jg: an ethic of common benefit and peach instead of war and killing
Was 'reach' the intended word? Your words, I think, sum it up very well. And in response to any child anywhere, I have the same answer....
We do not hate you. We do not hate your family, your religion or your country.
The angry expressions of many Americans is anger at people who murder innocents. We get angry at US people who kill, too. We are a people who love peace and wish to be safe and secure in our homes and communities.
We understand the common desire of most people in most countries to enjoy these things too.
Sometimes, we are not well aware of the actions of governments, including our own. Sometimes, when we become aware that our government has made errors or caused harm to people elsewhere, we seek changes that come too slow, because it is in the nature of governments to respond slowly. Even in this land where we pride ourselves on having a representative government and a just government, this slowness can cause grievous pain before change comes.
Our nation does not do everything right all the time. But through the persistence of many good people, we do correct our mistakes and make redress for them. We cannot replace lives that are lost in the meantime, but we make a serious attempt to learn from the mistakes, to avoid repeating them, and to fix whatever damage we can.
I do not believe most people in our government hate, either. Most of the mistakes I speak of our caused when, through ignorance or lack of full consideration, people create bad policies.
We regret such errors. Like you, we are saddened when good people are damaged. We try very hard and we love very much.
And if we hurt somebody close to you that is a very nice and special person, I'm certain I speak for every American when I say: I'm terribly sorry.
I pray that you have many joys and peace in all the rest of your days. |
