Final Notice, page 7
The group fell silent for a moment before Rueben added, “If any of you want to take the step, let me know and I’ll be happy to give you advice on buying one. Some ranges require a two- person minimum for safety, although a class session would be different.”
Vince continued with his concern about immigrant prejudice, “Thanks, Rueben, I may take you up on that. But getting back to what we were talking about a few minutes ago, about racial and immigrant profiling and prejudice, how do all of you feel about that? I mean your two families epitomize the dreams that this country was built on. You’ve told me, Rueben, about your parents coming here to work on farms and how proud they were seeing you go through school, college and then the police department.”
Doris spoke up, blue eyes flashing in angry memory. “When I started going out with Rueben, most of my family was against it. Some said as much, and others didn’t need to say anything. You could see it.”
Rueben was smiling, “It was pretty uncomfortable, especially with her father. He scared me at first but my feelings for Doris made all that unimportant. But you know, in all fairness, my family wasn’t a whole lot better.”
Doris continued, “It was really only my mom who was truly supportive. Everyone else gave me all the reasons why it was a huge mistake, including how awful it would be for our children, being from a ‘mixed marriage.’ ” That made everyone smile. Ricky Martinez had been the captain of his high school’s football and baseball teams, was voted the most popular boy in his class, and won an academic scholarship to USC.
Vince, getting back on track, continued, “And that’s why I’m at a loss about the attitudes of bigoted people. Does anyone really think that any of you, or your children, took jobs from some more worthy Revolutionary War descendants?” There were chuckles and smiles all around. “Seriously, you got those jobs because you were better qualified than the other candidates, and why else would it be? That process makes our country better. Makes everyone up their game. That’s the American way. I’ve worked in other countries where nepotism is rife, and it holds them back. In the Middle East they have western assistants to many of the top local executives because the local execs are not capable. Instead of recognizing history and appreciating the facts, we seem to be going backwards.”
“That’s why I desperately wanted to come to the USA,” said Ahmed. “The ‘American Dream’ is something we all knew about in Pakistan and for many of us, we bought into that dream, worked hard to reach it, and realized it. When I think of my kids, I still know it’s alive. There are just some people, who, for whatever reason, haven’t been able to keep up and need someone to blame. They need to lash out to make themselves feel better. It’s not rational. They don’t want to pick strawberries. But they also don’t want to go to college for six or more years ... and in some cases, they lack the ability, the vision or the resources to do that.”
“And then there are the politicians who take advantage of those people,” added Trudi. “I have little respect for politicians in general, with a few exceptions. The vast majority of them are in it for themselves and one party is just a little better or worse than the other. Occasionally, I see an article about the wealth of someone when they enter politics and how much they’re worth a few years later. How does that happen on their salaries?” Trudi asked rhetorically, getting more emotional as she spoke.
Alma added, “Not only do the politicians take advantage, but they set the tone. Building walls, banning people based on religion, preventing groups of people from voting. Even if some of their rhetoric is simply that, it’s a rallying cry to their followers to think this or believe that.”
“And nowadays, it’s hard to even know what to believe,” said Ahmed sadly. “This whole fake news situation, including blatant lies and misinformation from our President, makes it very difficult to believe anything without doing some very thorough research. We might be better off watching the comedy news programs and reading The Onion.”
That sentiment was fully endorsed by all, but Vince sobered up the group. “My concern is that two or three things will happen that can lead to some disasters, and I’m not even talking about international or terrorist-inspired events. First of all, I’m concerned about healthcare, social programs and the economy as it affects the large majority of people. If the progress made with healthcare is reversed, if Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security is tightened or scaled back, if controls on banks and businesses are removed, and new, aggressive trade barriers added, everyone except the top 1-2% will suffer financially, even more than at the moment.
“Secondly, if the real news sources are bullied and tarnished with loud and powerful allegations that they are, in fact, the fake news, then fewer and fewer people will really know what’s going on. And if that lack of facts pushes or leads people into increasingly bigoted positions, that lack of knowledge will lead to fear ... which leads to my third point. A quiet gloom had settled on the table, but Vince was too immersed in his diatribe to notice.
“Violence and a growing appetite for guns. Trudi and I just heard that a million more guns are being purchased by seniors because of a discount! So, a ‘perfect storm’ is not impossible and could be disastrous.”
“I sure hope you’re wrong!” said Alma.
Vince hadn’t meant to deliver such a heavy thought at the end of a very nice evening … but he had, and nothing he could say could erase his prognosis of doom. Watches were looked at and Rueben led the breakup of the evening. “Doris and I walked over so we better get started before it gets too dark.”
Vince, craving redemption, said, “We can drop you off.”
