Record deaths

I stumbled across a couple statistics lately regarding deaths in the United States. Actually, two records were set.

Mike Woodruff's 12/8/23 'The Friday Update' noted: 

According to the CDC, a record high 49,449 people died by suicide in the US last year. The spike was most pronounced among older Americans.

Also, this article from Pewresearch.org (Striking Findings From 2023) has: 

The number of U.S. children and teens killed by gunfire rose 50% in just two years, according to a 2023 analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's the highest since it has been tracked.

What in the world is going on? Well, I'd say we somewhat know. For starters, I'm sure the suicides can be partially explained by the fact there are simply more older Americans now. As far as gun deaths... It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize it's the guns, stupid! Gun sales almost tripled from 2005-2020, with over 22 million sold in 2022 alone. There are now 120 guns per 100 people in this country, far outdistancing anyone else (We're #1!).

You know, I've thought I would use this blog as my little way to help people navigate through life but... dang, I don't know what to say/do with this. I mean, ignoring facts doesn't make them go away.

My hope is... as older generations have resorted to fear, animosity, and violence, younger folk will see through their folly and eventually swing the other way. This doesn't relieve any of us from trying to do our part to address these issues now though.

Yep, death is inevitable, but how we die (and kill each other) is not.