CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE September 2019 PeacewaysPeacewaysGun Violence: Can I make a difference? How? by Margaret Gabriel A standing feature on page one of of those injuries were critical? How highest rate among the states. Peaceways is the box you see in the many of those people now require Kentucky exported crime guns at lower left corner of this page: the ‘round-the-clock care? How many more than twice the national rate and number of people who have been involve brain trauma that will change more than twice the rate at which killed or injured as a result of gun the life of the injured person forever? it imported crime guns from other violence in the United States to date Several years ago we began states. and the number from last year. The including the statistics from For a complete description of the number does not include people who gunviolencearchive.com in every issue holes in Kentucky’s gun laws, which have died of suicide using a gun, but of Peaceways, and asked readers to score an F (and are pretty darn scary), at various times has included the include them in the agenda of any see the state section of Giffords Law deaths of Lexington’s Trinity Gay, the and all meetings they attend. Center website. students at Marshall County High This month, we would like to ask Clearly, making changes in Kentucky School and Heath High School in readers to also send the statistics to laws can have an impact on the Paducah, and shoppers at a Louisville elected officials with a plea to take national statistics concerning gun Kroger. This month’s number includes the legislative action needed to end violence. the 22 people who were killed on Aug. the easy access to guns that makes Please, please, please contact 3 in El Paso, Texas and the 10 killed a mass shootings not only possible, but Gov. Matt Bevin and members of few hours later in Dayton, Ohio. common. the Kentucky General Assembly and It’s hard to imagine the number The Giffords Law Center to ask them to take whatever action is of people — friends, loved ones, Prevent Gun Violence provides legal needed to put an end to the tragedies community members — who assistance to promote gun control of mass shootings. And while you’re are affected by the deaths of and oppose firearm ownership. The at your keyboard, contact Sen. Mitch the 9,779 people included in the group’s website (giffordslawcenter. McConnell, Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. gunviolencearchive.com report for org) includes information about the Andy Barr, and ask them to address Aug. 29, 2019. And how have the gun laws in each state. The website the issue on a national level. lives changed for the 17,581 people reports that among the deficits in its who have been injured? How many gun laws Kentucky does not: • Margaret Gabriel is the editor of • Require a background check prior Peaceways. Although she is aware that Gun Violence to the sale or transfer of a firearm writing letters seems inadequate, it is less In America as of 8-29-19 by an unlicensed person; inadequate than doing nothing. (excluding suicide) • Prohibit the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50 caliber 2019 (year to date) rifles or large capacity ammunition Afflict the Killed 9,779 magazines; Wounded 19,581 • Impose a waiting period on firearm purchases. comfortable; 2018 (annual) In 2017, Kentucky had the 16th Killed 13,321 highest gun death rate among the give comfort Wounded 25,734 states. Kentucky also supplied crime Source: www.gunviolencearchive.org guns to other states at the eighth to the afflicted.

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE 1 The Central Kentucky Council A President, A Prime Minister, A Perspective for Peace and Justice by H.D. Uriel Smith Board of Directors: Rebecca Ballard DiLoreto, Rick Clewett, Bilal El-Amin, Mary Ann President Trump and Prime Minister completely upon Trump’s support. But, Ghosal (secretary), Heather Hadi, Randolph Netanyahu deserve each other. Each fears Trump is unreliable. Thus Netanyahu also Hollingsworth, Rahul Karanth, Steven Lee Katz so much for his own political security that has become unreliable. (treasurer), Richard Mitchell, Bruce Mundy, he endangers his country’s security. Each Israel has special security needs. In Steve Pavey, Nadia Rasheed, Rabbi Uri Smith, increases the spread between the richest order to understand them we should go Teddi Smith-Robillard, Craig Wilkie. and the poorest in his country. Each is back to Thucydides’ Peloponnesian War, Peaceways Staff: Margaret Gabriel (editor); splitting his own country into radical 5, 84-5.113. It states that Melos was Penny Christian, Gail Koehler, Betsy Neale, Mary extremes, hoping that this will hide his an island originally siding with Sparta. Ann Ghosal, Jim Trammel (proofreaders). The own extremism. And, each is downgrading Melos tried to become neutral, and argued views expressed in Peaceways are those of the the educational possibilities in his own in Athens for that neutrality. Instead the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views country. Athenians attacked