Indeed... I was struck by your comment that "civil discourse is almost impossible"... for me, the the key word there is "almost". So much feels impossible until it's done. We've got a much better chance at making the change we want to see if we believe it's possible.
I agree that water is better than gasoline. Unfortunately, I and those like me, are speaking one on one. The horrid, gasoline spitting voices, are screaming on the airwaves. I fear that they are the voices being heard.
Thank you for the much needed advice. The image of be water is a good one. To love our enemies is the hardest kind of love but the only way that works. I did not know of this person but I figure he must have been the lighter fluid type. Having lived through the Civil Rights movement I am aware of how violent some changes are. All any of us can do is lead by example. I am sure this young man felt like he was doing good. These are hard times. Be calm, cool, and collected. You think better that way. So says my Dad.
Thank you for saying this. We must not let ourselves become monsters in our efforts to resist the powers that would destroy our country. As MLK said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that".
I absolutely agree with your sentiments. We need to present and respond to public tragedies with compassion, not vitriol. Illain Omar - who Kirk wanted to strip of her citizenship and deport her, was one of the first to decry this tragedy and express her condolences.
What makes this assassination remarkable is that it was likely propagated by an ideologue "on the left" - perhaps accentuated by the fact that Kirk was talking about firearms when he was shot. And we can blame the ease in which this tragedy occurred largely on firearms policies promulgated by Republicans.
So the "water or lighter fluid" metaphor was fitting and appropriate, particularly in light of the President immediately spreading division about the incident by blaming "- without even expressing personal care or compassion for Kirk or his family - on the "Radical Left."
It is hard in these bitter times, but as the Republic is torn apart and destroyed. we need to - like Illian Omar, lead with compassion and love, modeling the qualities we will embrace once we need to reconstruct our collapsed Republic.
A Somber And Thoughtful Analysis: Corageously Calm, Incitefully Intreaging, Wise Beyond Wisdom, Definatively Delving, Robustly And Fairly Researched, Rationally Presented, Conclusion Obviously Correct, Artfull Word Choices, Ideal Word-Smithing. Masterfully Written Piece. Provided By My Gifted Friend. Thank You, Austin. Virginia Jim Wilson
Extremely well said. Couldn’t agree more. We need to grow past this dangerous time in our country’s politics.
Unfortunately we live at a time in history where violence is being exacerbated and even encouraged.
If you do things to support violence in the world, especially in your own government, you are going to be a victim if that violence.
We have to have representatives who are going to stand up and declare without a doubt that enough is enough.
We used to have intelligent thoughtful debate in this country.
We now are so divided that any kind of civil discourse is almost impossible.
THAT is why this kind of violence occurred and will most likely continue.
This isn’t America getting great. It’s the exact opposite.
Indeed... I was struck by your comment that "civil discourse is almost impossible"... for me, the the key word there is "almost". So much feels impossible until it's done. We've got a much better chance at making the change we want to see if we believe it's possible.
i appreciate your wisdom. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your piece. Very well written. Your voice is truly needed right now. Les
I agree that water is better than gasoline. Unfortunately, I and those like me, are speaking one on one. The horrid, gasoline spitting voices, are screaming on the airwaves. I fear that they are the voices being heard.
Thank you for the much needed advice. The image of be water is a good one. To love our enemies is the hardest kind of love but the only way that works. I did not know of this person but I figure he must have been the lighter fluid type. Having lived through the Civil Rights movement I am aware of how violent some changes are. All any of us can do is lead by example. I am sure this young man felt like he was doing good. These are hard times. Be calm, cool, and collected. You think better that way. So says my Dad.
Loved it. So beautifully constructed. Thank you.
Excellent 🙏🏼very well said💙thank you for sharing 💜☮️
Thank you for being a voice of wisdom and caring.
Agree completely!
Thank you for saying this. We must not let ourselves become monsters in our efforts to resist the powers that would destroy our country. As MLK said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that".
Amen!
Amen. Thank you.
Thank you. I needed the douse of water.
I absolutely agree with your sentiments. We need to present and respond to public tragedies with compassion, not vitriol. Illain Omar - who Kirk wanted to strip of her citizenship and deport her, was one of the first to decry this tragedy and express her condolences.
What makes this assassination remarkable is that it was likely propagated by an ideologue "on the left" - perhaps accentuated by the fact that Kirk was talking about firearms when he was shot. And we can blame the ease in which this tragedy occurred largely on firearms policies promulgated by Republicans.
So the "water or lighter fluid" metaphor was fitting and appropriate, particularly in light of the President immediately spreading division about the incident by blaming "- without even expressing personal care or compassion for Kirk or his family - on the "Radical Left."
It is hard in these bitter times, but as the Republic is torn apart and destroyed. we need to - like Illian Omar, lead with compassion and love, modeling the qualities we will embrace once we need to reconstruct our collapsed Republic.
You don’t have a left in the US. Thinking in these terms is part of the problem.
Excellent words.
A Somber And Thoughtful Analysis: Corageously Calm, Incitefully Intreaging, Wise Beyond Wisdom, Definatively Delving, Robustly And Fairly Researched, Rationally Presented, Conclusion Obviously Correct, Artfull Word Choices, Ideal Word-Smithing. Masterfully Written Piece. Provided By My Gifted Friend. Thank You, Austin. Virginia Jim Wilson