I am incredibly saddened by the news this morning about the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history, spurred by an act of hatred against a group of people targeted for their choice in living life. Not only because of the lives lost in Orlando, but the atmosphere of hatred that is continuing to grow in our country. A nation that was founded on equality and the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness is falling victim to the notion that hate is a solution. This morning, along with the innocent lives lost in Orlando, I also mourn the loss of tolerance and acceptance. We reserve the right as Americans to disagree with others. We have the right NOT to support the lifestyle or religious choices others make. You can be anti gay, anti Muslim, Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, Ford or Chevy. But if we allow hatred to sway us into believing we have the right to not only deny those same rights to others, but to kill them for it, we will have lost everything.
Don’t let hate win. Or we all lose.
#hatewontwin
Ned's Blog 
My heart and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and to the injured. It isn’t a time for blaming but rather to grieve. I truly wish our cherished American neighbors would find a way to stop criminals and the insane from accessing the instruments of death. We share your pain. God bless.
Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
The response to this horror is remarkably muted, relative to the incidents that preceded it. Is this because the news splashes the word “Gay” in so many headlines, or are we truly becoming immune to the sickness rooted in our culture? Neither answer offers much in the way of encouragement.
Just … just … I’m so sorry to hear of this. A little stuck for words.
True. Very sad. I don’t have words.
This case was sickening. I couldn’t agree more with your wider point. In a huge, diverse nation like the United States, there are going to be many people who profoundly disagree with many other people, whether for reasons of sexual orientation, religion, creed, race, political leanings or whatever.
The only way this situation is going to work in the long run is if there is tolerance and respect for those in groups other than one’s own. The most helpful political reactions are surely going to be those that try to encourage wider tolerance.
I agree, Bun. The question is whether we can end the culture of hate and intolerance that is evolving before it’s too late.
I just found out what happened about 2 hours ago. We went to early service at church and I’m willing to bet our pastor did not know yet or he would have mentioned it. We went to brunch with friends and spent the rest of the day shopping for hubby new clothes. We stopped to eat a pizza and saw a baseball game on TV between Giants and Dodgers… the flags were at half mass and they had a moment of silence for tragedy in Orlando?? I had no idea what they were talking about so I looked it up and almost threw up my pizza! It is beyond sad.. it’s disgusting and sickening and heart breaking and a few other adjectives I can’t come up with right now. My niece and her family are in Orlando at Disney right now…… I can’t imagine how frightened they are. This world is going to hell in a hand basket! 3 of the worst shootings in the history of the US in the last 8 years. What a horrible, horrible thing to happen! 😦
You said it, Courtney.
Thank you!
I appreciate that, Lennard. I just wish there was no reason to thank me.
You and, thankfully, a lot of other people.
Love is loudest when it’s crying out in pain and anguish against an act of Hate. Love needs to be loud in the in between moments so Hate doesn’t get an opening to shout again. It’s not enough to Love when sending condolences for victims of Hate. We need to Love at all times. Love needs to talk insistently, without so much as a breath, so Hate can’t get a word in edgewise.
I love that, Melanie. Thank you for sharing those wonderful words 😉
Violence breeds more violence, it will always be thus.
But you’re right, Ned.
We need to rise above and look for the good in all, otherwise we’re all going to be swept away by hate.
Amen, brother.
If there is one encouraging thing that resulted from the tragedy in Orlando, it is the way that people have reacted. It seems like our culture is beginning to figure out how to react in a way that shows the best side of humanity, the side that wants to help. Finally, a tragedy has not become an excuse to push an agenda, even with Hillary and Trump trying to cash in. Maybe I am looking to see a more positive reaction, but reactions have been less about gun control and gay tolerance, more about what it means to simply care.
That is what our world needs. Care. Love. A willingness to reach out and help.
You’re so right, Steve. And I really needed this comment. Thanks for pointing out those things and the hope it represents. Thank you, my friend.