it, killed all its male of CKCPJ. President Trump came to Kentucky to adults, and sold the rest of the Melians Member Organizations: ACLU-Central Kentucky support Gov. Matt Bevin in his fight with into slavery. Israel cannot allow itself a Chapter; Ahava Center for Spiritual Living; Kentucky’s teachers. Kentucky’s teachers similar weakness. Amnesty International, UK Chapter; Bahá’ís of are badly paid, and Bevin aims to place Anybody supporting BDS (Boycott, Lexington; Berea Friends Meeting; Bluegrass their livelihood in even greater jeopardy. Divestment, and Sanctions) against Israel Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Bluegrass In parallel, for his own political needs, either thinks that a Melian argument is Domestic Violence Program; Bluegrass United Netanyahu made Naphtali Bennett the sufficient, or he thinks that national and Church of Christ; Catholic Action Center; Israeli Minister of Education. Israel used religious beliefs are dangerous and need Central Christian Church; Commission for Peace to maintain high educational standards. to be suppressed. BDS supporters either and Justice, Catholic Diocese of Lexington; Gay Bennett’s policies so eroded these know hardly anything about the genocides and Lesbian Services Organization; Humanist standards that Israel now has the lowest of the First and Second World Wars, Forum of Central Kentucky; Hunter Presbyterian standards among all advanced societies including the Holocaust, or they oppose Church; Islamic Society of Central Kentucky; with low teacher pay, the absence of the survival of the Israeli nation. Such Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass; Kentuckians requirements for teacher hiring, and an a person produces his own international for the Commonwealth; Kentucky Coalition to alarming number of graduates who cannot dangers. Nobody in the Israeli Knesset Abolish the Death Penalty, Central Kentucky function in a modern society. is foolish enough to accept such dangers. Chapter; Kentucky Coalition for Immigrant and Trump cannot understand this article’s The far left-wingers among the American Refugee Rights; Kentucky Resources Council; criticism because he has a narcissistic Democrats foolishly do support BDS. Lexington Fair Housing Council; Lexington personality. He is incapable of placing When Israel originally allowed the two Fairness; Lexington Friends Meeting; Lexington himself in another person’s shoes. This congresswomen supporting BDS into its Hispanic Association (AsociaciÓn de Hispanos mental disability makes him perceive country, it showed itself strong enough Unidos); Lexington Labor Council, Jobs with chaos where normal people perceive to withstand the BDS movement. Trump Justice Committee; Lexington Living Wage other people thinking independently, instead demanded that Netanyahu support Campaign; Lexington Socialist Student Union; communicating with each other. He thus his personal war with the congresswomen. Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church; Newman cannot differentiate any self-produced So, notwithstanding his other pro-Israel Center at UK; North East Lexington Initative; ideational chaos from any other chaos. decrees, Trump has shown that he does One World Film Festival; Students for Peace Since his own ideas are the only ones he not care about Israel’s security. And and Earth Justice (Bluegrass Community and recognizes, all others are null and void. since Netanyahu jumped to obey Trump, Technical College); Peacecraft; The Plantory; Thus his own ideas are “the greatest,” Netanyahu showed his own political Progress (student group at Transylvania greater than nothing. He is more insecurity. University); Second Presbyterian Church; comfortable with dictators than with The problems between the Israelis and Shambhala Center; Sustainable Communities democrats, since he believes dictators Palestinians will be reduced within thirty Network; Union Church at Berea; Unitarian think like him, following their own years once the two communities have to Universalist Church of Lexington; United decisions without paying attention to other work together to ensure that they have Nations Association, Bluegrass Chapter. people’s chaotic views. Other leaders thus enough drinking water. By then Trump run rings around him. In June 2016 Dan P. and Netanyahu will be history. McAdams wrote an article in The Atlantic, In the mean time we should oppose both “The Mind of Donald Trump,” explaining BDS and Netanyahu. this narcissism. Many columnists have • repeated this warning, but we still pay Peaceways is published 10 times a year by the little attention to this. H.D. Uriel Smith is rabbi emeritus for Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Netanyahu can understand this article’s Ohavay Zion Synagogue and a member of Justice, 1588 Leestown Rd., Ste. 130-138, Lexington KY 40511. The next issue of criticism, but he is now so insecure the CKCPJ steering committee. Peaceways will appear in October. Deadline for that he has made his re-election depend calendar items is Sept. 10. Contact (859) 488- 1448 or email [email protected].

