There can be little doubt but that, as I read somewhere, “these are the times that try men’s souls.” Given the wrenching, tragic events of the last few days, Americans of all colors and background have been forced to re-examine our shared existence and how we relate to one another. It’s not hyperbole to believe we find ourselves at a crossroads. We can try to overcome the fear and anger and try to figure out how to make our way together…or we can be former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh and incite racial hatred and violence.
OK, so he quickly deleted the tweet (perhaps after someone pointed out in no uncertain terms that he’s an asshole), which made things all better…except that they really didn’t. There’s a French word/phrase- which escapes me at the moment- that when translated means one’s first reaction is almost always the most genuine and honest indication of a person’s true feelings. It’s not until after the fact, when one can reflect and consider alternatives, that it might become obvious that the first reaction is uniformly awful and objectionable, which is a perfect definition of “Joe Walsh.”
Walsh has never been renowned for being a compassionate and/or quality human being, but my intent isn’t to belabor his clearly evident absence of humanity and kindness. His karma is his own, and my preference is to worry about mine. Still, his tweet raises, for me, at least, some significant questions.
Given the harrowing and tragic events of the past few days, we’re faced with a choice: Do we come together and find a way to create a tide which lifts all boats? Or do we retreat behind racial/ideological walls and go to war? One way leads to at least the hope of peaceful coexistence, the other to unending and unimaginable continued suffering and bloodshed. Joe Walsh has already made his choice; I wonder how much blood he’ll have on his hands when the shooting finally stops?
Black Lives Matter. Blue Lives Matter. ALL lives matter. We can either come together and work for peace, equality of treatment and opportunity, and social justice- or we can stand by as extremists and wackjobs on both sides ratchet up the body count. I’d like to think Joe Walsh doesn’t represent our shared future. I can only hope America doesn’t prove me wrong.
