Hate and anger breed hate and anger. The political, societal, and cultural polarization resulting in violence is only helped along by the ability to obtain high powered guns. Evidently the man who shot at Trump had an AR-15. We’re just fortunate that he managed to only kill one person before being shot himself.
The political cartoonist Sheneman had one the other day with one person asking if an outlandish invention could be protected by the Second Amendment. The courts have treated gun rights as if they were part of the Ten Commandments. The ease of access to guns only permits tragedy, whether it is on our streets or at a political rally.
Threats against Members of Congress, poll workers, mayors, and almost anyone seen as attempting to work together in civility despite political, social, or cultural differences have increased exponentially as one group or another fears it will lose something. What we are losing is the realization that we can live in a society that tolerates differences.
Prayer for the Day
Crying out to you, O God, we ask how we have become such a people,
Filled with such deep loathing for those outside our circle;
Turning to you, O Lord, we know we are not gods but mortals,
Although at times we act as it our worldview is the only one.
Imbue us, O Holy One, with a sense of humility and grace,
Acknowledging that we only know in part, not the whole.
In the name of the One who teaches understanding,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Our shared values define us more than our differences. And acknowledging those shared values can see us through our challenges today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again.
John McCain, U.S. Senator (1936-2018)
The practice of violence, like all action, changes the world, but the most probable change is to a more violent world.
Hannah Arendt, political philosopher, from On Violence (1906-1975)
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
For you I wait all day long.
Psalm 25: 4-5