The United States is far from perfect. There are other countries that are probably better than this one. But this is the one I know and live in, and I like it pretty well. Even though we argue about how to act on what makes this country great (like freedom of religion, or speech), at least we're free to argue about these things.
Maybe I am naive or idealistic or whatever else you want to call me. Maybe it'll make you think Danielle is the smarter one to know she completely disagrees with me. But I just don't care if they want to build their thing near Ground Zero. Even if it's nothing like a JCC. As long as they don't kill anyone, I don't care what they want to do.
I've been angry. I've spent time in a years-long rage. It didn't get me anywhere good. If I go down, two other people go down with me, or actually, without me. So I had to let go of being angry. I can't be angry about this one aspect of 9/11. While I wouldn't go so far as to say I've forgiven, I have had to let go. You can be dead while you're alive. I don't want to be.
8 comments:
In and of itself, a good post. You explain a mindset that it is perhaps healthy for you to have.
In the context of the previous post, not such a good post. Lots of straw-man arguments. Continuation of not addressing responses to arguments you put forth. Inconsistency between previously stating your approval and support and now explaining that you don't or can't let yourself care. And a final sentence that, while healthy for you, is insulting to your commenters.
Hi Sam,
Good for you. You really do have to let go of stuff in order to move on with your life. You can't go back and make bad things un-happen, so you just have to make your peace with it. And I don't think you have to justify your opinion to anyone. You feel how you feel about the matter, and that's OK.
Have a good day,
Noelle
P.S. In regards to the debit card question: Your system of taking out cash to cover your expenses for the week is a great way to stay within your budget, but I would advise having your debit card or a credit card on you in case of an emergency while you're out and about. What others have said about getting a credit card and using it for small purchases that you pay off is also wise. You do need to build up your credit should you ever want to make a larger purchase some day.
My "approval" was based on my not caring. I'm not changing my stance. I'm explaining it (hopefully) better. Maybe I'm not explaining my thoughts well. Just because there's a blog, it doesn't make me a professional writer.
P.S. Thanks Noelle.
There's a lot to learn about forgiveness in your attitude about the community center. Thanks for being willing to share your thoughts with us. I admire your ability to make your peace and take care of yourself and your sisters.
You're a wise woman.
Anonymous, Speak for yourself when you say "insulting to your commentatorSSS".
TIME and PLACE ,TIME and PLACE... think about it.
Too bad this wasn't the original posting, clearly about you and how you need to be.
As for this:
"As long as they don't kill anyone, I don't care what they want to do."
Well.
The funders may very well be terrorists and those who provide support for their activities.
The imam does not seem to denounce such actions.
Most importantly, simple psychological behaviorism: Terrorists destroyed and murdered in the name of their religion. Building in the place where they did that a shrine to that religion provides positive reinforcement.
As long as they don't kill anyone?
Sam, thanks for clearing things up a little. The intention from here is to offer constructive feedback that might be useful not attacks or demands.
Anonymous, glad you didn't feel insulted. It is healthy for Sam to recognize what she needs to do to live her life. But for her to say "You can be dead while you are alive" directly addresses some portion of those who commented. Recognizing a behavior that exists in others and deciding it is not for her is one thing, but putting down those who respectfully engaged with her on a topic she raised for caring about the topic is something else.
To the first ''Anonymous'': I think it was pretty clear to most readers here (obviously excepting yourself) that Sam was not saying that anyone who opposes construction of a mosque/Muslim community center near Ground Zero is as if dead while they're still alive. She was saying that the state of perpetual rage that she personally has experienced in the past made her feel as if she were dead while still alive, and to engage that anger again, while it might make her more vehement about this particular issue, would also make her feel that way again -- which she is determined to avoid.
Sam, I don't happen to agree with your assessment of the harmlessness of the project, per what was mentioned above about the auspices under which it is being planned and promoted, but I really commend you for being so self-aware and positively focused on your well-being and growth. You know what you need to do to keep yourself well, and you're doing it. Good for you!
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