Tuesday night's tragedy in Pennsburg is a wake-up call for all.

            The loss of life under any circumstance is a tragedy; one that should make us all pause and take account of ourselves.

            We currently live in a nation full of hate.  We currently live in a state that's full of hate.  And, yes, we find it in our own communities.

            The COVID pandemic, politics, race, gender phobias, and so many other issues are adding more troubles to the mental well-being of people.  Sides have been picked and lines drawn in the sand.  But, there are also those who just need help coping with whatever their problem is.

            Where are you?

            Are you feeding the hate that is consuming us?  Are you failing to reach out to others in a friendly, understanding, compassionate way while being quarantined or cut off from others?

            Do you have a friend, relative or neighbor that you know needs help beyond the words and smile you provide through online videos.  Are the words you post on social media feeding their anxieties and those of others?  Or, are your words adding to their problems?

            Would you even know how to recognize a person in trouble?

            Are you a grower of hate?

            The First Amendment protects your right to free speech but it comes with responsibility and accountability.  Taking that stick and poking it into the lion's cage only keeps you safe until the cage door opens.

            Many people are willing to protect your right but it's important for you to know that the cage door has opened.

            You may be able to apologize for your words but you can never take them back.

            Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the man who died on Long Alley in Pennsburg on Tuesday.  Our thought and prayers also go out to the officers involved.  They too will suffer from the incident.

            Don't jump on social media with your opinions and false-news until you know all the facts.  Everybody involved in the incident deserves that.  The families and friends of those involved deserve that.  You are not the lead investigator.  Law enforcement officials will disseminate information as they process it.

            Spreading rumors or falsehoods is hurting.  This time, show you care and do something constructive to help heal our community.

            If you can't or won't do that, at least stop hurting it.

            If everybody works to heal their communities, then the county will be next, then the state, then the nation.  There is no magic wand being waved in the White House or Congressional halls that will make this happen.  In fact, most often they make it worse. 

            If you know of a person who may need help for a mental health issue reach out to them, their friends or family. 

            If you need help, contact your county's mental health office and seek help and advice.  If you know, or think you know, someone who needs help contact them to seek the best way to approach the issue.

            There are many professional and volunteer agencies to help people cope with their distress or confusion.

            Social media is not one of them.