My Answer
This is my answer for my previous blog. It is not an apology. I once said that I would be honest and sincere with whatever I wrote. This was no exception, therefore I have nothing to apologize for. I will admit I was a bit surprised by the comments. Not in quality but in quantity. I had expected more to react.
Now, the purpose if this blog. As you might have surmised, I am anti-violence. Plain and simple. I am not alone in my beliefs. After a lifetime of reflection I am proud that I adhere to the values espoused by men such as Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama and especially Jesus Christ. I think I’m in pretty good company.
What I did was simply open a door. Peace CAN be created. With open, sincere dialog. Understanding opposing viewpoints is a beginning. After tempers cool the dialog leads to common ground, on which the foundation for peace can be laid. Always accepting differences in all matters. Those differences are what make us unique. But they need not make us enemies. With knowledge comes respect. Without respect there can be no peace. But of all virtues the three that must be held and cherished are Love, Compassion, and Mercy.
Join me again in dialog. My door is open.
Love, Jackie xxx
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Well said, Jackie
Jackie, I agree w/ Way that that was well said. I would only make one point and that is that you say you are anti-Violence. Who isn’t? With the exception of those who are mentally unstable…. who truly wants violence? People who are anti-gun control are NOT pro-Violence. We are pro-Rights, pro-Freedom, pro-Family, pro-Sanctity of life and pro-numerous other positive values where I believe we would find common ground. I think where we differ is in the fact that WE see violence as an unfortunate REALITY in our world.. It is not likely to go away, no matter how many peace rallies, marches, beautiful speeches and the like. We are just speaking up for our rights and determining the best way to deal with it.
Another point I would make (which might be better left for a later discussion) is that Jesus did not espouse non-violence solely. He had as much to say (and modeled this as well) about using violence where needed. Not as a first choice or because he was Pro-violence… but rather b/c it was a reality every bit as much back then as it is in our day.. even w/ Him walking the earth, in the flesh…
Again, I appreciate the tone of your blog and your loving response, while respectfully disagreeing in part. Thanks.
Well stated millie. Could not have better stated it ^5
Seriously!!! I doubt Jesus Christ carried a klock. In the 7th century Cicero Arch Bishop Of Hippo stated that we create laws to hold in check the Nature of Man. This is not an acidic statement but the truth. No one’s feelings should be hurt my words.
So who said anything about Jesus carrying a “klock” whatever that is supposed to be? Or do you always just make up your own arguments and put words in other people’s mouths?
If you want honest dialog, then stick with what was actually said rather than exaggerating and embellishing with your own agenda.
No one who has posted in any of these thread is pro-violence. I am a former member of the US military and if you are truly interested in hearing the facts, then I could provide you with many scenarios where an assault weapon would be necessary. I’ve had the training and know what threats we face in today’s world.
With your experience you are trained for all unexpected scenarios and know about firearms used in combat. And for that I have all the respect in the world. Yet I am a widow of a NY Police Officer who has seen many scenarios where gunfire was necessary in everyday life. I might wax emotional but I don’t embellish nor do I exaggerate to fulfill my own agenda. I might be a smart a– but that is because I speak New York which is always peppered with sarcasm. I also came from a long line of Military Service Men so I’m not ignorant of military scenarios. I don’t have an agenda and hope that if anyone thought I put words in their mouths it wasn’t my intent. Do I regret what I said? Maybe? Is there a reason not an excuse for the way I speak I’d have to answer yes. A lone gun man while evading the police crashed head on into my daughter’s car killing her and my grandsons. The perp got two years and I lost my world. So if you feel I’m not competent to join in this discussion I will limit my remarks if people mistake my vernacular to be offensive.
You and your husband have my mutual respect. I am incredibly mournful for the losses you have experienced.
I welcome your input. In the words of Patrick Henry, “I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend with my life your right to say it.” I served 9 years in the military to ensure that everyone has a right to speak freely without fear of oppression from government.
I’m passionate about this issue because I feel the government is overstepping their bounds. Criminals are going to get the guns no matter what law is put into place. It’s been proven in Australia. I believe that losing the right to own these weapons makes the citizenry vulnerable. A nation that limits the liberty of its entire citizenry because of the horrific actions of a very minute number of deranged individuals, is a nation that is overstepping it’s authority.
Leaf,
First I am truly mournful of your loss. I cannot imagine nor do I ever wish to experience what you must feel. I respect your views and welcome them in any subject. I do not agree with your opinion on the gun issue however I respect your opinion. We can agree to disagree and still coexist in this place. My whole point in summery was simply to debate the right for law abiding honest citizens to keep what our forefathers set in place. The gun issue is just one aspect of the whole picture here. Today it’s guns, tomorrow it’s another freedom we have that will be challenged. Our government is eroding our freedoms one bill at a time. Take a trip back in just say, forty years and see the increased government control in America. Some good of course but most is in an infringement on our lives. Gun control is no exception. My opinions of this or that really doesn’t matter. What matters are facts. You as many here have valid points and for the most part are based on historical facts. It’s when opinions and personal agendas get in the way of truth is when I have a real issue. Nothing wrong with a passion for peace. I as anyone want peace but we live in the real world and times are much more hostile now. If I came across to you as insensitive I apologize for that. I do NOT apologize for my point and I do stand with it. I hope we can learn and grow from the contributions we all bring to the table. I’m always up for learning. Good post and hope you contribute more. “J”
Were you able to see Oliver Stone’s Cable series on modern American history can’t recall the title. THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF AMERICA that’s it.Because he pointed out exactly what you say but this dated back to the Eisenhower Administration till Obama’s first years.Left me depressed for days. Thank you for your kindness.
so glad your door was open jackie…i hate knockin lol!!! good post again hun 🙂 😀
Can’t we all just have a cold beer and not be sooo serious…ilove everyone is all that needs to be said….cheers
Chalk, jsmile, and Millie, I truly appreciate your comments, and value your opinions. I wrote the blogs not to muddy the waters but to open the doors and clear the air. When I said I was anti-violence I should have said nonviolent. There is a difference. I was not implying that any of you are pro-violence. My father and brothers all served in the military as well
i do not support war, but as long as one man or woman remains in harms way I will give my support to them. Can’t call myself a hawk or a dove (guess that makes me a dawk).
Love, Jackie xxx
Thank you for that Jackie.
The muddy water in America is not war across the pond but here in our own back yard. The war of good and evil. It’s a dangerous war because the enemy is invisible and very unpredictable. The enemy being everyone who chooses to murder innocent people for no reason. The enemy is one who rapes women or commits any crime against law biding citizens. Then our government steps in and desires to disarm the very ones who need protection the most. We will always have lunatics disguised as humans (invisible enemy). I’m not one for murder or war but I am most definitely for living without fear of said enemy.