Just a few thoughts before departure.

After ten straight months spent in the U.S., we are about to fly to Poland. We are leaving just when on the streets of Seattle incidents with weapons occur - on the campus of  Christian Seattle Pacific University, a madman  shot and killed a another young man. A student, armed only with pepper spray, quickly put down the striker and has been hailed as a hero.

After the tragedy, students and residents of the city lit candles and prayed at the university, which was supposed to be a gun free zone. Just as after the mudslide in Oso, Washington, initiatives supporting victims started pouring in.  Already substantial sums of money have been donated.

Not so long ago, in neighboring California, another tragedy took place. I still do not understand how the attacker from Santa Barbara, who had evident and documented mental problems, could have legally bought a gun and ammunition? What also disturbs me is the fact that in the U.S. one can legally buy a gun at the age of 18 years, while alcohol not until 21.

The attitude toward guns in America remains a mystery to me. Rarely major changes in the law at the state level are implemented. It is almost as if the shooting took place in another place, a “virtual world.”

I've heard opinions that the changes in the law will probably take at least 12 years. It is unlikely that President Obama can pass reforms before the end of his term, and it is likely that he will be followed by two terms of firearm favoring Republicans. The Democrat who will likely follow might have a real chance of making something happen in America.

It has to be pointed out, that the Mayor of Seattle has supported once again the legislative initiative, which although supports the Second Amendment authorizing the possession of weapons, but forces mandatory background checks when purchasing guns in the state of Washington. A few days ago the authorities of nearby Tacoma unanimously endorsed these checks.

Despite the recent sad events, last months were filled with pleasant memories and interesting observations.  Dear Readers, I will post new entries in July. Now we're getting ready our suitcases, passports and supplies of melatonin.

H.xx