Changes

A lot has gone on this week in Jefferson County, but it pales in comparison to the things that are happening in our Nation. Though we complain loudly and often and, much of the time, correctly, this week our list of complaints seems almost inconsequential. Many have found themselves wondering how things got so far out of control and there seem to be an abundance of expert ideas about the degeneration of the Nation. Though I understand that we must dissect the issues to get to the root of the problem, I am more interested in how we heal as a Nation and return to a place of safety and prosperity. Call me crazy, but crazy people have always existed-some have even ruled Nations. But, we have always dealt with them on either the public stage or privately, whichever the situation deemed necessary. Generationally, we seem to be handling the changes in our society differently. Those of us who grew up pre the September 11 attacks were shocked to find that we were no longer safe in our homeland. Those that grew up after the attacks know nothing other than that feeling of unrest. I don’t like looking over my shoulder and, somehow, it feels even worse when the threat is semi home grown. My son was in third grade during the 9/11 attacks and attended Maury Middle School during the shooting incident a few years ago. My generation is glued to the screen, watching every update anytime that there is an “incident” like Sandy Hook or Boston. His generation seems to just move on as though almost nothing has happened. Life as usual. Perhaps that is most horrific way that attacks of the past decade have changed our society. Safety and Security are not the norm anymore and I fear that they may never be again. During recent research regarding the dams, it occurred to me that we live in a very vulnerable society. I know that the proximity to Oak Ridge and Watts Barr are nothing new but, for some reason, they seem much closer than they used to. We, in Jefferson County, are not insulated from the plight in other parts of the Nation. A few years ago, I stood very close to where the Boston bombs went off, waiting patiently for my husband to move our car. In a town as rich with history and as vibrant as Boston, it seemed worlds away from major catastrophe. In reality it was only a few blocks and a few short years away from terror. Time changes and things change-sadly.