Charlie
I'm not sure I have listened to more than five minutes of Charlie since I first learned of his existence a couple years ago. Mainly I saw shorts of him "owning" a debate posted by some of my friends who are more extreme right in their views than I. Since his murder, I have heard a lot more of his debates. I don't agree with Charlie on many of his views, especially when it comes to gun control, vaccines and faith in science. I do however admire his ability to bring clarity to some of the issues being debated and distill it down to a single point of disagreement. His murder has hit me hard.
Charlie was a husband and father of two young girls. Full stop.
I find it abhorrent that some think he should "reap what he sowed".
I find it distasteful that others are saying that while his death is tragic, it isn't as tragic as someone getting killed for political beliefs they more closely align with.
These sorts of comments and beliefs are why we find ourselves where we are today. These beliefs are causing the problem of inflaming those who might read those words and act out in these sorts of senseless manners.
I urge those who use social media to reflect on any words they are writing in response to some political happening and ponder that if similar words to what they are about to post, were used against their own political views, how would they feel. If the answer is that it would raise your hackles, consider not posting it and adding to the problem our society is facing.
As I have said over at mine in different words, it doesn't evoke as much sympathy as the shooting of school children. However, both are reflective of a highly disturbed society. The culture of irrational blame disturbs me greatly. For example the current propaganda that is somehow because the shooter had a trans roommate, which is highly doubtful in the first place and of dubious causality in the second place. I do appreciate that you are a more moderate conservative than so many of your fellows.
ReplyDeleteI don’t follow theories on motives in situations like this until I see a finalized report created by those with first hand knowledge in the matter. Like most, I have my assumptions of the likely reason but I try not to repeat them without emphasizing it being an assumption on my part. I do much the same in court cases and try not to second guess juries who were present for every single word and piece of evidence. I have little to gain by doing so other than to advance a personal agenda and/or rile others up.
DeleteI agree, especially with your last paragraph. I think people have become almost scornful of considering the feelings and beliefs of others -- which used to be considered common courtesy.
ReplyDeleteAs you and I have discussed, social media just tends to lead to lack of respect.
DeleteSo much hate in the world today. Seems like it would be simple to agree to disagree and then go forward in peace and harmony. My heart goes out to Charlie's wife and children.
ReplyDeleteI heard a political thinker say these sorts of things always seem to occur when our nation is struggling with an identity issue, in this case, who should be an American. Since we lost several notable people due to racial identity debates in the 60's, perhaps there is some truth to it.
DeleteYou've made some excellent points here, Ed. As you know, I'm a moderate like you are, even if we don't agree on all issues. But the thing is, we can agree to disagree. I've been appalled at some of the reactions I've seen/read regarding this incident. I'd never heard of him before, but clearly others had very strong opinions about his beliefs. Violence is never the answer. Neither is casting blame. I'm truly concerned about our country's ability to "get along". (to put it simply)
ReplyDeleteYes, I don't think people understand how their choice of words, or sharing of memes can affect others. Someone with mental issues might not grasp the point being made and start planning the next attack.
DeleteI will agree with John here. The never ending slaughter of school children only evokes "thoughts and prayers" and never any meaningful action. I hope we actually hear the truth and not all the rumors: a trans roommate, the only liberal in his family, an ultra right wing follower of Nick Fuentes and the Groypers, etc. Actual facts are becoming hard to come by.
ReplyDeleteI've done a lot of thinking about why school shooting debates tend to go nowhere and it is my opinion that it is because the two sides are asking for the "all or nothing" solution right out of the gate. I know the intention is probably not that but the perception definitely is. Somehow I think we need to start in the middle with smaller, more agreeable concessions like universal background checks and a national database that gets updated and then work towards the outer edges of acceptability for both parties.
DeleteIs there a way to halt the lies and hatred betwen those of differing belief? There is less common ground and there are more influences spreading untruths. I fear for us all.
ReplyDeleteI think the easiest solution would be to stop all politics on social media. Only discuss politics face to face where people tend to moderate their opinions more. I don't think that is ever going to happen though so I think our only solution now it to recognize that discussing politics online is flawed and we need to be exceptionally respectful in how we word things or what memes we show in our newsfeed.
DeleteKay of Musings: I’m sorry, Ed. I’ve seen those tributes being showered on Charlie by Trump but can’t agree with giving him the Medal of Freedom or flying flags at half mast. I just don’t like the idea of making a person like Charlie who voiced his kinds of viewpoint into a martyr. But yes, of course, I can agree that it’s wrong to feel it’s OK that someone was killed because his views.
ReplyDeleteThe way I look at it Kay is say someone in your town dies and there is a large funeral and procession to the cemetery afterwards. You don't know that person from Adam but at least here where I live in rural America, we are respectful. We slow down and pull off the road as the procession goes by or drive by quietly when they are gathered around the grave. We do it not because we loved the deceased or respected their beliefs. It is quite possible I disagreed with everything they stood for. We do it because we know that those morning him loved that person. Charlie is the same way. He was a husband and father of two kids whom people adored. Let those who loved him have their time to mourn. Those of us who disagreed with his beliefs need not be upset about that. There is plenty of time to write the history books on his beliefs in the years to come. Pointing out his flaws to those morning him isn't going to do anything but inflame them.
DeleteWell spoken, Ed.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you and Bob for inspiring me to finally hit the publish button on something that has moldered in my draft folder for several days now.
DeleteWell stated, Ed, especially: "Charlie was a husband and father of two young girls. Full stop."
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob and thank you for your post which inspired me to go ahead and publish this one.
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