John Clark Matthews

Mainstream media does not pay much attention to these facts:  Today, about 96 people will die from gun violence.  Tomorrow, about another 96 people will die from gun violence.  The next day, more of the same.  Etc.

In one year on average, 35,141 people die from gun violence.

12,246 murdered

21,637 die from suicide

500 killed unintentionally

479 killed by legal intervention

279 die but intent was unknown

Black men are 13 time more likely than white men to be shot and killed with guns.  (For the record: According to the FBI’s uniform crime-reporting data for 2016:  90.1 percent of black victims of homicide were killed by other blacks, while 83.5 percent of whites were killed by other whites.  It’s a fact, most victims of crime personally know their assailants.)

When a gun is present in a situation of domestic violence, it increases the risk the woman being killed fivefold.

The vast amount of this gun violence used handguns.  The media has our attention pegged on assault rifles, but ordinary handguns are far more deadly in America.

Please take a look at these sites below and see more depressing statistics.

https://everytownresearch.org/gun-violence-by-the-numbers/ 

http://www.bradycampaign.org/key-gun-violence-statistics

https://www.dailysignal.com/2018/02/22/fact-check-are-most-gun-crimes-committed-with-handguns/

Where Can The Homeless Go? The Mohave Desert has about 25,000 square miles of open space.  Why not build cities out there for the homeless.  Land is cheap, not too many people there to complain about their neighbors.  How could anyone expect to build low priced housing in this area and not have flak from potential neighbors and have projects stall in the courts?

There are a lot of ghost towns in California (see link below).  Why not resurrect some of these towns for the homeless.  

What about trying to have some sort of industries where the homeless could work and build up their self-esteem - and bank accounts.  The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work relief program during the Great Depression provided millions with shelter, clothing, and food.  It led to improved physical condition, heightened morale, and increased employability for the participants.  The CCC Program was very popular with the American public.  Work is good for the soul - and so is having a roof over your head.

Oakmont Hike from J.C. Matthews on Vimeo.

Seven Social Sins:

Wealth without work.

Pleasure without conscience.

Knowledge without character.

Commerce without morality.

Science without humanity.

Worship without sacrifice.

Politics without principle.