I often find running through the alphabet is a good way to relieve or distract from stressful situations. A is for afraid of the consequences of the decisions that have been made this week. Bewildered and Confused about the Dangerous times ahead are obviously Emotions that many of us are Feeling.
Tony Benn’s mantra ‘Make Tea, Not War’ seems to have been thrown out with the bathwater following Wednesday’s Commons vote to bomb Syria. I think if his son Hilary Benn – who made a widely reported pro war speech – was still a baby I think he may have gone out with it!
Terror closer to home
In America alone there has been 336 mass shooting in 355 days! Counting the two this past Wednesday. I just don’t get all these people who think violent attacks are the answer to their problems. The worst part is these statistics don’t really seem to surprise us too much any more. It is so commonplace nowadays that we are on the verge of being completely desensitized, especially for those of us who only experience these tragedies via television or social media.
I’ve actually seen someone be shot and killed. I was in Shepherds Bush, (West London) England, of all places. The victim fell and hit his head on my toes and then died shortly afterwards. I still don’t think I have gotten over the shock. I will never forget that day, and I think about him every time one of these senseless massacres occur. A big contributing factor for it being embedded in the forefront of my memory, is not only the fact that someone died at my feet, but the knowledge that guns are not so commonplace in London. As they are illegal! In America, it happens on such a regular basis that some murders don’t even get reported in the national news. The ongoing debate seems to be whether we should have tighter gun control. From a personal point of view I think the argument should be whether we, the general population, need guns: for those of you reading this from the UK you might (not) be surprised to know that even the local 7-Eleven security guard is packing. Which means if you plan to commit a crime there (Slurpee stealing perhaps?) you better be armed too.
Back to giving
Giving has also been a running theme of the week . We have our featured member Andy who is currently doing a sponsored ride in Cambodia benefiting Great Ormond Street Hospital. Our Craig is at the forefront of local fundraising with his charity UKares. Brits in LA are cohosting an event with them next week at the British Consul General’s Residence. (Tickets still available) Erin Gavin is helping the homeless, Kimberly Moore is playing Santa and giving us all the opportunity to do the same via her marvelous charity AdoptALetter.org. Spinner Spin has just started an alternative advent calendar which will benefit the midnightmission.org, this one helps you(r hips) too, as rather than eating a chocolate everyday you put a food item in a box, then the goodies go to the Mission for Christmas Day.
If you want to participate in this or learn more about anything I’ve mentioned, please email me at eileen@britsin.la and I will put you in touch.
And finally a HUGE thank you to Air New Zealand for their amazing Cyber Monday deals! In conjunction with the Brits in LA exclusive discount codes, I managed to get a return ticket to London for under $500 including taxes! I know a lot of you managed to get even better deals than me, so make sure if you attend one of our weekly breakfast clubs that you thank the ANZ crew personally!
Even if there are some horrible things going on in the world it doesn’t mean we have to follow suit – if you are ‘doing good deeds’ and want our support please drop us a line at britsinla@gmail.com
We are planning lots of get togethers over the holiday season. Keep an eye on our social media pages or subscribe to the Brits in LA newsletter to keep up to date.
Cheers!
Eileen
