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PrintTime for prayerful reflection, not angry thoughts
Editor, Index-Tribune:
I am writing to share my thoughts on Veterans Day and how it relates to the 2012 election. Like you, I am happy that the election of 2012 is finally history, but my thoughts don’t stop there.
Each national election generates strong opinions and arguments, and I am very grateful to live in a country where political disputes can be settled by votes instead of by bombs and guns.
On Veterans Day, Americans honored the sacrifices of millions who understood the necessity to defend and sustain our type of political system. These men and women have witnessed first hand the unthinkable and violent alternatives to our system. In far too many instances, it cost them everything.
This is why I think we should be more tolerant of each other during and after these elections. Our veterans fought, and many died, for a system of free and peaceful elections and a representative form of government.
Sadly, since President Obama was reelected, I have heard many harsh, angry, unreasonable and even violent voices and opinions on radio, TV and the Internet. In my opinion, this behavior does not reflect a patriotic acceptance of the outcome of the election.
Threatening violence or secession after an election is disrespectful to the American heroes who fought and died on foreign soil to prevent violence from reaching our shores.
In a few days, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, which is another opportunity to be thankful and grateful for our country and all its blessings, even though times are tough for so many of us these days.
Next month, we celebrate Christmas and the renewal that the birth of Christ symbolizes.
This is not the time for angry thoughts and confrontational comments. It is the time for calm and prayerful reflection and renewed hope for a better future where our great diversity is recognized as our greatest asset.
Fred Lundgren, CEO
KCAA 1050 AM
San Bernardino
Please note: Your full name will be published with your comment.
The only violence I heard was from the left, threats of rioting if Obama wasn't reelected. Twitter was awash with threats of taking down America if Governor Romney was elected. So much for being tolerant. Don't forget the four Americans who were left behind by President Obama, would YOU have left anyone on the battlefield? Never forget the four patriots who called for help, and no one answered. These are true heroes, Tyrone Woods, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith, and Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.
Elizabeth, regarding your comment: “The only violence I heard was from the left, threats of rioting if Obama wasn't reelected.” That’s funny, because I don’t remember any comments like that at all!
But I do remember Republicans and Tea Partiers say all kinds of nasty things about Obama: He’s a Muslim, and Arab, a Communist, a Socialist, a Nazi, a fascist, not born in America, a Kenyan, a racist, an ape, a halfrican, putting Democrats in the crosshairs of their firearms, and many more. In fact, I remember Tea Partiers taking their guns to Obama events and calling out for 2nd amendment solutions.
Sorry Elizabeth, but I don’t think the facts support your statements.
Elizabeth, you said: “The only violence I heard was from the left, threats of rioting if Obama wasn't reelected. Twitter was awash with threats of taking down America if Governor Romney was elected. So much for being tolerant.”
While I have never heard or seen any of these so-called threats, you will be interested to know that petitions seeking to secede from the union have been filed on behalf of 23 states. Most of the petitions ask to withdraw from the United States in order to form independent governments. The Texas petition has already exceeded 25,000-signatures, and the Louisiana petition has more than 18,000 signatures.
So much for being tolerant.