Suicide Crisis Lineline: Dial 988

By Darlene Mitchell September 25, 2025 September 26, 2025 D. S. Mitchell, Depression, Gun Control, Mental Health, Modern Life, Public Health, Social Isolation, Suicide, Suicide

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Editor: I missed 9/10/2025 Suicide Prevention Day, but I think this is important information and we don’t need a designated date to inform people about suicide.

D. S. Mitchell

Statistics

If you are between 15-35, suicide is the second leading cause of death for your age group. For all age groups, suicide is responsible for more deaths than murder and natural disasters, combined. Men take their own lives four times as often as women. Many men sadly would rather be dead than appear ‘weak.’

Left Behind

As you can see, suicide is not a rare, or isolated event. It is very real and definitely permanent, and it leaves those who are left behind, in utter despair. For them the suicide event is plagued by stigma, guilt and self-recrimination. The most common question from those left behind is, “what could I have done differently?”

The Quirk in the Kirk Memorial

By Darlene Mitchell September 22, 2025 September 22, 2025 Charlie James Kirk, Culture, Donald J. Trump, Politics, Quotes, Religion, Social Issues, Vajra Ma

The Quirk in the Kirk Memorial

By Vajra Ma (Author of From a Hidden Stream)

Charlie Kirk was lauded in his memorial as an exemplary Christian. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles summed the three pillars of his work: Love God, your family, and your country. Just like Jesus said, love God. Just like Jesus said–oh, wait…

Jesus never said love your family. He never said love your country. Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:40) Make no mistake, it was Ericka Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, who evoked the actual spirit and teachings of Jesus when she called for forgiveness of the assassin, and with sincerity did herself forgive him.

Since when does following Jesus mean less than that? When did our neighbor get replaced with family and country? Who does that serve? Today’s Christian National politics most likely, certainly not a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-skin toned country.

Who was the centerpiece of Charlie Kirk’s memorial? Who had the long, grand, sparkler dazzling, culminating musical entrance? Who had talk time four times longer than any other speaker? It was Donald Trump.

“Love your neighbor as yourself”. It seems that does not include Trump’s immigrants, or the Democrats he attacks as the “enemy within,” whose “rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying the country — both from the inside and out”? Does it include “The rhetoric, lies, as exemplified by the false statements made by Comrade Kamala Harris [which have…] taken politics in our Country to a whole new level of Hatred, Abuse, and Distrust”? Should it include Democrats who are “…Marxists and communists and fascists, and they’re sick. We have China, we have Russia, we have all these countries. If you have a smart president, they can all be handled. The more difficult are, you know, the Pelosis’ these people, they’re so sick and they’re so evil.”

Donald Trump, the man who spouts this heated rhetoric got top billing and speech time at Charlie Kirk’s memorial. Trump literally said in his euology that unlike Kirk, “I hate my opponents!” His open, unvarnished hatred was well received by the crowd. Trump is adored by Kirk’s followers. Those who praise Kirk praise Trump.

So much for love your neighbor.

OPINION: What About Charlie?

By Darlene Mitchell September 21, 2025 September 22, 2025 Abortion, Black and Brown Issues, Charlie James Kirk, Conspiracy Theories, Education, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, LGBTQx, Opinion, Social Issues, Transgender Issues, White Supremacy Movement, Women's Rights

OPINION: What About Charlie?

** “Canonization is the declaration of a deceased person as an officially recognized SAINT specifically, the official act of public veneration.”

**The White House announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

By Kelli Mathison

Charlie? Charlie? Hmmm….Charlie. Charlie Kirk? Mmmm, Charlie Kirk. Who? I don’t know who this guy was but apparently his death beat out Jesus Christ for the top political murder in history. On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, an American right-wing political activist, was shot and killed while making a speech at the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah.

So-o-o-o this guy, Charlie Kirk, that more than three quarters of the country never heard of, is getting more fevered press than the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Certainly more histrionics than we got when then Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi’s 82 year old husband, Paul Pelosi, was attacked in their home and nearly beaten to death with a hammer by a pissed off MAGA guy. Or on Jun 14, 2025 — House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (D) Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home by a right wing extremist with little more than a ripple on the political airwaves.