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE 2 Calendar for Peace & Justice The council seeks to promote dialogue as a path to peace and justice. Consequently, we announce events that we do not necessarily endorse.

Mon., Sept. 9 Tues., Oct. 1 Fri-Sun., Oct. 25-27 CKCPJ steering committee meeting, CKCPJ Peace Action committee, PFLAG 2019 National Convention, 5 p.m., Quaker Meeting House, 649 Price Ave., 5:30 p.m. Quaker Meeting House, 649 Price Kansas City, Missouri. The registration fee Lexington. Discussion will include planning for Ave., Lexington. Discussion of non-violence for the convention is $275, $350 for non- the upcoming committee meetings, proposals training and other peace-related activity. members. The two-day event will include for new initiatives, and continuing action. learning, relationship building, and honoring Tues., Oct. 8 those who are making the PFLAG difference Tues., Sept. 10 CKCPJ Single-payer health care in the community. Register and/or become a PFLAG Central Kentucky, 6:30-8:30 committee, 5:30 p.m. Quaker Meeting member at the PFLAG website. p.m., St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2025 House, 649 Price Ave., Lexington. Bellefonte Dr., Lexington. There are gains Sat., Oct. 26 as well as various kinds of losses when Sat., Oct. 12 someone acknowledges their gender Christian-Muslim dialog,10 a.m.- 9 a..m., The Club at identity or sexual orientation. This topic Pride Run 5K, 12 noon. See the October issue of Spindletop Hall, 3414 Ironworks Pike, will be addressed by our panel of LGBTQ Peaceways for the location. Jamil Farooqui Lexington. Includes a 3.1-mile chip-timed individuals and parents. will be the speaker. For 20 years, a group race, a one-mile fun walk, entertainment, of primarily Christians and Muslims Fri.-Sun. Sept. 13-15 local vendors and an optional color-splash run station. Presented by the FCPS LGBTQ Advisory have convened monthly to seek mutual Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Committee in partnership with Lexington understanding and respect for their Center, 300 E. Third St., 7 p.m. (Sept. Fairness. respective faith paths. People of all faith groups, and those with a secular bent of 13-14, 3 p.m., Sept. 15). Message Theater Mon., Oct. 21 production of the Pulitzer Prize winning mind, are welcome to participate. This “The Piano Lesson” by August Wilson. Set CKCPJ steering committee meeting, Christian-Muslim Dialogue meets to discuss in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of 5 p.m., Quaker Meeting House, 649 Price Ave., historical, political and cultural issues the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” Lexington. Discussion will include planning for that have shaped the current context and follows the lives of the Charles family in the the upcoming committee meetings, proposals contributed to the views we hold today. for new initiatives, and continuing action. Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, Tues., Nov. 5 the family piano, which is decorated with Mon.-Wed., Oct. 21-23 designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. The Election Day,6 a.m. - 6 p.m. To identify play focuses on the arguments between Pilgrimage to the Holy Land of your polling place and to see a sample a brother and a sister who have different Appalachia. The pilgrimage will begin in ballot, go to vrsws.sos.ky.gov. The site will ideas on what to do with the piano. Stanton, Ky., and travel throughout Eastern ask for your name and the last four digits Kentucky with overnight accommodations of your Social Security number and will Sat., Sept. 28 at Mt. Tabor, Martin, Ky. The cost of $300 take you to a page where you will see your includes overnights, transportation and 10 a.m.- polling place and your legistlative districts. Christian-Muslim dialog, program expenses. Partial scholarships 12 noon, Masjid (Mosque) Bilal ibn Rabah, available and no one is denied participation 1545 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, because of cost. To register, contact Fr. John S. Rev. Leah D. Schade, Assistant Professor Rausch, [email protected]; (606) of Preaching and Worship at Lexington 663-0823. Participation is limited to 12. Theological Seminary, will examine mainline Protestant Christian ministers handling of the “hot topics” of Islamophobia and Monday, October 7 interfaith relations in their preaching. In what ways did the 2016 presidential election Voter Registration Deadline affect preachers and their congregations October 7 is the deadline for the November 5 gubernatorial election. In order when it comes to discussing other faiths? to vote in the upcoming elections, registration must be filed by this date. If Rev. Dr. Schade will share insights from a you know someone who is not regisered, or has recently moved (and young survey of clergy about controversial justice people move all the time!) encourage updating registration. Tell