Prior to 5 May 2015, I had it all!
I jetted between my home in the West Village, a week-end house in the Hampton's, a bi-monthly visit to Florida, and an occasional visit with the folks. We had negotiated a new Real Estate Co. to sweep up the Hampton's, and had reinitiated my return to bank financing- all the while putting the children of Newtown first, my immediate family second, and doing my best to oppose violence. And then fricken' Brooke.... a diagnosed/ + self proclaimed hyper-vigilant? |
Hypervigilance is an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect activity. Hypervigilance may bring about a state of increased anxiety which can cause exhaustion. Other symptoms include: abnormally increased arousal, a high responsiveness to stimuli, and a constant scanning of the environment.
In hypervigilance, there is a perpetual scanning of the environment to search for sights, sounds, people, behaviors, smells, or anything else that is reminiscent of activity, threat or trauma. The individual is placed on high alert in order to be certain danger is not near. Hypervigilance can lead to a variety of obsessive behavior patterns, as well as producing difficulties with social interaction and relationships. |
rinaldi_john_summary_05-26-15.pdf | |
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Dear John,
Confronting hate, racism, and bigotry is not easy. It can be uncomfortable. It takes courage. But last weekend’s tragic violence in Charlottesville, Virginia underscores just how important it is for all of us to do our part in this struggle that has troubled our nation since its founding. Right now, my heart is with everyone who is hurting, especially the family of Heather Heyer. Her life is yet another tragic reminder that words matter — because they often lead to action. I know this to be true. I also want to talk for a minute about scenes we saw of people marching through the streets of Charlottesville, heavily armed and using those weapons as a means of intimidating those protesting against their hate and discrimination. According to government officials, they were better armed than the police who were charged with keeping the peace. The Virginia National Guard had to tweet out a photo of a patch they wear so people could distinguish them from the militia-members in the streets. But more to the point, the idea that people can walk into a gun shop, purchase a weapon, and carry it into a highly charged situation with little to no training is terrifying. This may be the gun lobby’s vision for America, a place where everyone is armed, but it is not a vision shared by the overwhelming majority of Americans. When Congress returns to session, we are going to be fighting against a number of the gun lobby’s legislative proposals, including a bill that would allow almost anyone to carry a loaded, concealed weapon almost anywhere in the United States. Stopping them is going to take all of us coming together. I hope that you are up for the fight. Because I need you with me. All my best, Gabby Giffords |
Dear Friend,
Ms. Giffords asks us to step forward. Our mayors, our governors, our senators, and most all public officials also ask the same... But, what about those of us who do? Heather Heyer lost her life and is an example of a true hero. The incredible people behind Mom's Demand and Sandy Hook Pronise are heroes as well. We condemn any and all whom would hurt such individuals. And still people like our own John Rinaldi who dedicated his entire life to #STOPGunSchoolViolence have been targeted for doing what everyone asks.. John stepped up, and an over egregious District Attorney didn't see a hero, Angelica Gregory saw a career move. Those we employ to serve and protect must not become the very criminals they prosecute. And what's worse, someone who exemplifies humanity should not be criminalizes for doing so! Diatrict Attorney Cyrus Vance, we charge ADA Angelica Gregory for suborning perjury. We accuse a starlet and her husband of perjury.. And we demand justice. If we're to ever stop the hate, we look to you for leadership. We also accuse Rykers for Manufacturing Revenue in the form of illegally holding innocent people. They not only deny the people of our civil rights, but also abuse us in the process. Be the example. Not the problem. John |