Bena Mae’s Kitchen: We have met the enemy and he is us

When I had my breakfast this morning, as is my usual habit, I turned on the television to watch the news, or to be more specific, to see how many people had gotten shot today which is usually in back of my mind owing to the random shootings that had occurred by crazies this week who like to put holes in people. It was not a facetious thought that was going through my head.. It was reality.
A priest had been shot and killed and another priest was critically wounded in a home invasion in Phoenix, Arizona. The killer, or killers were still on the loose.
As I watched, the words of Pogo, a popular comic strip that ran sometime in the forties and written by Walt Kelly, ran through my mind. “We Have Met the Enemy and He is Us.”
I read the comic strip every day and at the time I didn’t give any credence to what Pogo was saying. It was a gentler time when fear was not prevalent in our everyday lives. Surveillance cameras, dead-boat locks, security systems, pepper spray and other safety devices were not a part of keeping ourselves safe. A latched screen door was the only protection we needed.
We hear a lot today about foreign terrorists invading our freedom and I take it seriously. But after watching the news for the past several months, I am more afraid of what is within than what is outside our borders. We never know what is going to pop up next, considering the catastrophes that have dominated the news all too often. FDR said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” But in today’s world, fear is ever present in everything we do.
I tell my family to look all around their car when they’re approaching it in a large parking lot, to always have their keys ready. You never know.
It’s hard to be apathetic when we do what was once normal in our daily lives. No longer are we able to feel there is a safe zone. Even in church, do we nervously scour the congregation to see if anything is amiss? In schools that should be a safe haven for our children, do we drop them off with a comfortable feeling, hoping they will be safe all day? Do we attend the theater without looking for the exit doors before we take our seat…just in case. The mall, the college campuses, even having a burger and fries at a fast food restaurant?
Stop me folks, I’m getting paranoid. But sadly, Pogo was right.

Today I’m sharing a letter that included a recipe from Kari Bargo of Corbin.
Please accept my thanks for both as I’m sure readers will enjoy this soul satisfying recipe.

Dear Ms. Bena Mae,
I just wanted to send my appreciation for your weekly column. I always look forward to reading your observations as they are not only “spot on” but smile-inducing and day brightening. I have tried several of your recipes and thought you might enjoy this original from my kitchen. Again, your efforts are appreciated and I wanted you to know.

Kari’s Red Beans and Rice

1 package Polish Sausage
1 can Beef Broth
1 can diced tomatoes w/garlic and oregano
1 1/2 cups brown Minute Rice
1/2 stick butter
1 can dark red kidney beans, rinsed

Cut sausage into 1/4 inch slices, brown and drain well.
In large covered skillet add rest of ingredients to cooked sausage.
Simmer, covered for 5 to 7 minutes stirring often.
Uncover and cook until rice is tender, and liquid is absorbed.