Our similarities do bond us together and our differences make us stronger.

 

I remember the times when Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, many called him the “Anti-Christ” and proclaimed that he would lead many down a very destructive path.  A destructive path that will cause major damage to humanity and this very nation but last check, Barack Obama preached calm and even demanded protest to remain peaceful and non-violent. 

Can we, honestly, say the same thing about Donald Trump, by which, none of those claiming Obama as the anti-Christ even whispered this titled be attached to Trump.  Let’s be honest, for it is written “Romans 16:17-18 says I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve”. 

Which explains why, I was not too surprised to find this headline in the USA Today written by Kristine Phillips and Tom Vanden Brook titled “Marine Corps officer becomes first active-duty service member charged in Jan. 6 attack, DOJ says”.  Where else could anyone of current or previous military service find justification in getting involved in the capitol Riot unless they were led by and follow the example of front-line military members.

The article reports that “A Marine Corps officer was arrested Thursday and charged with assaulting police officers at the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, making him the first service member on active duty charged for his role in the deadly riot, the Justice Department said.

Maj. Christopher Warnagiris is accused of forcing his way inside the Capitol by pushing through a line of officers guarding the building's East Rotunda doors. Video footage showed Warnagiris keeping the door open for others to get in and later pushing a Capitol Police officer who tried to close it, the Justice Department said.

Warnagiris, 40, of Woodbridge, Va., is facing several charges, including assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers, obstruction of law enforcement, and obstruction of justice. He is among several dozen people with ties to the military who are facing charges related to Jan. 6. The Justice Department said it has charged more than 40 veterans, guardsmen, and reservists. 

The U.S. Marine Corps, which confirmed Warnagiris is on active duty, said: "The Marine Corps is clear on this: There is no place for racial hatred or extremism in the Marine Corps. Our strength is derived from the individual excellence of every Marine regardless of background. Bigotry and racial extremism run contrary to our core values."

While I still maintain that one must remain true to oneself and if it is truly your belief that one race is superior to another, or one group of Americans are better than all the rest, stand in your conviction just be respectful that there are those who do not believe as you do, and they too deserve equal respect.  Just because we disagree does not make us enemies and violence will never convert anyone to your position.  The answer is to allow each their own truth and if that truth does not infringe upon the rights and truths of another the strength of any nation shall continue to grow.