The screaming, red-faced hysteria over Charlie Kirk’s killing is difficult for me to process, much less comprehend. So before writing this little piece for Calamity Politics I decided to do a bit of research. The most obvious question you probably have is, what did I find out about MAGA’s newly canonized martyr when I looked him up online. Charles James Kirk was 31 years old. He was born and raised in the wealthy Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights. His father Robert Kirk was a recognized local architect who had the distinction of working on Trump Tower. So, Charlie had the benefit of money and great contacts and he used them without hesitation or restraint.

Murder in Auburn, Alabama

By Darlene Mitchell September 15, 2025 September 16, 2025 Calamity Politics, D. S. Mitchell, Disturbing, Legal & Criminal, Mental Health, murder-serial killer, Police, Social Issues, Terrorism

Murder in Auburn

By D.S. Mitchell

How far does the pain of murder travel?

Auburn, Alabama is a town of about 83,000 in the northeastern section of the state. A tight knit community built around Auburn University. Kiesel Park is a sprawling green space, about four miles from the University campus. With its fields and woodlands and 2 plus miles of walking trails the park is a magnet for runners, bikers, and dog walkers, a place of peace and tranquility.

On September 6th, 2025, a beautiful fall morning in Auburn, Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle took her dog for a walk in Kiesel Park. A few minutes past 10:00, Julie a petite 5’2″ woman, was dragged off the walking path into a wooded area of the park where she was stabbed multiple times. After killing Julie, the man robbed her and stole her Ford F-150 truck.

Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was a retired Auburn University professor. A large animal vet, Dr. Schnuelle was a 1996 graduate of the veterinary school and a faculty member from 2003 until her retirement in 2021. She recently served as Area Veterinarian in Charge with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Alabama and Mississippi. She was according to past students, “a fabulous teacher,” “always an example- forever an inspiration.”

2,598 miles across the country, in Vancouver, WA, the pain of the murder hit just as hard as in Auburn, Alabama. Shocked, horrified, and broken hearted Julie’s father and stepmother are valiantly trying to come to terms with the violence of her death. Friends, family, anyone hearing this story is devastated. I’m devastated, as a friend of the family for more than 50 years the pain of Julie’s murder far exceeds miles.

Despite her many important life achievements, “her greatest legacy will be the love she gave so freely to any person or animal that came into her life.” Julie is survived by her beloved husband Archie Schnuelle; her children, Michael and Natalie Waldrop; her stepchildren, Megan Schnuelle, Tyler (Brandee) Schnuelle, and Sarah Jo (Garret) Truett; parents, Gary (Christina) Gard, and Elizabeth Moody; her siblings, Tim (Lisa) Gard, Dolores (John) Reuther, Jason (Amy) Gard, and stepsister Karla (Shawn) McQuade; along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, additional family, and numerous friends who were dear to her.

The Julie Gard Schnuelle Annual Scholarship Fund has been established at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in her honor.

****A suspect, Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28 years old is in custody charged with capital murder. He is being held without bond.

12 Things That Make Me Smile

By Darlene Mitchell September 14, 2025 September 14, 2025 D. S. Mitchell, Demonstrations and Protests, Government, Lies and Corruption, MAGA's, Palestinians, Positive Vibes, Protests, Ruminations, Social Issues, Trumpism

12 Things That Make Me Smile

By D. S. Mitchell

Welcome to Calamity News and Politics. Calamity is currently based in Southern Oregon, in beautiful Grants Pass. CNP attempts to present relevant and engaging political commentary, opinion, argument, speculation, and prediction regarding the political news in the United States. CNP also comments on health, wellness, fitness, silliness, games, and just about anything that tickles our panties. Once a month, or so, I do a post entitled “Things That Make Me Smile.” The number of items that make me smile usually change with each individual post. No reason, just because I can, I guess.

So, take your mind off of politics and policies, including your grandmother losing her Medicaid, you losing your SNAP benefits, the Russian attack on NATO ally, Poland, the total and complete destruction of Gaza by Israel. the attacks by Israel on our ally, Qatar, and try if possible, to focus on the good things in your life.

