To honor John Robert Lewis we need to let go of resentment and receive all with love

[TexasProgresive]

I see posts on DU where people who voted for tRump have seen the error of their ways. I have no problem with them rather with those on DU who are so angry with them for their vote in 2016 that they don't see the good in people waking up. This is the most recent I have seen, "Tonight, as a lifelong Republican, I formally announce my support for @JoeBiden for president."
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213834627

Some of the responses were the epitome of forgiveness. I can understand anger, but this kind of hate is emotional cancer. It will drain all energy to do what is good and right.

Here's John Robert Lewis on how we should be:

“We all live in the same house... and through books, through information, we must find a way to say to people that we must lay down the burden of hate. For hate is too heavy a burden to bear.” - John Robert Lewis

[Squinch]

1. You are, of course, right that we should welcome them. And I do.

Thing is, I AM still angry about 2016. A lot more than angry. I am terrified for the country that I really do love, and I am watching hundreds of thousands of Americans die needlessly. I am incandescent with rage about that. It eats at me in a way that I have never experienced before.

Maybe the people responding on DU are just putting that anger somewhere, and feel safe doing it here because they are among like minds.

But I think it will help to think about Lewis and his legacy as I act on the understanding that, in the wider world, we can't bite any of the hands that will help us into the lifeboat. That's about all I can promise to muster. Even in his name.

I was thinking this morning: It is, for all purposes, August. THREE MORE MONTHS!

Of course then begins the REALLY dangerous time, between November and inauguration.

[dreamland]

2. Agree with every word. Hard to forgive atrocities, new and daily.

But we need the votes and our sanity back.

[kacekwl]

3. I'll try to forgive after the election, trump is

gone and they actually don't vote trump. In my mind these people are like the friend who gives the keys to their drunk friend who then goes out and kills some poor innocent. It was soooo obvious trump was drunk and dangerous. Sorry doesn't cover it.

[marybourg]

4. John Lewis refused to go to tRump's inaugration. He considered him an

illegitimate president. He was no pushover.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. That is an EXCELLENT point!

Many thanks to you and the OP.

I struggle with this, a lot. I’m sure I am far from alone. I have no hatred or even much anger toward anyone who voted for Trump who now sees this was a grave error. Quite frankly, they are in the same boat to me as the people who did not vote at all or voted a third-party protest vote.

Disagreements and varying beliefs systems are one thing. We should all be open minded and willing to engage with people on a different chapter and not on the same page.

HOWEVER, I have always been aware of how prevalent white supremacists and even Nazi sympathizer’s are in our country, even if they are not consciously aware of it. I have always been aware of how prevalent white supremacists and even Nazi sympathizer‘s are in our country, even if they are not consciously aware of it. some beliefs and opinions should not be acceptable in a civil society. They are on a different block and unless they are willing to close that book and try to see things differently, I will not engage with them. I believe in shunning.

I believe that is what John Lewis did in not attending the inauguration. He shunned Trump. that is non-violent and it does not mean that we want harm to come to the people who are causing so many others harm. We want them to be shunned and for their views to no longer be acceptable in society. Not simply go underground to resurface every few decades, which means we have to face it,Call it out and take the hard step of shunning friends and loved ones who embrace that hate.

I had not thought of it in this light until you mentioned the inauguration. Thank you.

[quickesst]

6. for some....

.... there is no forgiveness, only outright rejection, and for others, forgiveness would come easier in exchange for a pound of flesh. Metaphorically speaking. " I will accept your help, but only if I can punish you for your past deeds to my satisfaction."

[crickets]

7. K&R for the post and the discussion.