him or her issues in preaching. that every vote counts! Also, if you know someone formerly registered who intends to vote for the first time in a while, have them call the Fayette County Clerk at (859) 255-8683 to make sure they haven’t been purged from the voter rolls. Don’t be on the sidelines for this important election. THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE 3 Regarding gun control Margaret Gabriel We don’t need to just “do something,” we need to do something effective By Jim Trammel As a late-breaking essay in this Cory (“Obama 2.0”) Booker, issue is the recent gunplay that has would require all gun owners to scarred our nation for the 250th time obtain a license from the federal this year, I should find a suitable book government. Candidates Pete on the subject – but the publishing Buttigeg, Julián Castro, Beto industry can’t possibly keep up with O’Rourke and Elizabeth Warren the pace of events, so I’ll use my 500 plan to include this feature in words to recap some self-evident their announced plans. Universal truths: background checks would close We can’t just “do something.” We the family-member and gun-show have to do something that will be loopholes through which checks effective. are not required for these sales. Two separate 2019 studies Last February, the House passed published by Boston University a measure that would mandate suggest that the more effective way to background checks and would decrease homicide rates is to tighten close the gun-show and gift-giving down on who is eligible to buy guns, loopholes. President Trump has rather than outlawing certain firearms waffled on whether he supports or features. There are fewer gun- effective background checks. The related deaths where it’s harder for concept awaits Senate action. high-risk individuals to buy guns. home 255 times this year alone. The push to federally license And whatever solution applies should Boston University researcher guns splits the Democratic camp. Michael Siegel suggests that also address the overlooked fact that Booker, Buttigieg, Warren and two-thirds of the gun deaths in the a combination of three efforts Andrew Yang support the concept; United States are suicides. would drive down homicide rates: Biden and Kirsten Gillebrand do (1) background checks, (2) laws not. • prohibiting gun purchase by those Some of the candidates have Book reviewer Jim Trammel, no big with violent felonies or misdemeanors signed on to a “red flag” law, which fan of going armed, nevertheless fears on their records, and (3) “red flag” would allow relatives, officers, the day he sees the mushroom cloud laws to deal with people who or others close to a dangerous are established risks to others or situation to report a person with the themselves. (Closely related: “may- aim of confiscating their weapons. Lace up, come out, be proud! issue” laws, which give police Gun buy-backs are an intriguing departments a say in who acquires idea for reducing the excessive Join together for Lexington's Inaugural Pride Run 5K, set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. guns.) number of guns in the U.S. The move to ban assault weapons, 12 at The Club at Spindletop Hall. O’Rourke and Bernie Sanders Run, walk, skip or stroll in this 3.1-mile called for by many gun-control support a mandatory buyback advocates including most of the chip timed race on the scenic Legacy program; Biden favors a voluntary Trail. The race will feature overall and age Democratic Presidential nominee buyback program. group awards; commemorative medals hopefuls, is not among these three It’s important to note that no and T-shirts (while supplies last); a 1-mile measures cited by Siegel, because Democrat wants to go door-to- fun walk; entertainment at the finish line he does not see a statistical link that door collecting legally purchased including a DJ, food/drinks, local vendors, banning assault weapons would firearms, a scare point often raised sponsors and local non-profit tents/tables reduce gun violence. by the right. handing out swag & resources; and even a color-splash/run station (optional)! The two most common elements I once gave my wife the editor a among Democratic proposals is This event is presented by the FCPS mug inscribed “Somebody should LGBTQ Advisory Committee in partnership an assault weapons ban (similar to do something.” For this writer’s the one Joe Biden wrote in 1994 with Lexington Fairness. Event proceeds part, that sentiment applies to to help support LGBTQ students, which sunset in 2004), and universal the gun-control issue today – but families and allies by providing much background checks, on which there is the something we do has to be needed resources, programming, GSA some bipartisan agreement (in advance effective, not just a window- development & maintenance, activities of a detailed plan being worked out). dressing feel-good response to the and