Joe the Plumber and His Message For the Victims of Elliot Rodger

You may or may not have heard that Joe the Plumber, whose real name is Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, has some harsh words for the families of the victims of Elliot Rodger.  As you’ve probably heard, Rodger was the 22 year old man who killed seven people, including himself, and wounded 13 others in his horrific “retribution”.  Rodger recorded a disturbing, vile, manifesto the day before his awful final act of insanity.

You probably know from my previous posts, if you’ve read them, or if you know me as a person, that I am adamantly pro-gun, with a slight lean towards gun-control, ONLY in the aspect of background checks to make it more difficult for people who are already known to be mentally disturbed to obtain them.  But that is where my lean to the Left in this issue stops.

Sidenote:  I do understand that when laws are written, many times they are grouped together with other items in order to “sneak through” certain things that otherwise would NOT be passed into law.  They also tend to be worded in such a way as to leave openings for the passed law to be furthered to the point that it would jeopardize the “nuts and bolts” of our Constitution.

I have read several comments from both people on the Right and the Left, and frankly, too many of them are so far into their own views, that they fail to see the reasonable middle ground.

I would like to give MY take on Joe’s letter, so here goes:

“I’m not talking here about the three tragic murders Rodger committed by stabbing before his driving and shooting spree; I speak now only to the families of the gunshot victims in Santa Barbara:”

Some of the comments I read harped on his opening statement, talking about how insensitive it was for him to “ignore” those people.  Granted, he could have extended his condolences to those, in this initial statement also, but what the reason he said this, I believe, is because he is speaking directly to those affected by the loss of their loved ones from the gunshots (specifically Mr. Martinez, whose son was killed in the tragedy, because of his anti-gun comments, understandably, speaking from the pain in his heart for his son).  At the end of the letter he does, in fact, speak to those people.

Several times, he expresses his condolences and sympathy…

“It’s a tragedy.

I am sorry you lost your child. I myself have a son and daughter and the one thing I never want to go through, is what you are going through now. But:

“As harsh as this sounds – your dead kids don’t trump my Constitutional rights.”

Say what you want about this, but he is absolutely correct.  Granted, these are harsh words.  Not tactful at all.  Not sympathetic.  But correct.  Nothing, not even an act as heinous as Rodger’s, should overrule the Constitution on which our Nation was founded.  IF there is anything, and granted, mass murder by firearms is a topic that SHOULD be discussed regarding it’s standing in our Constitution.  Anything with the magnitude of taking a human life, must be.  However, it must be looked at and discussed from a reasonable, objective point of view, looking at the matter from all angles.  That is a topic for another discussion.  I covered my view on that in a previous post.

“Richard Martinez, whose son (Christopher) was among the murdered, choked back tears at a news conference, blaming politicians the next day: “The talk about gun rights. What about Chris’ right to live?” Martinez said – and much more.

There are no critical words for a grieving father. He can say whatever he wants and blame whoever he’d like – it’s okay by me. You can’t take a step in his shoes – at least I can’t.”

Again, he expresses sympathy and validates Mr. Martinez’ words and pain.  He is correct here, also.  Mr. Martinez spoke from his heart.  I personally, cannot imagine the pain he is in with the loss of his son.  I hope to never have to “take a step in his shoes”.

“But the words and images of Mr. Martinez blaming “the proliferation of guns”, lobbyists, politicians, etc.; will be exploited by gun-grab extremists as are all tragedies involving gun violence and the mentally ill by the anti-Second Amendment Left.”

Again, he is correct.  The gun control extremists will use any instance of evil to further the issue.  But browse the internet for stories of situations where a person with a concealed carry permit, saved a life by using their weapon (there are many), and those voices become silent.

“As a father, husband and a man, it is my responsibility to protect my family. I will stand up for that right vehemently. Please believe me, as a father I share your grief and I will pray for you and your family, as I do whenever I hear about senseless tragedies such as this.”

