What the fuck, America?
Seriously. What is wrong with people? My twitter feed has exploded with numerous people extolling their views on gun controls. Guns for everyone. Guns for no one. Bigger guns. Smaller guns. Knives. Nunchucks. Trebuchets! While I certainly find value in a challenging and honest conversation about gun control, perhaps there are other conversations that need to be had. Mental healthcare, anyone?
And for everyone who opts to stick their head in the ground and declare now not the appropriate time to talk gun control, maybe they should watch CNN's video of a 3rd grader who was in class at the time of the shooting. Then tell her that despite how scared she was and how being in that situation made her classmates' bellies hurt that we have to wait for a better time to talk about how to prevent it from happening to other little kids. Because honestly anyone who takes that angle is a spineless, soulless coward. Also CNN should be ashamed of themselves for INTERVIEWING A 3RD GRADER WHO WAS JUST PART OF A NATIONAL TRAGEDY. But I digress.
There are giant, terrifying problems facing our country. I don't know how to begin thinking about it. I feel overwhelmed and helpless. How do you fix a system and a country that is so broken? Our country is broken. The answer lies in better education. Willingness to compromise. Reducing big business in government. Healthcare that is not privilege. Basic human kindness.
I want everyone reading this -- yes, all three of you -- to be kind to those you encounter. Maybe those people will be kind to the next people they encounter. I am a firm believer that you get out of the universe exactly what you put into it. This morning was a startling reminder that we need to put more good out there. Get on that!
And because at the end of the day this is a beer blog, I'm now going to write about beer albeit with a heavy heart.
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| My hand is enormous! |
For starters, excuse that ridiculous photograph. This was taken at TJ's 9th anniversary party last weekend and there were like 4,000 people crammed in the bar, which made for difficult picture taking. It's the Oude Tart from The Bruery in California. It looked like a brown ale with ruby highlights. It had a thin head that was slightly off-white. The aroma was light balsamic vinegar but the flavor was a much stronger. Lots of dark fruit and tart vinegar with hints of malt. It was thin but immensely flavorful.
The Oude Tart is aged in wine barrels for 18 months, proving that good things come to those who wait. Is this why my mother always told me that patience is a virtue?
Beer stats
Style: Flemish-style red ale
ABV: 7.5%
IBUs: 15
Rating: Excellent
Previous reviews of The Bruery
Gary's review of the Tart of Darkness
My review of Hottenroth
Well said, Marci.
ReplyDeleteBernie is a hunter and we both own handguns but I don't see any reason for someone to NEED a gun like the shooter had. I'm all for gun control laws, and responsible gun owners will always abide by them.
Mental healthcare is a big issue though and it does need to be addressed since today's shootings were not committed by a sane, well balanced individual.
You aren't alone in being disgusted by the media and no matter how many times the talking heads say they only talked to children whose parents gave them permission to talk, it still enrages me.
The beer sounds outstanding, and I'm looking forward to raising a glass with you in 10 days!