Homicide as a Steady Diet - Where Is Justice?
In my long ‘other career’ as a crime victim advocate, there were times when others saw me not as a person with other interests and ‘a life’, but as a receptacle for others’ problems and pain. You, at some point, have to draw the line and make clear boundaries.
As much as I have tried to do so, to evolve and continue my life into retirement, I find that the violence of all types, the chaos and homicides appear ‘in our faces’ daily. It is so prevalent, that the general public and even those in ‘the caring business’ are rarely responding … unless a situation rises to wide national and international attention. It’s a mass numbing and indifferent stance when you’ve reached an oversaturation level.
The Durham, NC Homicide and Victims of Memorial Quilt - Artist, Sidney Brodie
I was shocked that almost no one had even a comment for the 13th anniversary of the mass murders in Newtown , CT, my home state . Our collective hearts stopped in Connecticut, New England, every state and worldwide to witness the worst mass shooting of children and adults! Perpetrator A.L. murdered 20 innocent first graders and 6 adults including his own mother. There had never been a time in history when this occurred with seemingly no answers!
On the heels of this, were the mass murders in Australia at Bondi Beach in which a perpetrator killed 15 people which appeared to be an Anti Semitic attack. This was an extremely rare incident, since 1996 after which extremely tough laws were enacted when 35 people were killed in a tourist district and a guesthouse by a lone gunman.
Locally, in Charlotte, NC we were recently horrified to see that a person with psychiatric problems, killed a young Ukrainian woman in an unprovoked attack on the light rail system. Another stabbing recently occurred there by a Hondurian national who had been deported at least three times who is now facing attempted murder charges!
What words can comfort others when there is such collateral damage and many victims in the unspeakable Michelle and Rob Reiner murders this past weekend?
Barbra Streisand, a close friend of the Reiner's, articulated what the media has not, in stressing that the Reiners were the true victims, providing every opportunity for their son (the perpetrator) and more…who, as parents are deserving of respect, deep sorrow and a lasting positive legacy!
In Her Words-
“Let me be blunt — I’ve been around this industry long enough to recognize when desperation spirals into an unsalvageable tragedy. What unfolded this past weekend was no accident.”
“Do not insult my intelligence by calling this ‘fate’ or attempting to skirt the truth. Rob and Michele were not safe in their own home. They faced trials that no parent should ever have to endure. We all know the long, agonizing battle they fought alongside their son, Nick Reiner. Those parents did everything to save their child, but in the end, that very sacrifice led to the most heartbreaking conclusion.”
“I see how the media is dancing around the hard questions. You talk about the struggle? You talk about addiction? You talk about the mental health of the survivor? But what about Rob and Michele’s pain? Who will weep for the people who dedicated their entire lives to healing a family, only to receive this ultimate devastation in return?”
“We cannot keep romanticizing family tragedies into sympathetic narratives simply because they involve celebrities. I am not standing here to judge, but to protect the dignity of my friends. They deserve to be remembered as magnificent parents who loved until their very last breath — not merely as victims of a tragic circumstance.”
“Tonight, I choose to stand on the side of the light they brought into this world, not the darkness that ultimately consumed them.”
***Nothing in this world can remove the pain and suffering. However, perhaps I can help ‘level the playing field’ during a pivotal time in the criminal justice process.
How Can I Assist? - Victim Impact Statement Writing- Writer for Hire
The power of the pen, with a series of thorough interviews to highlight the humanity, the accomplishments and loss of the victim can be accomplished in a unique victim impact statement that sets it apart from the usual narrative.
Yes, it can and has impacted the ruling of judges and pardons hearings in favor of longer sentences!
If you are interested in procuring my services for this very important purpose, see the following link-
Other Recent Blogs of Interest
https://donnagore.com/blog/consulting-santas-list-and-other-writing-projects
https://donnagore.com/blog/take-24-the-two-way-street-of-consulting
Thanks…. And may you find some measure of peace and happines in your own way during this holiday season!
With Gratitude,
Donna