Today I’m going to keep it short, here are 12 Things That Make Me Smile, how about you?

1.) Being on time.

2.) Daddy’s old work bench.

3.) Blackened hot dogs. Yum, yum.

4.) Talking to my plants.

5.) Living in a vacation town, during the off season.

6.) Slow dancing with him.

7.) Pizza with a crispy paper thin crust.

8.) Wild strawberries peeking up in the flowerbeds.

9.) Fish On!

10.) Following estate sale signs.

11.) Putting pennies in a jar and watching them grow into dollars.

12.) Watching couples walk hand in hand.

The corruption and scandal in the Trump Administration is going to be around for a longer time than I would ever want, so think of your own 12 things that make you smile, because its gonna be a rough next three years plus years.

Call your congress person, write letters to the editor commenting on Trump policies, start a blog or a podcast, and hit the streets and protest. The next big rally is supposed to be on October 18, 2025. Watch for more information. Come out and protest, ‘No Kings,’ and let’s give our Dictator in Waiting, 10 million middle fingers. Join the New Resistance.

**If anyone is curious the picture accompanying this post is not me, but rather a lovely AI rendering of an imaginary woman.

Day Fires and the Power of Prayer

By Darlene Mitchell September 9, 2025 September 9, 2025 #Karen Tate, Climate Crisis, Happiness, Positive Vibes, prayer, Religion, Wildfires

The Day Fires and The Power of Prayer

By Karen Tate

Forest Dream

My entire life I dreamed of being able to have a home in a beautiful wooded area. I admired the homes in the Big Bear area and the many rustic-looking homes on many of our vacation trips among the forests and mountains, but I never imagined I’d have one of my own. I believed I was probably going to be an apartment dweller my entire life, but I secretly held on to the dream.

Believe in Roy

Then circumstances changed, as if by magic. We were driving home from a vacation in the Grand Canyon, taking Route 66 back toward California, all the while mesmerized by these signs of land for sale. Or I should say, my husband, Roy, was getting hooked on these carrots being dangled before the drivers on this lonely highway going through Arizona. By the time we had reached Kingman, he convinced me to “just look” at what was for sale. Well, you’ve probably guessed the next twist of this tale. Within a few hours we were the proud owners of 40 acres of land covered with juniper trees. Roy was sure this property was going to turn into a good investment. I was not so sure, but I tried to have a little faith in his intuition.

Worker’s Over Billionaires Protest

By Darlene Mitchell September 7, 2025 September 7, 2025 Anxiety, Demonstrations and Protests, Donald J. Trump, Health Care, Human Rights, ICE, Opinion, Oregon, Protests, Quotes, Social Issues, Update, Women's Rights

Worker’s Over Billionaires Protest

“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”

By David L. Shadrick

This was our fourth protest in a season of protests. As usual Darlene, Vajra, John, and myself parked ourselves on our favorite bench under our favorite shade tree on 6th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon, kitty corner from the county courthouse. The turnout for the Worker’s over Billionaires rally was good, but not great.

I can also report that the opposition turnout, in deep red southern Oregon, was close to microscopic. I counted two rabid Trumpers in the crowd; one flipped me off and the other one, a jogger, stopped in front of my wheelchair and called me a “horrible person” and then accelerated his pace and headed to the safety of 7th street. Other than than those two events things were cool. We got lots of positive comments on our signs, in fact several folks stopped to take a selfie with me.

INDIVISIBLE came through with a new stereo system for our rally. It was cool being able to actually hear the speakers and some great music. John and Vajra wandered through the crowd checking things out; they told us about a group way up on the other side of the street out of our field of vision that were causing a ruckus. It seems they wanted to protest FOR pedophilia. Holy smokes, I can see why that might cause a fight or two. I suspect they were just a bunch of Trump supporters being A-holes, trying to stir up some shit.

