The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

Republican New Hampshire state legislator, Mark Warden, just recently had some interesting words for the Concord Monitor , where he stated the following with regard to abusive relationships: "Some people could make the argument that a lot of people like being in abusive relationships. It's a love-hate relationship. It's very, very common for people to stick around with somebody they love who also abuses him or her." Sure, some people "could" make that argument, but they'd be idiots for doing so. It's fairly common for abused individuals to "stick around with somebody" not because they enjoy the abuse, but because through this abuse, their confidence and self-image have taken serious beatings as well, and they wind up feeling as though they deserve the abuse. Many also fear leaving the abuser, fearful that this will lead to even more severe beatings or even death. Based on Mr. Warden's comments, it appears as though his brain cells h...

I was informed just last night that a dear old friend of mine was abused by her then-boyfriend. This wasn't the first such occasion for this. Unfortunately, she accepted his apology after the first time he resorted to violence against her. I sincerely hope with all my being that she doesn't open the door for him again. Unfortunately, I myself, have been a victim of abuse, when I was an 8-year old boy, an older man took advantage of me. I've known other people whom have been victims of one kind of abuse or another, whether it be physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, mental or psychological. No matter what I think of the person or how disgraceful I believe his or her actions are, I try to place myself inside their shoes (not literally, of course) and attempt to garner a better understanding of why they think and act as they do. The same holds true for abusers. Having been a victim of it myself, which has had its effects, even 22 years after the fact, this is difficult for ...

Upon discovering a dear friend of mine had been beaten by her long-time boyfriend, I felt the need to write and came up with this: "The Touch of Love, The Touch of Hate" Your gentle touch, Warm embrace, Along my neck, my back, My arms, my face, Filled with warmth, My heart feels complete, Filled with love, Like you're a part of me, Giddy in your presence, At the sound of your voice, My smile seemingly permanent, With every touch, The sun then sets, The doors creak, As I hear footsteps, A fear instilled in me, As the stomps become louder, My fear begins to grow, The room darkens, Turns bitterly cold, My eyes close tightly, Hoping it's nothing but a dream, Before you stand before me, In my face you scream, I feel your hand across my face, Your fist at my jaw, Time and time again, Before I finally fall, Tears stream down my face, Wanting the nightmare to end, My cheeks puff up, blood fills my nose, My heart and body in agonizing ...