I guess I don’t have to tell you that the recent spread of gun violence in America, especially hate-inspired gun violence, has paid a visit to the mountain. As you no doubt read in the Aug. 24 issue of this newspaper, a Lake Arrowhead woman was shot and killed at her Cedar Glen clothing boutique on Aug. 18 by a gutless, homophobic creep who reportedly grew up in nearby San Bernardino.

It’s no surprise, since San Bernardino has been pegged by the FBI as the second most dangerous city in California, second only to Stockton. San Bernardino also comes in at 18th place in the number of murders committed in the U.S. in 2022. All I can say is, if you’re heading down the hill to San Berdoo, you’d best watch your back.

Mister Saturday night special, got a barrel that’s blue and cold. Ain’t good for nothin’ but put a man six feet in a hole. (“Saturday Night Special” – Lynyrd Skynyrd – 1975)

Congress, in 2007, set aside Sept. 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. But don’t wait until Sept. 25 to remember 66-year-old Laura Ann Carleton, who was shot down for flying a rainbow flag in front of her store, even though she was not a member of the LGBTQ community. A memorial fundraiser has been established to help her husband and nine children at [email protected].

It’s time for Congress to pass legislation to keep guns out of the hands of crazy people and automatic weapons out of the hands of those not connected to law enforcement and the military.

It’s time once and for all to take a stand against hate crimes against all those who hate minorities and those who may be different from you, that are running rampant throughout this nation. Neil Young said it best back in his 1970 album “After the Goldrush.”

Southern man, better keep your head, don’t forget what your good book said. Southern change gonna come at last, now your crosses are burning fast. I saw cotton and I saw black, tall white mansions and little shacks. Southern man, when will you pay them back? I heard screamin’ and bullwhips cracking. How long, how long?

And it’s no secret that Lynyrd Skynyrd has no use for Neil Young.

Big wheels keep on turnin,’carry me home to see my kin, singin’ songs about the Southland. I miss Alabamy once again and I think it’s a sin, I said. Well, I heard Mr. Young sing about her. Well, I heard ol’ Neil put her down. Well, I hope Neil Young will remember a Southern man don’t need him around, anyhow. (“Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd – 1974)

OK, so I know what you’re thinkin’ – this guy’s a hater. Not so, after all I was an esteemed member of the Love Generation of the 60s, having attended Love-ins at Golden Gate Park and Irvine Park. Am I angry? Yes. And am I concerned about the future of our country and the current generation? Definitely! End of rant, have a nice day.

Keep it flyin’

Uncle Mott