General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This is freedom. [View all]davidthegnome
(2,983 posts)This is rather a demonstration of some of the worst humanity has to offer. It is tragic, it is terrible, it is awful beyond words. It is not, however, who or what we are.
Think, not just of the shooter, but of the victims. Those who reached out to help others, despite fear for their own safety, despite the very real possibility of being gunned down. Think, not just of the bigotry and hate that enables and encourages these things - but of the good and great people who stand with courage and compassion... and love for their fellow human beings... even when the worst happens. Those people who do not give up, but stand more strongly than ever for equality, compassion - and love. Despite of the fear, anger, ignorance and hate that surrounds them. Their spirit of nobility, of empathy, of love... that is who we really are.
Think of the millions of people in this Country who never have the need or desire to use a gun. Of the millions who live with lives with peace, tolerance, compassion - and great love. Of mothers and fathers holding their children, of those who weep, not only because of their own pain - but because of their ability to feel the pain of others.
Much needs to change in regards to gun laws. Much needs to change in regards to religion, pop culture... the media - and various other things.
Who we are though, by and large, in the grand scheme of things... the overwhelming majority of us, Mr. Pitt, are not this. You could have seen "us" marching yesterday in LA. You can see "us" at night clubs, at movie theaters, in schools and churches. You can see "us" everywhere you look. Everywhere you look, you can see us - the beauty and greatness that humanity has to offer. There are deeply flawed and hateful people - and likely always will be. However, Sir, that is not what or who we are. It is a sickness, a deep and poisonous rage, but it is not "us". It is what, in our love for each other, in courage and kindness and empathy... we must struggle to overcome. It is not something that is ever truly won or lost, but a constant vigilance.
The more important freedom, the more essential freedom, it seems to me... is that freedom to love one another, to lean on each other's shoulders when we must. To work together, bleed together, and cry together. To be part of this great and terrible thing we call humanity. When hate seems strongest, when violence is at it's most vicious... that is when those of us who believe otherwise, who indeed, ARE otherwise, must hold most tightly to love and acceptance. To a peace and understanding that embraces our fellow human beings.
If we are indeed to speak of we... then we... are far greater than what we saw, experienced, felt and suffered with yesterday. We are beings capable of great love, compassion, empathy... courage and kindness. The sum of what we are is not determined by the hateful actions of a vicious individual, but by those millions who live their lives with love.
Do not despair, do not give in to pessimism. I grieve with you, my Brother - but we are not so terrible as all that. We WILL make change. We WILL move the world forward and make it a better place - because that is not what we are. We must cling to our faith in each other, always, especially when it hurts the most. That... is courage - and greatness.