Dem
51
GOP
49
Given the atrocities that came to light this week, a schadenfreude item feels a little inappropriate. So, we're going to table that feature for the week, and instead do a double dose of freudenfreude.
First, a bit of news sent to us by reader D.E. in Lancaster, PA. On Nov. 19 of last year, there was a mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs during a drag show. Five people were killed and 18 injured, and it would have been worse but for the actions of U.S. Army veteran Richard Fierro and active-duty U.S. Navy sailor Thomas James, who helped subdue the gunman. At the time, James issued a statement that read: "I simply wanted to save the family I found. If I had my way, I would shield everyone I could from the nonsensical acts of hate in the world, but I am only one person."
Yesterday, the Navy formally honored James, bestowing upon him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, which is the service's highest decoration for non-combat-related valor. In its announcement, the Navy explained that the decoration is for "extraordinary reaction to a deplorable and devastating event." James, on receiving his ribbon, said just five words: "Thank you. I am humbled."
Second, something out of California. The Golden State is home to about 12% of the United States' overall population, but has about 33% of its homeless population. Various churches wish to help out by building temporary housing on church property. This movement has acquired a name, "Yes in God's backyard," or YIGBY; an obvious reference to NIMBY ("Not in my backyard"). However, it has nothing to do with GUMBY, dammit.
There is a problem, however. California is known for its heavy-duty regulations, and these various homeless housing projects kept running into zoning laws that slowed progress to a crawl. Yesterday, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed a bill that will allow church groups (and schools) to bypass most of the red tape and to get to work on YIGBY projects quickly. It's estimated that this will open up about 170,000 acres of potential land for this purpose. Perhaps our reading of the Gospels is crude, but this seems to be considerably more in line with the message of Jesus' ministry than things like "Jesus Guns Babies."
We offer these stories as a reminder that while there are definitely some very bad people in the world, there are also a lot of good people, too, trying their best to make this planet a better place. Have a good weekend, all! (Z)