TemplarKormac
Political Atheist
I seek guidance. What I don't want is to be dissuaded of a belief. I seek this guidance to understand where I fall so far in my journey through life. I have been told I was unmerciful, classless, or even sociopathic for holding these beliefs. I hold that I am right, so whether I myself think I am wrong is inconsequential.
We have all heard about the mass killing involving Elliot Rodger. We all heard what one Richard Martinez said in regards to the death of his son, Christopher. He blamed the NRA and 'craven politicians' for his death. He pleaded, "When will this insanity end?!", "How many more must die?"
Now, I believe that he is going through untold amounts of grief over his son. That much is not in doubt. But I also believe he dishonored his son by using him as a means to an end, by attacking gun rights advocates, politicians, and innocent bystanders. I believe his grief did not absolve of the dishonor he wrought.
I think he is reprehensible for using his son in such a manner. I believe that nobody should politicize the death of innocents, even if one of them happens to be their own. I cannot have pity on a father who willfully takes on more grief by needlessly using his own son as a weapon.
Some will say, "I can understand why he lashed out at the NRA, politicians, and others. I would do the same if I lost my son or daughter in a shooting. He doesn't deserve to be attacked."
I contend that he brought those attacks on himself, and deservedly so. Grief does not absolve you of the consequences of what you say. It does not excuse you using it and your dead loved one to wantonly attack those who had nothing to do whatsoever with his death.
Am I wrong for believing these things? If so, why?
We have all heard about the mass killing involving Elliot Rodger. We all heard what one Richard Martinez said in regards to the death of his son, Christopher. He blamed the NRA and 'craven politicians' for his death. He pleaded, "When will this insanity end?!", "How many more must die?"
Now, I believe that he is going through untold amounts of grief over his son. That much is not in doubt. But I also believe he dishonored his son by using him as a means to an end, by attacking gun rights advocates, politicians, and innocent bystanders. I believe his grief did not absolve of the dishonor he wrought.
I think he is reprehensible for using his son in such a manner. I believe that nobody should politicize the death of innocents, even if one of them happens to be their own. I cannot have pity on a father who willfully takes on more grief by needlessly using his own son as a weapon.
Some will say, "I can understand why he lashed out at the NRA, politicians, and others. I would do the same if I lost my son or daughter in a shooting. He doesn't deserve to be attacked."
I contend that he brought those attacks on himself, and deservedly so. Grief does not absolve you of the consequences of what you say. It does not excuse you using it and your dead loved one to wantonly attack those who had nothing to do whatsoever with his death.
Am I wrong for believing these things? If so, why?
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