“That’s OK. We always walk off our dinner and this one deserves a walk, even a short one. Thank you very much, Alma, for an absolutely delicious meal. We plan to reciprocate soon, although it will be tough competition.”
“Are you kidding me? I’ll run all the way for your guacamole and duck enchiladas.” Trudi said, “We’d best be off, too. Thank you both so much for the fabulous meal, even if the last conversation topics were much less enjoyable.” She avoided looking at Vince, but he could feel her unspoken reproach.
“Hey, the topics are reality. The meal, an escape. It was great to see all of you again,” said Ahmed, sincerely.
Vince, sheepishly, “I’m sorry. I led us into the dark valley and I certainly didn’t mean to throw cold water on a great evening.”
Ahmed again, “Don’t be silly. You made us think about some things that we shouldn’t ignore.”
“OK. Thanks, and thank you both for tonight. Alma, I’ll even play ping pong with you next time … if you spot me a few points.”
“No way!”
After the farewell hugs, the Fullers and Martinezes made their way to the street and Rueben said, “Vince, let me know if you do decide on a gun. I know my way around them, and I’d be happy to help.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight. Drive carefully.”
***
CHAPTER 8 – TWO DECISIONS
Pasadena, California. Vince and Trudi drove the short distance to their home in complete silence, knowing that they would be up for a while discussing their dinner conversation.
After letting Miles out, Trudi made some tea and Vince poured himself another glass of wine to calm down.
Trudi came in with her tea and launched what would be a fairly long discussion. “Are you seriously thinking of getting a gun?”
“I’m more serious than I was before this evening began. I’m concerned about a breakdown of what we’ve considered normal and I don’t think I was the only one there tonight who feels that way. Maybe it’s just the steady march of culture that we’ve experienced during our lifetime. When we were kids, our parents didn’t lock our doors all the time. Then, when we became adults, we did, and now, people are buying guns. If my worst fears begin to become real, I’d like to be ready. Are you OK with that?”
“What if the people breaking in get our gun first? I’ve heard that happens.”
“We’ll get a special locked box that only responds to our fingerprints.”
“They make those?”
“Yes. I’ve been researching guns and options. They make biometric ones that open by fingerprint recognition. We could have both our prints programmed.”
“But I hate the idea that our country is becoming a nation of gun-toters and I hate the way the NRA stirs people up about losing their gun rights. I’ve never seen anything to suggest that the government wants to take away our guns ... just put in place reasonable controls. Even Reagan supported the Brady Act. But every time a politician from either party even hints at controls of any kind, the NRA uses its muscle to stop them. Their reaction to Sandy Hook sickened me, and instead of doing anything to control who has guns, they and the politicians in their pockets, are now trying to arm all teachers. Barb and Dave may both have guns before we do.”
“We don’t know that they don’t already have guns. Teachers and school administrators in Texas may already be armed. And while I don’t really want to have a gun in the house, I’d never forgive myself if something happened, that having a gun might have prevented.”
“Well, I hope you’ll take Rueben up on his offer of assistance. He’s been around guns for a long time and knows what’s what.”
“I will, but I also thought we could do this together. Look at guns and get one that at least feels OK in your hand, and then go to training together. Besides, being in this together is a good safety idea so we both have equal knowledge and understanding of the gun and safety rules.”
“I like the ‘doing it together’ aspect, but it’s a bit sickening to think about having a gun in the house.”
“Hopefully, we’ll forget we even have it, like the fire extinguisher. By the way, where is that?”
They both laughed and Trudi adds, “Far left cupboard in the kitchen. Hmm, I wonder if it even works? So, when do you want to do this? And where?”
“Let me do some more research, we can continue to think about it, and then we can call Rueben to get his advice. I’m not expecting any burglars soon.”
“Well, I’m still having a hard time with the idea, but do some more research. In the meantime, back to the culture issue, I can’t even imagine how the Khans and Martinezes feel when they hear ethnic slurs, from the President and leading politicians, no less! It was bad enough when it was mostly African-Americans who felt the historical prejudice and bigotry. Now we still have that and a lot more. What does that do to people? In my lifetime, there have been a couple of times when I knew people didn’t like me or looked down at me for some reason. It was very uncomfortable but very rare and short lived, plus I could usually avoid those people in the future. Black people, Muslims and Latinos can’t avoid the general public; but it must take incredible strength, maybe even bravery, to simply go to the store.”
“Yeah. I’m thinking about the woman Alma mentioned. How will she feel the next time she has to go to that store, or will she choose another store, which may be less convenient or more expensive? I guess all minorities have always faced discrimination, which is why they lived in groups. Chinatown, Koreatown, Olvera Street, Little Tokyo, Little India, etc., haven’t developed to make ethnic shopping easier. It’s for inclusion and protection.”
