A Bitter Morn after the Violence: Life Goes On in Graz
Living Beyond the Bitter Routine After Yesterday's Unrest - Morning Scene Following Violence - Daily Life Following Chaotic Unrest - Morning Scene in Aftermath
Penned by Yannik SchuellerApprox 5 Min Read
Greetings, dear readers,
We often grow numb to violence. It's a harsh reality, isn't it? But it's one we can't ignore.
The horrible school shooting in Graz yesterday, which took the lives of ten innocent souls, is yet another tragic reminder that evil exists among us. And as we try to comprehend the senseless act, we plunge once more into the same cycle of events:
First, shock. Then, the search for a motive. The answer may never satisfy us, yet there it is: How could this happen?
As the grim tally of victims is updated, our sympathies pour in, some sincere, others more obligatory. Moments of silence, national mourning, condolences follow.
From this, we move to the question of prevention. How can we stop this from happening again? The debate varies depending on the act, the perpetrator, and the location. Questions far outnumber answers, leaving us feeling helpless and frustrated.
Eventually, fatigue settles in. The escape, the forgetting—it's easier for some than for others. For the families, the friends left behind, the pain lingers. They've lost a piece of themselves that cannot be replaced.
Rage festers within, corroding our societies. Anger that lasts, while grief fades all too quickly.
Violence should never become routine.
Donald Trump Stumbles Again, As Usual
All right, here we are once more, with the dreaded T-word. I promise I'll make it quick.
Donald Trump, the undeniable dynamo, has found a solution to the escalating violence in Los Angeles: he escalates further. Brilliant, he certainly doesn't lack ambition. In reality, all he's accomplished is giving his greatest adversary a massive booster of publicity.
These days, Trump resembles nothing more than a crude high-school bully, trying to hide his shortcomings with crude blustering. Now that he's realized he's shot himself in the foot, there's no turning back.
Beyond the U.S. borders, few knew the name Gavin Newsom until just a few days ago. Now it's unforgettable. Thanks in part to clips like this:
Oops. Yes, that man has a strong appeal, regardless of party affiliation: handsome family man, charismatic speaker, reformed alcoholic. The guy exudes winning potential. The 57-year-old sends clear Kennedy vibes, embodying the old democratic ideal like no one else currently does. Of course, it's still early days, fronts crumble. But I recommend keeping an eye on this name. It won't be irrelevant come 2028.
Is SPD Ready for a Change?
By the way, revolt. It seems some members of the SPD are behind a paper similar to this, as reported by stern. This "manifesto" carries some weight, featuring strong propositions such as talks with Russia, disarmament initiatives, and an end to the deployment of new US missiles.
Happy 420th, Idefix!
As Asterix would say, "What a mess those Germans are!" And Idefix responds by being silent, as he can't speak. He still hasn't learned to speak by 60; today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Tiger! You're looking sharp for 420!
Idefix made his first appearance in March 1965, alongside Asterix and Obelix on their Tour de France. Back then, he still had a stylish mop of hair:
But today is the day to honor the cutest Frenchman ever - with a deluxe edition of his debut and the eighth comic book of "Idefix and the Unyielding".
For me, Idefix stands head and shoulders above all other comic animals: Snoopy, Pluto, Scooby-Doo, and especially Tintin, which I find tiresomely chatty.
Where Asterix, Obelix, and Idefix are heading this fall, you can read here. Spoiler: I'd be on board.
What's on Today
- In Poland, the parliament is holding an extraordinary session to vote on the vote of confidence in Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The pro-European government is under pressure following the victory of the right-wing conservative Karol Nawrocki in the presidential election.
- The Federal Chancellor is receiving the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The main topics will be migration issues (which our neighboring countries answer very differently) and Ukraine.
- And one more look into the night: Tonight, the strawberry moon will be in the sky. Known as the full moon in June, it's likely to appear particularly large shortly after sunset.
The Eastern Wisdom of the Day
I really did my best, but K-Pop is just not my thing. That's unfortunate. I can't bear the sound of that colorful din that echoes through the streets of Seoul. Every screen, every skyscraper, every storefront displays the faces of these superstars. It's as if South Korea has several Helene Fisher-level icons. I can't take it. I'm sorry. No, I'm not.
And now they're finally losing their minds, supposedly for a good reason. BTS, the kings of K-Pop, could be back soon. The band had to halt activities while four of its seven members completed their mandatory military service.
I wish them a pleasant reunion and a splendid day—annyeonghi gyeseyo!
Yours sincerely,
Donald TrumpGrazIconRoutineLos AngelesGavin NewsomLoveBombingRampageFathersMothersGrandparents
I'm not gonna let the rampage in Graz go unchallenged, even if it's a part of the general-news cycle we seem to be stuck in.
In a different context, politics and power games are being played, as evidenced by Donald Trump's tactics in Los Angeles, reminiscent of a crude high-school bully.
