TL;DR: Anger and outrage in the face of injustice are understandable—and often necessary—but when hatred becomes the driving force, it destroys imagination, creativity, and ultimately the soul of those who carry it.
Hi. I agree with much of your analysis. I think a slight qualification is in order - not every protest or protestor is motivated by hate. That only seems true when watching the images that the news media selectively chooses for, I think, sensationalism purposes. I suggest it is important to note that there are multiple faith based national and local organizations that work from the perspective of love - Rev. Dr. William Barber & Moral Mondays, Rev. Dr. Paul Raushenbush & Interfaith Alliance. I presided over a vigil in my local community last Friday encouraging love over hate and standing silently with candles at the violent death of a human being. I encourage all to check out faithful movements based in love of neighbor while disavowing hate for hate. Thank you Loren.
I agree with your analysis of the corrosiveness of hate. It blinds and destroys the hater and pollutes anyone who comes close to it. Death in its very nature is unjust. No matter how one dies it cuts off their ability to pursue the good that we long for through life. Yet, we die….at times from natural aging and breakdown of our bodies or from accidents and often from our own irresponsible choices. The death of the ICE agent or the death of Renee Good are equally tragic. Where I disagree with your analysis is the assertion that her death was based on injustice and not on her blatant obstruction of justice. The apprehension of violent and illegal immigrants is just. Few consider the horrific injustice of the killing of someone out for a run in the park or the impact of dangerous drugs that end the lives of thousands each year. Where is the outrage for the women trafficked and abused? I am sorry that Good’s life was cut short. If it had not been much good might have come from a life well lived. I am also sorry that she chose to not peacefully stand up to her perception of injustice in the legal mandate given to ICE officers which led to her death.
Tom, thank you for your comment. We clearly disagree on some matters, but I appreciate your thoughtful perspective. We can disagree regarding Good's actions and intent, but first, he penalty should not have been death. And second, I do believe that with great power comes great responsibility. Thank you for your engagement.
Hello, Loren. Thanks for your response. I asked a friend of mine who lives in northern Minnesota his thoughts on what is happening in his State. He is also a man of faith. I thought you might to hear his perspective. His last point is a triple thumbs up for me.
“Hi Tom,
Yes, the State of the State of my birth ain’t great. Must be something in the water - and there’s a lot of that in these parts. It’s an amateur opinion, but I think Scandinavian types are by nature a kind and welcoming people. When you declare a state or city as a “sanctuary” for illegals, folks who are gender confused, and where all manner of “free” social services are made available without qualification, you have a toxic charity problem. You wind up with one-sided politics and a party that will do anything to keep power. We love our home and the people in our area, but the major cities are a total disaster and I’d say that there is a palpable darkness, a heaviness, such as I’ve never felt before. People are angry. They say they hate Trump and ICE, but I think their problem is really with God.
Yes, praying and cheering for Iran to experience a “new birth of freedom.”
Hi. I agree with much of your analysis. I think a slight qualification is in order - not every protest or protestor is motivated by hate. That only seems true when watching the images that the news media selectively chooses for, I think, sensationalism purposes. I suggest it is important to note that there are multiple faith based national and local organizations that work from the perspective of love - Rev. Dr. William Barber & Moral Mondays, Rev. Dr. Paul Raushenbush & Interfaith Alliance. I presided over a vigil in my local community last Friday encouraging love over hate and standing silently with candles at the violent death of a human being. I encourage all to check out faithful movements based in love of neighbor while disavowing hate for hate. Thank you Loren.
Yes, you add important context and information. I am certainly responding to news media images.
I agree with your analysis of the corrosiveness of hate. It blinds and destroys the hater and pollutes anyone who comes close to it. Death in its very nature is unjust. No matter how one dies it cuts off their ability to pursue the good that we long for through life. Yet, we die….at times from natural aging and breakdown of our bodies or from accidents and often from our own irresponsible choices. The death of the ICE agent or the death of Renee Good are equally tragic. Where I disagree with your analysis is the assertion that her death was based on injustice and not on her blatant obstruction of justice. The apprehension of violent and illegal immigrants is just. Few consider the horrific injustice of the killing of someone out for a run in the park or the impact of dangerous drugs that end the lives of thousands each year. Where is the outrage for the women trafficked and abused? I am sorry that Good’s life was cut short. If it had not been much good might have come from a life well lived. I am also sorry that she chose to not peacefully stand up to her perception of injustice in the legal mandate given to ICE officers which led to her death.
Tom, thank you for your comment. We clearly disagree on some matters, but I appreciate your thoughtful perspective. We can disagree regarding Good's actions and intent, but first, he penalty should not have been death. And second, I do believe that with great power comes great responsibility. Thank you for your engagement.
Hello, Loren. Thanks for your response. I asked a friend of mine who lives in northern Minnesota his thoughts on what is happening in his State. He is also a man of faith. I thought you might to hear his perspective. His last point is a triple thumbs up for me.
“Hi Tom,
Yes, the State of the State of my birth ain’t great. Must be something in the water - and there’s a lot of that in these parts. It’s an amateur opinion, but I think Scandinavian types are by nature a kind and welcoming people. When you declare a state or city as a “sanctuary” for illegals, folks who are gender confused, and where all manner of “free” social services are made available without qualification, you have a toxic charity problem. You wind up with one-sided politics and a party that will do anything to keep power. We love our home and the people in our area, but the major cities are a total disaster and I’d say that there is a palpable darkness, a heaviness, such as I’ve never felt before. People are angry. They say they hate Trump and ICE, but I think their problem is really with God.
Yes, praying and cheering for Iran to experience a “new birth of freedom.”
Happy New Year!
Bruce”