This was a real tweet……
by a “real” reporter who didn’t even let the dust settle on getting
all the news out about the tragic news out about the shooting at the newspaper
the other day before he knowingly
sent out this false tweet.
He no longer works at The Republican, a small newspaper
outlet in Massachusetts, having sent out
a tweet about how his 21-year-career was torpedoed by one very foolish tweet
and apologizing graciously to all hardworking reporters and POTUS supporters.
(He did not mention President Trump in his apology, but, maybe he thought that
was covered)
“Folks, My 21-year career as a “journalist,” a fancy term that makes my skin crawl, frankly, came to a screeching halt yesterday with one stupid, regrettable tweet,” Barry wrote. “Can’t take it back; wish I could. My since apologies to all good, hardworking reporters and to POTUS supporters.” …
Obviously he should have thought again, then again, before
hitting the tweet button on that original, offensive tweet. It is not clear if his
employer fired him, suggested he resign, or if his resignation came at his own
request.
Another tweet came out in the past few days, a troll tweet
from, supposedly, the Mayo Clinic, a fake doctor bragging that he tells Trump
supporters there is a problem with their pregnancies and they must terminate
their actually-healthy babies because of this false condition. The Mayo Clinic has
gone all out to assure everyone the tweet is false, and even when I first saw
it, I could not believe a doctor—even if he/she would do such a thing—would be
stupid enough to put it out on twitter. But, how sad that some person, because
of political craziness, has taken the time of a medical facility to have to
defend themselves from such a heinous act.
Before someone jumps in and says, “But Trump,” I’m not going to begin to
go there. However one feels about their political opponent, no two wrong, cruel
acts can make a right, and how on earth can assigning a murderer with an ax to
grind against a business a false political motive or the equivalent with the
Mayo Clinic going to help one’s cause?
And, my Conservative Friends, reverse the actions and answer
the questions the other way.
I KNOW it is possible to get along with people with whom you
virulently disagree politically; two of my closest friends are 180 degrees
different from me politically. We care for each other, will defend each other
to the death….. and know (we KNOW) the other one is wrong—and it doesn’t
matter. Because we know the other one is precious and important and
valuable. I have been called a Nazi and
a racist, and they have both been angry on my behalf over that, as they know I
am neither. (A family member called me a racist).
So, this reporter…… he sincerely apologized. It was really
kind of a big deal, but should he have lost his job? When are we ever going to
get back to granting forgiveness? If he had said, “Take your MAGA hat and shove
it,” it might be different. But, he didn’t. He really did apologize to other
reporters for any way he denigrated their work and to people who support Donald
Trump—which must have been very difficult for him. Why can’t we say, “You are
forgiven; now go cover the news in a fair and more careful manner.”
Good grief, as I understand it, Michael Vick now has a dog. If
THAT was allowed, we can forgive many, many things.
Please, let us turn down the rhetoric. Truly, no one wants
to hurt children. Truly we must be able to discuss our differences without
invoking Hitler and the Nazis. I promise you, if Trump says he is cancelling an
election, I will march with you and make sure our Republic continues. If I
remember correctly, Obama is the one who said he could be elected to a third
term if allowed. Conservatives, while we quietly whispered, “Thank goodness he
is NOT allowed,” we did not scream about our rights being taken away. We just
did not elect Hillary Clinton after eight years of being unhappy with the way
the government had worked. To those on the Right, they will not take our guns.
We will fight and keep (because we will standing for fighting for) Second Amendment rights;
Hitler may have taken the guns, but Hitler is not here. On the Left, you all
keep saying Trump is going step by step to take rights away, but, again, no
Hitler here. In 2024, at the latest, he will be gone because he cannot run
after 2020. The people of color who like
him are not sellouts; they are Americans. The women who like him are not
lesser; they are Americans. The gays and lesbians who like his economic
policies are not crazy; they are Americans.
And, I know and cherish the fact that you all are Americans,
too.
As was the reporter who foolishly sent this tweet.
I know some people are so hurt and angry on either side that they will not want to do this. But, it is a symptom of how frightening the rhetoric and anger is that I want to: I don't mind a brisk discussion usually. But I lived through the 60's and 70's. I hope for calmer, more beneficial, more rational times.
Let’s forgive this reporter and let him talk with us. And let him tell
all our stories—maybe without prejudice or point of view; just with interest.
It would be a start.
