Telling a child’s fortune by the day of the week in which she or he was born is an old tradition, dating at least as far back as the mid 1500’s. In 1838, the rhyme that began “Monday’s child is fair of face” and based on that old tradition, was first recorded in the book Traditions of Devonshire. It has remained a popular nursery rhyme ever since.
The rhyme continues “Tuesday’s child is full of grace . . .”
And then comes Wednesday.
“Wednesdays child is full of woe.”
Judging by what took place in the United Sates Senate this past Wednesday, that prediction has a surreal and frightening quality to it. For indeed, there may befall ALL children the woeful consequences of the actions, or rather lack of actions, of a supposedly respected governing body. By failing to even consider a rational or thoughtful dialogue about how to reduce the danger to America’s children – nee, all Americans – brought about by the rampant ownership and deadly use of assault weapons, and by failing to consider ways to guarantee that only those persons responsible enough to own guns, should have that right, the US Senate has forever made Wednesday a day of woe.
Why?
The vast majority of Americans believe there should be a lawful, effective and expanded means of checking any person’s credible reason to own a gun of any kind. Especially that should apply to weapons that can spew widespread death and destruction in mere seconds of time. Certainly the bereaved and grief stricken folks in Newton, CT and Aurora CO believe it. And surely those left behind in countless households across our country where vacant places and snuffed out dreams are permanent testimonies to an ache that will never disappear, believe it. Every one of us who wake each morning, desiring nothing more than the opportunity to go about our constitutionally given rights to a free, safe and happy day, believe it.
So why don’t those we send to the hallowed halls of legislation believe it? What retribution do they fear when they pull away from their duty to protect those they are sworn to defend? Are they so enamored with their own power, beguiled by their own stature, owned by their own greed that they are deluded into thinking that “my way or the highway” is the standard by which they are entitled to serve?
Are they so beholden to the likes of the NRA and other ideologically driven forces who use the Constitution as a weapon rather than as a life giving document that opens doors to freedom, justice and equality for all that they have lost their own claim to those same opportunities?
Whatever their reasons, they have failed Wednesday’s child and everyone else who cares for the life that child should inherit. That is not the end. Fortunately, the week goes beyond Wednesday and the children’s rhyme promises better days ahead. True, “Thursday’s child has far to go” but the hope that builds as the week moves to conclusion and where these timeless words lead us . . .
“But the child who is born on the Sabbath Day is bonny and blithe and good and gay”
will indeed be the sustaining force that leads, eventually, to a safer, more tolerant time and to leaders who hear the voice of the people they have pledged to serve and all children will have a chance to be like Friday’s child, “loving and giving.”
Olson Huff, MD 
H, Olson, Please send this along to the NY Times. Maureen Dowd (Sp?) wrote recently that when Obama could martial 90% of the populace on the issue, he should have been martialling a one on one with congress. Well, maybe. The NRA is almost another government. It is scary, indeed. Thanks for your thoughtfu writings. Again, please send this one along. Peace, Cecil
>________________________________ >From: “Olson Huff, MD” >To: ceciljividen@bellsouth.net >Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 1:48 PM >Subject: [New post] Wednesday’s Child > >Olson Huff, MD posted: “Telling a child’s fortune by the day of the week in which she or he was born is an old tradition, dating at least as far back as the mid 1500’s. In 1838, the rhyme that began “Monday’s child is fair of face” and based on that old tradition, was first reco” >
Cecil, thanks. I will forward it on!
Olson,
Right on!
Wouldn’t it have been great if the ATF could have quickly determined the manufacturer and lot number of the explosive used in the Boston Marathon bombing? That information could implicate a co-conspirator or provide furhter evidence of “lone wolf” activity. It could have if taggants had been in the explosive and they would have been except for the lobbying of those criminal enablers at the NRA whose lobby prevented requiring them.
Once the “perps” were accounted for, what a help it would be if the chain of ownership of their guns could be determined right away. Once again, no such luck, common sense falls to myth and misdirection by the NRA.
Tom Coulson
Thanks, Tom and yes, we have work to do. Your comments are well noted!!
as always, Olson, you are on the point. Good work.
Thanks, Wayne; we must always defend and support our children in all realms, as you so very well know!!
A powerful and moving statement, Olson! Thanks for taking the time to write it.
Judy, thanks for supporting my thoughts!!
Molly many thanks for your comments and support. I will try to give this as wide a audience as possible. Good luck with the conference!
Olson
Good Morning, Dear Olson, Thank you once again for your eloquent commentary on the actions, motivations and consequences of our decision-makers in Congress. I second the suggestion made by Cecil in the previous post, but I would also urge you send this essay to every member of Congress. Perhaps it will help them realize what they have done by not doing anything about protecting children from gun violence NOW. We will miss you at the Leg Con this weekend. Molly
Some elected officials value lobbyists money more than human life.
Olson your prose shines the light of wisdom on the congressional naysayers. Let us make sure they see the light the next time they vote.