The killing of nine human beings in a Charleston, S.C. church was a tragedy. Now, a debate has begun, especially on cable television, about what description to use to characterize the horrible killings. It was a hate crime, an act of terror and, to put it plainly, murder. Murder in a church, while people are studying the Bible and praying, should not ever happen in the United States of America. The fact that those killed were black makes this event even more of a horrendous, out of place event.
It is clear that racial tension continues to spark hate crimes. The man accused of perpetrating this crime represented real and active evil. He chose racial hatred to demonstrate the evil dominating his troubled and perhaps drugged mind.
Communities all across the nation have been stunned and saddened. Communities all across the country have watched the horror and sorrow in Charleston.
The assertion that the alleged murderer “wanted to start a race war” has no place in the America of the 21st century. Yes, there is racial animosity in this country. The national conversation regarding racial inequality that is often alluded to needs to begin and spread through towns and cities throughout America. Even with memories of the Civil
War and the impact of the Civil Rights movement, some minds and hearts remain hardened and prejudiced.
In the Charleston case, it appears that drugs may have played a role in the Emanuel A.M.E. slaying. Drugs are ruining too many lives in America. There are sufficient gun laws in this country at present. More restrictive gun laws would not have prevented the nine lives massacred in a place of worship.
The members of the church who were worshiping in Charleston graciously welcomed a stranger into their midst. Church and worship are a pillar of black communities all across the United States. The fear initiated in South Carolina may permeate churches of all faiths, colors, and creeds. Fear in any place of worship is simply not acceptable. Evil incarnate will never consume our faith.
Perhaps unbelievable, nine committed Christian lives were needlessly lost in one night in a church. Let’s sincerely hope that the accused acted alone. The era of racist-centered organizations should be history in the United States. Now, South Carolina needs to examine seriously the removal of the Confederate flag from places of prominence. The vestiges of hate, terror, and white supremacy have no place in our society, except in museums.
When I was a young person, I remember a children’s song saying “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His (God’s) sight.” The taking of precious lives, for whatever warped reason, is never acceptable or to be condoned.
Let us, as Americans, engage in all endeavors that will help to ensure that a similar incident as the carnage in Charleston never happens again.
This event was indeed an act of terror and bigotry. Perhaps it will serve as a wake-up call for America. Let us hope.
Pete Buxtun says
There. I fixed it.
“The killing of nine human beings in a Charleston, S.C. church was a tragedy. Now, a debate has begun, especially on cable television, about what description to use to characterize the horrible killings. It was a hate crime, an act of terror and, to put it plainly, murder. Murder in a church, while people are studying the Bible and praying, should not ever happen in the United States of America. The taking of precious lives, for whatever warped reason, is never acceptable or to be condoned.
Let us, as Americans, engage in all endeavors that will help to ensure that a similar incident as the carnage in Charleston never happens again.
This event was indeed an act of terror and bigotry. Perhaps it will serve as a wake-up call for America. Let us hope.”
Dan Egan says
You, Sir are correct that more gun control is not needed and can not remedy the behavior of evil people. We need to change and correct the behavior and character of our country. It is indeed a complex issue that has deteriorated over the past 60 plus years. Martin Luther King had is right when he spoke of character.
What I have seen and admired in the last few days is the behavior and character of the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston, as well as the local citizens. They are a beacon of hope and inspiration for this country. Hopefully, their behavior will unite this country and some good will come from this tragedy. If the shooter had been black and the victims white I would argue it would have still been a ” horrendous event ?. All lives matter.
Join me is sending a small donation to the 9 families who lost a loved one.
MARY WOOD says
Increase mental health services in schools, colleges and for the public. Demand strict background checks,and a training for those purchasing a gun. Support our state and federal representatives who support these goals. Teach tolerance.