I do my best to stay out of politics, but this time I truly cannot help myself. After yesterday’s presentation from Mr. Donald Trump, I have some thoughts and suggestions of my own.
For those of you who may be blissfully unaware, yesterday (Friday, September 22) Trump brought up the topic of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem. He stated, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say ‘get that son of a bitch off the field right now – he’s fired.”
While there are several statements I could make as to why this is such an infuriating speech to come from the president, I instead have a list of five things we should be focusing on instead.
1. California, Oregon, Washington and Montana are STILL on fire.
There are hundreds of fires blazing in the West right now. In Washington, three firefighters were killed and four were injured while fighting fires. Two firefighters have lost their lives fighting fires in Montana. California has more than 12,000 firefighters battling 17 wildfires.
People have been evacuated, homes and livestock lost, and lives of firefighters have been stolen. This map shows every fires’ location, containment, acreage, and when it began.
If you can, please consider donating to funds set up to fight the Montana, Washington, Oregon, and California fires.
2. Hurricane Maria is wreaking havoc.
Hurricane Marie has killed at least 38 people in the Caribbean. Tens of thousands are without power, vital supplies are running low, and the damage is so large it’s hard to think of even starting over. The damage done by Maria has left Puerto Rico in an extremely dangerous situation. The National Weather Service has reported the cause of this threat links to dam failure. Buses are currently evacuating people from the area, and others are being told to seek high grounds.
National Weather Service also stated that the storm could bring “direct impacts” to the East Coast in the coming days.
With supplies in shelters shrinking every day, now more than ever, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands need your help.
3. CVS plans to limit opioid prescriptions to 7 days.
CVS Pharmacy has announced that they will be limiting opioid prescriptions to a seven-day supply for certain conditions. With opioid abuse becoming a growing problem, CVS has started in the right direction. Along with limiting prescriptions, pharmacists are being required to discuss with patients the risks of addiction. CVS has also pledged to increase contributions to community health centers by $2 million. While some remain skeptical, most believe that CVS is taking a step in the right direction to conquer opioid abuse.
If you or someone you know suffers from opioid addictions, do not be afraid to ask for help.
4. North Korea states that strike on US is ‘inevitable’ now
Long story short:
Trump referred to Kim Jong Un as “rocket man.” North Korea’s prime minister made a statement that this insult will result in “our rocket’s visit to the entire US mainland inevitable all the more.”
Ri Yong Ho also stated that Trump was “a mentally deranged person full of megalomania and complacency” with his finger on the “nuclear button” and declared: “None other than Trump himself is on a suicide mission.”
At a speech at the UN General Assembly he continued, “In case innocent lives of the U.S. are lost because of this suicide attack, Trump will be held totally responsible.”
With tensions between the US and North Korea at an all time high, it is hard to say what will come next.
5. Another earthquake shakes Mexico – Magnitude 6.1
After two powerful quakes took the lives of more than 400 people this month, another earthquake shook Mexico. Mind you, this earthquake comes just a couple short weeks after a magnitude 8.1 earthquake. While several people were injured, thankfully no lives were lost during this quake. Several homes collapsed, as well as a bridge. The bridge was still closed from the September 7 earthquake. Hotels, churches, and other buildings were damaged. Search and rescue missions will happen for the next couple of weeks, or until they are certain there are no more people missing.
Learn how you can help earthquake victims in Mexico.
No matter your political affiliation, views, or opinions, now is the time for the world to come together and be a little kinder to each other. The world is on fire, flooded, facing major storms/dealing with damage from storms. We have much bigger issues at hand than professional athletes utilizing their first amendment right how they see fit. Take some time today to be a little kinder, and ask yourself if the things that are really upsetting you today, would still matter if the world was ending tomorrow.