08-24-2015, 06:11 PM
I for one would just like to thank everyone for all the well-articulated dialogue on this thread that - so far - has prevented it from devolving into ad hominem attacks as on some of the other threads. I really appreciate hearing the positions from everyone based on their varying real-life backgrounds and experiences.
I don't have near the background or experience of most of you here, so I don't feel that I can add much to this beyond my opinion on a couple of big picture items that, I believe, cut across all races, creeds, nationalities, etc.:
1) try as one might, you can never truly put yourself in someone else's shoes, as we all view issues through the lens of our own personal backgrounds, experiences, prejudices, etc.;
2) almost every single place on this planet is populated by people who took the land from those that came before, and trying to unwind all of that, particularly many generations after the fact, is - in my mind - an exercise in futility;
3) that being said, telling those who have been wronged to "get over it," even if coming from a good place (i.e., to start moving towards the future) will undoubtedly breed even more hostility;
4) the rule of law has to apply equally, and be applied equally by law enforcement, for society to perform at its best, so that people know what is expected of them and of everyone else;
5) education, and reasonable and respectful dialogue that comes along with it, should be a top priority for overcoming divisiveness and moving towards a truly integrated society that incorporates the best aspects of all of the various peoples (and their respective nationalities, practices, religions, etc.).
I don't have near the background or experience of most of you here, so I don't feel that I can add much to this beyond my opinion on a couple of big picture items that, I believe, cut across all races, creeds, nationalities, etc.:
1) try as one might, you can never truly put yourself in someone else's shoes, as we all view issues through the lens of our own personal backgrounds, experiences, prejudices, etc.;
2) almost every single place on this planet is populated by people who took the land from those that came before, and trying to unwind all of that, particularly many generations after the fact, is - in my mind - an exercise in futility;
3) that being said, telling those who have been wronged to "get over it," even if coming from a good place (i.e., to start moving towards the future) will undoubtedly breed even more hostility;
4) the rule of law has to apply equally, and be applied equally by law enforcement, for society to perform at its best, so that people know what is expected of them and of everyone else;
5) education, and reasonable and respectful dialogue that comes along with it, should be a top priority for overcoming divisiveness and moving towards a truly integrated society that incorporates the best aspects of all of the various peoples (and their respective nationalities, practices, religions, etc.).
Leilani Estates, 2011 to Present