Letters: Charlottesville, Through One Man’s Looking Glass

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o p i n i o n


To those responsible for the violence in VA, both directly, indirectly, and through indifference; I forgive you. Admittedly, I am forgiving you to free myself from anger and to teach my children how to free themselves.

But I forgive you for more than just that:

I can’t relate to your specific views and motivations but I do understand how it feels to be hopeless, frustrated, and alienated. At one time or another everyone feels left out, unaccepted, inadequate. Having felt these things I can empathize. Make no mistake, I do not condone, nor will I ever accept hateful actions, but I remember having feelings of racism as a kid. I remember when I hadn’t learned what I know now. It’s difficult to sustain rage for any length of time… I’m sure you’re exhausted. If somehow you come to realize that these feelings are universal and you can let go of the hate you will free yourself from the enormous load you’ve been towing… that too many of us have been towing for far too long.

My hope in writing this message is that by shifting the focus from the great political divide to a more compassionate lens the events in Virginia this weekend can together become a jump off for our society to heal and grow.

We do ultimately choose for ourselves the lens we view our world with.

As with most issues these days many people have been quick to blame, or exonerate, our fearless leader for the violence in Charlottesville. So I asked myself, Is Donald Trump responsible for those injured and the murder of Heather Heyer?


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As CEO of the department of politics I feel that Trump’s lack of condemnation towards the White Supremacist that intentionally mowed down dozens of people is pathetic, deplorable, political, and inhuman. But that doesn’t justify blaming our president for murder, even if he’s racist, any more than blaming Muslims for the terrorism of one person. If the tables were turned and a White Supremacist was killed intentionally by a BLM counter protestor (for instance) no one would have the right to blame Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, or really anyone other than the assailant.

I see varying degrees of accountability and until casting blame stops being the focal point this will continue perpetually. Looking through this type of political lens only furthers the divide by avoiding the humanity of it.

Heather Heyer was someone’s child, etc. That’s the lens we need. The man that did this may get the death penalty, or life in jail… His loved ones are suffering right now. Maybe they are racist, maybe proud in some sick way, but give it a week or a month, when the world has forgotten and he is still never coming home to his parents, etc. This is the lens I choose.

My wish is also that as a society we make a commitment to forgive. If only for one’s own freedom and to teach our children, that’d be a great start.

Respectfully,

David Shaw


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David Shaw is a proud single dad that enjoys writing for stage, film, and articles that focus on mental health issues, addiction, music, and personal finance.

 

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