student/teacher/administrative The most extensive plan for gun tragic news that has now struck training throughout local K-12 public control, put forth in May by candidate schools. THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE 4 Submissions CKCPJ Steering Committee Meetings, third Monday, 5 p.m, Quaker Meeting to House, 649 Price Ave. More info: (859) 488-1448 or [email protected]. All are welcome. Peaceways Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Peace, every Thursday, 5:30 - 6 p.m. at Triangle Park Articles submitted to Peaceways (corner of Broadway and Main Street) in downtown Lexington. Contact Richard should show an awareness of and Mitchell, (859) 327-6277. sensitivity to the CKCPJ’s mission Migrant Network Coalition, first Monday, noon - 1:15 p.m., GLOBAL LEX, and concerns. 1306 Versailles Road, Lexington. Contact Lindsay Mattingly, lmattingly@ Feature articles should be no lexpublib.org, (859) 231-5514. longer than 500 words, unless you PFLAG Central Kentucky, second Tuesday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. LGBTQ individuals are willing to have the piece cut of all ages, family members, friends and allies are welcome. St. Michael’s Episcopal to fit one page of Peaceways text. Church, 2025 Bellefonte Dr., Lexington. Visit [email protected] or Pieces will be edited for clarity. (859) 338-4393. Speakers followed by confidential support group meeting. Please include references in the Bluegrass Fairness of Central Kentucky, second Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Lexington text for all quotations, statistics, Public Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington. Contact Craig Cammack, and unusual facts. End-notes or chair, (859) 951-8565 or [email protected]. footnotes are not used. Wednesday Night GLSO “Heart to Heart” discussion group, 7 p.m., Pride Please query submissions to Center, 389 Waller Ave., Lexington. GLSO operates Kentucky’s only Pride Center, [email protected] where they have quietly provided services to the GLBTQQIA community for before writing a feature article decades. More info, Pride Center hours. and other links at www.glso.org. intended solely for Peaceways. Humanist Forum of Central Kentucky, first Thursday, 7 p.m., Great Hall of the For all submissions, the author’s Unitarian Universalist Church, 3564 Clays Mill Rd., Lexington. The Forum is a name, address, and phone number Chapter of the American Humanist Association. Meetings are open to people of all should appear on the body of the beliefs willing to express their opinions in a civil manner. Child care is provided. submitted text. Contact President Staci Maney, [email protected] or (859) 797-2662. If you submit material that has Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, third Thursday, 7 p.m., Episcopal Diocese been published or which you are Mission House at Fourth St. and MLK Blvd, Lexington. Contact Beth Howard, also submitting to other publishers, (859) 276-0563. MONTHLY MEETINGS MONTHLY be sure to indicate this. Also NAMI Lexington Support Groups, every Sunday, 2:30 - 4 p.m. Participation include information about your Station, 869 Sparta Ct., Lexington. Call (859) 272-7891 or visit www.namilex.org. relationship to any organization or issue mentioned in the article Christian-Muslim Dialogue Program, fourth Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon. All are welcome. Locations vary, call (859) 277-5126. The Christian-Muslim dialogue for inclusion in a biographical promotes understanding and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims.By reference at the end of the story. exploring moral, cultural and political factors shaping the current context, the program Submissions should be made promotes personal and collective responsibility to build a more just and peaceful world. in Word format via email. Book Dance Jam, every Tuesday, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Quaker Meeting House, 649 Price Ave. reviews are usually solicited by the Move to the extent you are able. Sponsored by Motion Matters, $7 per session to editor, but we welcome inquiries cover space rental. Contact Pamela, [email protected], (859) 351-3142. from potential reviewers. Submission deadline is the Movies with Spirit, second Friday of every month. Unitarian Universalist Church, 3564 Clays Mill Road, Lexington. Potluck at 6 p.m., film at 7. 10th of each month. Peaceways is published monthly except January. National Action Network, third Thursday each month, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Central Library, Lexington.

Support CKCPJ by linking Showing Up for Racial Justice, second Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wild Fig Coffee and Books, 726 N. Limestone, Lexington. your Kroger Plus card to #16439 at To include a regular meeting of your organization in this space, contact krogercommunityrewards.com Margaret Gabriel, [email protected].

