened? What remedies do we have?
*** end quote ***
Sadly sounds about right.
The American society has drifted from self-discipline to "whatever makes me feel good".
There may well be no coming back.
# - # - # - # - #