Decency and Kindness before Politics
Last night, while standing duty as the duty armorer and surrounded by weapons of all kinds, I could not help but think of the evil that had reared its ugly head in Virginia earlier that day. I decided that I was not going to post an opinion on the issue because, as a father of two little girls, I felt it would be a disservice to the families and friends of the victims to politicize their grief. If only the MSM could show such restraint.
Less than 24 hours after the tragic events at Virginia Tech, the media on both sides of the isle have immediately gone straight to the arguments over the second amendment, gun rights, gun control laws and what they deem the stupidity of the other side’s position. While I do have my own views concerning these issues I vehemently refuse to discuss them here today.
What I do want to discuss today is the absolutely disgusting editorial written by Michael Daly of 
the New York Daily News. I want to discuss the article that begins, “Still love those guns, Virginia?”, then follows up with, “Ready to admit that it's madness for any psycho to be able to saunter into a gun shop and acquire firepower capable of killing 32 innocents? Feel different now that the blood is the blood of so many of your most promising young people?” and, "What do you say now, Virginia?" (Emphasis added)
the New York Daily News. I want to discuss the article that begins, “Still love those guns, Virginia?”, then follows up with, “Ready to admit that it's madness for any psycho to be able to saunter into a gun shop and acquire firepower capable of killing 32 innocents? Feel different now that the blood is the blood of so many of your most promising young people?” and, "What do you say now, Virginia?" (Emphasis added)This article is an affront to common decency. It is the biggest case of I told you so I have ever seen and blatantly implys that the people of Virginia and the families involved in this incident do not care for anyone but themselves. The apparent glee shown by Daly while rubbing salt in the wounds of 32 families who could not care one wit about his political agenda boils down to nothing short of sadism. His statements, even if they bare a semblance of truth, blaming the state of Virginia for gun control problems in New York City, are untimely, lacking in any tact and are the most gleefully hateful misuse of a newspaper column ever written. Michael Daly has used this tragedy to chastise liberal moderates in his own party and Republicans in Virginia by viciously telling them and even more disgustingly the families of the victims that, hey you reap what you sow and you have gotten exactly what you deserve.
(Read full article here: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime_file/2007/04/17/2007-04-17_yes_virginia_guns_kill_innocents-2.html)
While I am the most fervent defender of our freedom of speech, I am equally a proponent of individual responsibility. It is quite obvious that Michael Daly has no concept of the power he wields and the responsibility that should, you would think, come with his position. This is not about political correctness, this is about human kindness, it is about all of us taking a long enough breath after such an evil event to at least find an ounce of pity or empathy for the survivors before we plunge head long into the inevitable political fight that always ensues.
In writing this article Michael Daly has set himself up as no better that the members of the 
Westboro Baptist Church protesting at the funeral of a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine. It is equally hateful and morally equivalent. If Don Imus deserved to be fired for his irresponsible remarks, then why not Michael Daly? His remarks are least as equally hateful. Unfortunately the Reverends Jackson and Sharpton, the self appointed wardens of morality, are highly unlikely to rear their heads in this particular incident.
Westboro Baptist Church protesting at the funeral of a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine. It is equally hateful and morally equivalent. If Don Imus deserved to be fired for his irresponsible remarks, then why not Michael Daly? His remarks are least as equally hateful. Unfortunately the Reverends Jackson and Sharpton, the self appointed wardens of morality, are highly unlikely to rear their heads in this particular incident.
Mortimer Zuckerman, the owner of the rag that saw fit to print this disgrace should be ashamed of himself for ever allowing this to go to print or for hiring editors that would allow it. Could you have at least waited a week, or even 48 hours? We preach freedom in this country and to the world; maybe we should preach accountability for the use of those freedoms to ourselves.God bless and Keep everyone at Virginia Tech. You are in my thoughts and prayers and this is not your fault. It is the fault of one evil man and no excuse for this should be given credence.
To everyone else please use the below information to express your contempt for this flagrant attack upon the victims at Virginia Tech. They deserve your support.
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