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE 5 Young offenders should not face execution by T. Kerby Neill

In August of 2017, Fayette County under age 18. As a psychologist and my psychology career, I’ve evaluated Circuit Judge Ernesto Scorsone member of a committee that helped or counseled a dozen young people conducted a hearing concerning the rewrite Kentucky’s juvenile statutes charged with homicide — almost range of punishments that a young in 1978, I have followed developing all male. Tragic shootings were man charged in a murder might face brain research closely. I remember not planned. They were impulsive at trial. After hearing recent research the first time I told my wife that men reactions to situations usually entered findings and noting that “there did not reach neurological maturity foolishly. Few youth had prior felony are currently 30 states in which a until about 25 and women several convictions that would have made it defendant under the age of twenty- years earlier. She marveled at how we illegal to carry a firearm. Typically, one at the time of their offense would waste money researching the obvious. they were not in touch with their not be executed,” he determined Statisticians who track auto accidents positive potential, long stymied by that “the death penalty would be and recommend higher insurance rates circumstances. They are seriously a disproportionate punishment for for males under 25 might roll their sobered and chastened as they face crimes committed by individuals eyes as well. shattered hopes, trial and prison. under 21 years of age” and therefore While we grant many adult Where restorative justice is in practice, “Kentucky’s death penalty statute is functions to youth at 18, we restrict they are usually remorseful. unconstitutional insofar as it permits the sale of alcohol below age 21. At The government appealed Judge capital punishment for offenders least 320 localities prohibit tobacco Scorsone’s decision to the Kentucky under twenty-one (21) at the time of sales under age 21, including five Supreme Court where oral arguments their offense.” The ruling does not states. Because mental maturity will be heard Sept.19. I fervently mean that young offenders should not can be further encumbered in youth hope the Kentucky Supreme Court face serious consequences, just not who experience early and chronic finds the wisdom to attend to both execution. adversity, many youth are clearly not the science and the serious potential The judge’s decision was grounded prepared for adult responsibility at age for changing young lives. I hope they in a thriving body of research that 18. Accordingly, a majority of states place Kentucky among the majority includes a capacity to visually record authorize extension of foster care until of states that does not execute these brain activity while varying the tasks age 21. (Kentucky offers transitional young adults. and emotional stress to which subjects living support up to age 21). are exposed. Hard data also shows that While in the Navy, I saw young • Kerby is a community activitist and myelination, the coating of neurons servicemen on shore leave who a member of the CKCPJ steering that improves mental efficiency, is were far from home, drinking, and committee. This piece appeared in still underway in young adults. The vulnerable to conflicts with locals the Aug. 25 issue of the [Lexington] prefrontal cortex, the last area to or other servicemen. I thanked God Herald-Leader. undergo myelination, is critical to the they weren’t carrying firearms. In exercise of judgment and emotional control. Younger adults remain highly vulnerable to peer pressure and while they can perform reasoning tasks as KFTC Voters’ Guide well as adults in their mid and upper twenties, under stress (fear, anger, threat) the brains of 20 year-olds From the website of Kentuckians for the “This Voter Guide site is just one of function more like those of 16- and Commonwealth: many outreach tools Kentuckians For The 17-year-olds. “This is an important election year for Commonwealth uses to further develop Kentuckians. All of Kentucky’s statewide active and informed participation in our Developing brains are also more constitution offices are up for election in elections in an effort to build a Healthy amenable to rehabilitation A number 2019 – Governor and Lieutenant Governor, democracy in Kentucky – one where of states and re-entry programs Attorney General, Secretary of State, ordinary Kentuckians have a say in and concentrate significant rehabilitative Auditor, Commissioner of Agriculture, and benefit from decisions affecting our lives. resources on young offenders with Treasurer. “Working together, we are building striking success. “We believe our votes are key and can the Kentucky we envision. Right now we In 2005, earlier data from make a difference in the elections and have an opportunity to grow a healthy developmental and brain research issues we care about. We are dedicated to democracy – starting with making led the Supreme Court of the United developing a democracy where everyone informed choices when we go to the States, in Roper v. Simmons, to – regardless of income, race, sexuality, polls.” political position or gender – has an equal The KFTC Voter’s Guide can be found at outlaw the death penalty for youth voice. Where leaders listen and respond to govoteky.com. community needs. THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE 6 Alone we can do so little;

The Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice together we can do so much. 1588 Leestown Rd., Ste. 130-138 ~ Helen Keller Lexington KY 40511 Issue #323 • September 2019 Stranded in Atlanta by Father John S. Rausch Another one of Murphy’s Laws: All a while: “This is the gate agent, and as How do they keep them occupied and not flights from home go smoothly; returning you can see from the monitor, we need a wear out? Saints! They deserve a medal. flights always screw up. new plane, and this entire flight that was Tragically, I also think about refugees My flight from Lexington, Kentucky, scheduled for departure at 12:59 p.m. struggling for a decent life. I travel by connected in Atlanta and flew to today has now been rescheduled for 7 air, they travel by foot. Mothers with Gainesville, Florida, without a hitch. I a.m. tomorrow. For those who want to fly little ones face privation, violence, and officiated at my Saturday wedding in stand-by, there are still four more flights death to help their children to a fuller Gainesville and awoke Sunday morning to to Lexington today, ahh, but they’re all life. To me, the whole experience of blue skies, facing a skip to Atlanta and a overbooked, so when you hear the gate being stranded in Atlanta is a metaphor jump to Lexington. Home, guaranteed, by agent offering $200 for volunteers to about Poor Cousins of the world — and mid-afternoon. deplane, that’s for real seat holders, not I don’t mean us middle class who are My first flight even landed fifteen any of you 78 stand-bys from this flight.” “inconvenienced” once in a while, I mean minutes early in Atlanta, and my I was number 18 in stand-by, so I took the real Poor Cousins who are bumped, connecting gate was just a stroll away. a voucher for a night at the Courtyard denied premiums, and suffer delays as a Then I noticed the screen projected a Marriott motel, and was horizontal by 9 p.m. matter of course. They don’t get vouchers, 21-minute delay for the Lexington flight. Up by 3:30 and at the gate in plenty or enough people to vouch for them. They How precise airports get. Oops! Add of time for the 7 a.m. flight — that was stay stranded with no hope of an early another 10 minutes. DELAYED AGAIN for an hour and fifteen morning flight. “Okay, we’re overbooked, so I need minutes, in classic Murphy style! Aloft, the sky beams blue, cotton- two volunteers to take a later flight and I really try to make lemonade in fluffy clouds flow by, and verdant earth I’ll give you a $200 coupon. The next situations like this. I had numerous breathes life below. There’s no solidarity Lexington flight is only two hours later conversations with folks and shared without pain, no reflection without pause. in the next concourse. Okay, $300. I’m humor in the calamity. I joked with a guy For that, it’s worth being stranded in serious, $400.” that the couple taking the money while Atlanta. A young couple with a baby jumped at we thought our plane would land only • the $800 coupons, smiling that they could slightly late, would probably arrive before afford to fly again. us. And, we’d have lost the premium — it John is a Glenmary priest who lives in “Okay, let’s board.” happened that way, totally true! Stanton, Ky. He is an activist, economist Poor cousins like me were last to board. Realistically, I always feel for the moms and a great host and chef. I schlepped my bag onto the plane and dealing with small kids in these situations. found an empty bin before squeezing into my assigned window seat. “This is the captain from the flight deck. We’ve developed a little problem. Follow CKCPJ on Facebook This plane seems to have lost three ‘static stabilizers.’ The maintenance crew thinks Engagement on the CKCPJ Facebook to receive everything that is posted. it’s an easy fix and you can see them page held steady through the early Recent posts include a story addressing the problem on the main wing summer months. Posts by a variety of about a Louisville rally following the at the right side of the plane.” people focused on local, national and shootings in El Paso and Dayton; A modest pause. international issues. a protest by Japanese-American “This is the captain again. This type Items from the Washington Post internment camp survivors; the fires of maintenance calls for new static stabilizers that are coming by another and other national publications burning in the Amazon rain forest; plane, so I think we’ll deplane and you routinely appear on the CKCPJ climate change; arms negotiation; the can use the airport’s real bathrooms and Facebook page, so you can expect cost to taxpayers as a result of trade spend your money at the bar. We’ll call varied and enlightening posts. Check wars; and the internment of immigrint you back when we’re ready.” them out and be sure to share. children. Deplaned and legs stretched. After “Liking” the page will enable you

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL KENTUCKY COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2019 PAGE 7