“Who could look down on the Khans or Martinezes? They’re intelligent, accomplished, good-hearted, and just wonderful people! I feel proud and honored to have them as friends. Maybe I – or we – need to get more involved.”
“In what?”
“I don’t know. Move-On, Color of Change, Brady Campaign. Marches, petitions, phone calls.”
“Seriously? I’m not unconcerned, but what can be done? Bigotry and prejudice are tough belief systems to change.”
“I know, but I do remember Berkeley – don’t laugh! We did help change things.”
“Yes, the results were positive, but look at us now. When I was younger the dream of world peace was easy to imagine; but now, so much seems worse than ever,” said Vince, sadly. Then, with a lighter tone, he sighed: “It’s getting too late tonight to fix the world, so how about we go to bed?”
“Sounds good to me. Don’t forget Miles.”
“Whoops. Thanks. See you upstairs.”
Vince went to the back door and walked out past Miles, who was curled up on the mat. The stars were out in full force and a thin slice of moon shone in the clear night sky. As he gazed starward, he wondered if he could shoot someone? Even in self-defense. He felt Miles rub his nose against his leg and he leaned down and scratched his head between his pointy ears. “Dogs don’t have to worry about things like this. I guess that’s where the expression comes from, ‘Lucky Dog.’ ”
***
The next day, Vince called Rueben. “Hi, Rueben. It was really nice to see you and Doris last night and sorry for raising the subject of guns and cultural tension.”
“No problem. ‘D’ and I actually enjoyed the conversation. Too often these things are left unspoken; but with good friends, we know we’re safe and can be open.”
“Oh good. I was afraid I’d ruined the great meal.”
“Not many things could ruin Alma’s lamb dinners!” he laughed.
“That’s for sure. And since you’re so smart, I wanted to get your advice on getting a gun.”
“Is Trudi OK with that?”
“Well, we haven’t fully decided, but we’ve agreed to get trained together if we do. What do you think?”
“Perfect. That way you’ve got four hands and you both understand the working and safety aspects of it.”
“That’s what I thought, too. Good. So how would we start?”
“Well, first, each of you needs to have an HSC … Handgun Safety Certificate. You can download the manual, which is what the written test will be based on. Once you pass it, and it’s not hard, you can legally purchase a gun, and that’s important because you’ll know, or at least be more certain, that the gun you get doesn’t have a criminal past.”
“OK, I’m just Googling Handgun Safety Certificate now. OK, here it is. I’ll download it after I hang up. So, when we get our certificates, where would you suggest going to look at guns?”
“There are a couple of good stores not far away and depending on timing and location, gun shows can be fun, and you might have better luck picking up a good used gun from a reputable dealer. You can probably check out gun shows on your computer, Mister Techie.”
Vince laughs. “Hardly a techie, but I’ll give it a go.”
“You’ll need to take the test and get your HSCs first, otherwise your trips to stores and fairs won’t get you much. On the other hand, most gun stores administer the test and if you buy a gun from them, you often get a discount on the test. But let me know when you want to go, and I’ll go with you. ‘D’ won’t go. She hates guns. Always has.”
“Thanks, Rueben. I’ll give you a call as soon as we decide.”
“Sounds like a plan. Happy studying!”
Vince impatiently downloaded the Handgun Safety Certificate Study Guide issued by the California Department of Justice. Scanning the Table of Contents of the 56-page booklet, he noticed a number of self-tests and scrolled to each. Looking at the questions he realized that it wouldn’t take long to study adequately - he answered all the True-False questions correctly by simply using common sense. The fill -in and technical questions would need to be studied, but this was far simpler than the DMV test. He printed two copies and went in search of Trudi.
She was in the den, just finishing up the ironing. There wasn’t much of it any more since Vince retired. She actually enjoyed the relatively mindless task that gave her some mental private time. And she was thinking that, like Vince, she needed to get her head more back in the game. Her few glimpses into the wide world offered by the internet had hooked her and she wanted more. Problem was that Vince was on his machine so much that she didn’t have access. And so, when Vince entered the den, she immediately said what was on her mind. “Hey, I’ve been thinking that we should get another laptop. You’re using that one most of your waking day.”
Caught a bit off stride because he was on a mission, he said, “Oh, sure, honey. We can do that. Or, if it’s mostly for surfing, you may like an iPad.”
“That’s one of those tablet things? I’ve seen a couple of my friends with them. What are the pros and cons?”
“Typing is not as easy as it’s an on-screen keyboard, although you can get external keyboards to interface. But you can also use it like a Kindle, to read books online. Other than that, not a lot of practical difference. We can go to the Apple store tomorrow and you can try one out.”