Despite the smaller size of the Labor Day protest in our little town, I will admit that in Grants Pass it was very hot and there were a lot of folks out of town for the last week-end get-away before school started. With that said, we need to increase the pressure on Trump and his allies. We need to tell ‘ol Donnie Boy we are not going to stand for his masked thugs disappearing people from American streets, putting billionaires on the government dole when poor Americans are having health care and even food benefits snatched away. This isn’t ‘effin Russia, yet.

If these protests are going to have the intended impact they need to be getting bigger and bigger not smaller. In my mind, turnout is imperative to keeping Trump’s attention. We can’t weaken or tire now; we have another 3 and a 1/2 years of the Trump despot show. We can’t give in, give up or surrender to this lawless president and his corrupt allies; our freedom is literally at stake.

**Quote by Edmund Burke

Take Time to Smile

By Darlene Mitchell August 12, 2025 August 12, 2025 D. S. Mitchell, Donald J. Trump, Happiness, Positive Vibes, Social Issues

Take Time to Smile

By D. S. Mitchell

Before I get any more irritated at Trump’s threat to take over D.C. I think I need to switch gears. I know, I’ll just take a few minutes to think of all the things that make me smile. Join me for a moment to reflect on the sweet and simple things in life.

Beach grass whipped by the wind
The feel of cotton against my skin
Electric BBQ’s
Donating blood
A dash of Irish Cream in my morning Cappuccino
Soldiers in their dress uniforms
Children’s handmade cards
Ed Sheeran’s “The Shape Of You”
Looking through freshly cleaned windows
Montana’s endless skies
Roller skating at Oaks Park, Portland, Oregon
Paddle wheel river boats
Finding that lost earring
Homemade Clam Chowder and Cheese Bread
Letters to the Editor
Antique car shows
A freshly cleaned bathroom
Cashmere and tweed
The thinnest, crispiest French fries
A new supply of business cards
Lunch with Mom
A February 29th birthday
Dancing cheek to cheek
Random acts of kindness
Circular driveways
Summer days at the lake
Winning $100 on the Scratch Off ticket

That’s it. I hope you took a minute from the insanity of the 24 hour news cycle, put up your feet and smiled at a few of the simple things in life.

Calamity Politics is a progressive news magazine dedicated to human rights, universal health care, elimination of the Electoral College and restoration of Democratic control of the Congress and the White House. Join the New Resistance. Dump Trump. Protest and demonstrate. We don’t have to take this crap. Our soldiers didn’t die on the battlefield to allow this to happen. Join the New Resistance

The Low Road

By Darlene Mitchell July 13, 2025 July 13, 2025 Anxiety, Demonstrations and Protests, Fascism, Human Rights, MAGA's, Poetry, Protests, Social Issues

The Low Road

Editor: A poem for our time. ‘The Low Road’ by Marge Piercy illustrates the necessity for each individual to take a stand against injustice. This post was suggested by Karen Tate, author and podcaster. Get inspired, we need all the soldiers in this war that we can recruit. Remember the June 17, 2025 rally and come out and give the Trump administration the big middle finger to their dangerous and undemocratic policies.

‘The Low Road’

by Marge Piercy

What can they do
to you? Whatever they want.
They can set you up, they can
bust you, they can break
your fingers, they can
burn your brain with electricity,
blur you with drugs till you
can’t walk, can’t remember, they can
take your child, wall up
your lover. They can do anything
you can’t stop them
from doing. How can you stop
them? Alone, you can fight,
you can refuse, you can
take what revenge you can
but they roll over you.

But two people fighting
back to back can cut through
a mob, a snake-dancing file
can break a cordon, an army
can meet an army.

Two people can keep each other
sane, can give support, conviction,
love, massage, hope, sex.
Three people are a delegation,
a committee, a wedge. With four
you can play bridge and start
an organization. With six
you can rent a whole house,
eat pie for dinner with no
seconds, and hold a fund raising party.
A dozen make a demonstration.
A hundred fill a hall.
A thousand have solidarity and your own newsletter;
ten thousand, power and your own paper;
a hundred thousand, your own media;
ten million, your own country.

It goes on one at a time,
it starts when you care
to act, it starts when you do
it again and they said no,
it starts when you say We
and know who you mean,
and each day you mean one more.