October 2015 – Jackie Koerner

Soldiers under the rug

As I was driving home this afternoon, I was lucky enough to have caught this story on NPR: Missed Treatment: Soldiers With Mental Health Issues Dismissed For ‘Misconduct’

The story is horrifying. The military discharges their faithful soldiers who have fought in some of the toughest situations and as a result are suffering. To just go see a counselor or psychologist in this country is a great accomplishment. The stigma associated with receiving mental health services is tragic and likely prevents thousands of people from seeking mental health services each year.

When is the VA going to be held accountable for the proper treatment of soldiers and veterans?

From personal experiences with people in my life, the VA psychologists are not there to help soldiers and veterans get treatment. They are there as a backstop; a barrier built between those who fought for freedom and their own personal freedom. The psychologists often minimize experiences, feelings, and seriousness of the mental health crisis.

The VA will offer individuals seeking mental health services the opportunity to participate in a support group where participants are encouraged to regale the room with their war stories. Soldiers and veterans experience enough of their own war stories in their waking life and in their nightmares. Why would you ever want to send someone back to a war zone? Rehashing the events of a war does not suddenly make it make sense. War is stressful, tragic, and often very graphic.

These men and women need to receive treatment fit for someone who put their life on the line for others. Help them move forward from what has occurred.

Sticks and Stones and the Internet

A couple weeks ago Chris and I went on a drive in our new car. The kids were with Grandma and we just enjoyed the journey. During our drive we discussed many things, including an upcoming project of mine that will make me more visible online.

Chris argued that by putting myself out there in any way and by simply being a woman, I am opening myself up to the unfortunate side of the Internet. He hates this side of the Internet, totally thinks I shouldn’t let this stop me, but just wanted to warn me. I told him I wasn’t worried because my focus isn’t anything, even seemingly, controversial. He replied, “It doesn’t matter. They don’t care. It’s just because you’re a woman. And smart. They hate that.”

I don’t get why people feel justified in harassing other people, on or off the Internet. It just doesn’t make sense.

Well, he’s right.

By just having thoughts in my head, I’m controversial.

This underlying and sometimes blatant hatred of women just because they’re women and smart is…well, I just cannot put it into words. I honestly cannot comprehend any possible reason for such a stupid perspective. Why would someone hate anyone for being smart? Having opinions? Or even just existing?

You want to know what else bothers me? This thought that what happens online isn’t real. Last week I read an amazing article that expresses what is real and constant for many women in our society.

John Oliver breaks down the reality for women on the Internet with a little bit of humor.

For god’s sake, you’d think the way the people are lashing out at these women, they were axe murderers or even Hitler himself.

What happens online doesn’t stay online. This harassment affects our every day lives. By continuing to dismiss and accept these crimes against women, the oppressive power will persist on the Internet just as it has in society for thousands of years.

Shooting Our Children

Guns are killing people, and most horrifically, children.

I’m not going to blame Columbine. I’m not going to blame the uneducated people in society. I’m not going to blame the people who join gangs. I’m not going to blame the media.

I’m blaming every single gun supporter.

The Constitution was written hundreds of years ago. Society has evolved. We no longer have to bare arms in order to protect our rebel selves from the oppression of a monarchy.

You use penicillin, toilets, and refrigeration. Let’s bring your views on gun control to this century too.

Children have tragically died because guns are in society. Children will continue to die because you encourage people to have guns in society.

No, I don’t want to hear bullshit about how this is such a small percentage of deaths and cancer or car accidents kill more children. Gun deaths are preventable deaths.

Here is a list of the children who have been injured or died this year due to guns being in our society.

If you’re with me, please speak out about guns in our society. The only way we can stop this is to continue to fight for appropriate gun control.

Still on the fence? Read more…

Gun Violence Archive

Boy, 6, fatally shoots toddler brother

Shots fired into home killing 9 year-old girl

Boy, 11, kills 8 year-old girl over puppies

D.C. 3 year-old fatally shot by child playing with gun

Conformity of Wearable Tech

Don’t get me wrong, I love a shiny new new Apple product just as much as the next person. I have even been smitten with the Apple Watch since it came out, even though I have absolutely no practical use for such a techy trinket.

My other half asked the other day if they did in fact come out with a Rose Gold version of the Watch just like they did with the iPhone and if it came with a pink band. I knew both the Rose Gold Watch and pink band existed, but I went on the website today to triple check.

For a company that has traditionally celebrated originality, you may only have the Rose Gold face in these 2 band options:

That is unless you wish to fork out additional Benjamins beyond the purchase price for another band. This isn’t exclusive to the Rose Gold face either. It is across the board with each face variation.

I know this slim selection offering is to simplify product processing, but why not then just sell the faces and the bands separately? For a brand that people have come to know for innovation and style, this bums me out. Let the people choose and show how they Think Different!