Again, absolutely correct.  It is not only his responsibility to his family, it is mine to my family, and yours to your family, regardless of your stance on gun rights.

“We still have the Right to Bear Arms and I intend to continue to speak out for that right, and against those who would restrict it – even in the face of this horrible incident by this sad and insane individual. I almost said “Obama Voter” but I’m waiting for it to be official.”

Two things:

1. The first sentence, absolutely correct.  We must stand up for our rights as defined in our Constitution.  If we do not, those who seek to change it, will, either intentionally or unintentionally, destroy it, and when that is destroyed, so is our Nation.
2. “Obama Voter”?  Really, Joe?  Just because someone voted for Obama, doesn’t necessarily make them a bad or ignorant person.  While I side with you on the issue of gun rights, people who voted for Obama have their views also.  That alone doesn’t mean anything.

“I noticed the mainstream media have stopped the practice of immediately reporting the psycho maniac is a conservative Tea Party Republican Christian. Guess they’re sick of having to hide being wrong every time when it comes out the whacko votes Democrat?”

I don’t have much to say here.  I didn’t realize Rodger was a conservative, except that he had guns, and apparently was affluent.

“Mr. Martinez and anyone calling for more restrictions on American’s rights need to back off and stop playing into the hands of the folks who merely capitalize on these horrific events for their own political ends.”

In a nutshell, this statement speaks for itself, and I agree.

“They don’t care about your family or  your dead children at all. They sound like they do, whereas I sound uncaring and like I say, harsh. Don’t be fooled – I care about your family and mine. The future of our very liberty lies in the balance of this fight.”

I wouldn’t say they don’t care.  I’m sure the majority of them actually do care.  I honestly believe that most people on the anti-gun side have honest, sincere concerns to validate their argument.  I can understand the argument that sometimes people are killed by gunfire, and therefore guns should be illegal.  i do not agree that is the answer, however.  If all the guns in our country are collected and destroyed, that will not be the solution to the problem.

Why?  Several reasons:

1. Because it’s absurd to think that every single firearm in America can be confiscated.  There are simply so many that it is physically and logically impossible.
2. Heroin, cocaine, and other illegal drugs are still on the streets.  And guns wouldn’t be?  Come on, now.  Be realistic.  Elliiot Rodger had money.  If guns were illegal, he could have still found a way to buy some from someone.  Ok, so then what if someone doesn’t have money to burn?  Ever hear of sexual favors?
3. Throw the first two reasons out the window.  Suppose it actually would be feasible to collect and confiscate Every. Single. One. of the guns in the United States (in 2013, 300 million civilian-owned, and that’s only the known, registered ones).  People who make the decision to take a life will still find a way to do it, whether the victim be an individual, or many.  Mass murders have happened throughout history, with weapons such as knives, bombs, and fire,

“In conclusion, I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through, having had your child taken away from you. However, any feelings you have toward my rights being taken away from me, lose those.

Sincerely;

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher”

Here again, he extends his condolences and sympathies.  The last sentence simply is a statement that he will not stand for anyone wishing to strip him of his rights as an American citizen.

“PS: To the parents of Elliot Rodger’s stabbing victims: I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m sick to death every damn time I turn around and some poor soul with obvious violent mental sickness is allowed to exact this kind of pain on a family.

Elliot Rodger deserved help, yes – but your child deserved so much more. I’m very sorry and sad for you.”

Here he addresses the other victims.  Why he did not acknowledge the wounded victims, I have no idea. Simply an oversight, I would assume, but I believe that is forgivable.

Will Joe the Plumber ever win an award for tact?  I highly doubt it, but how many of us are perfect with words and always say exactly the right thing at exactly the right time?

One thing that stood out to me as I read through articles regarding this letter were the comments of some of the people on the political Left.  As a typical sample, here are a couple of them from Salon.com

1. “potomacflier:  i actually hope something rotten happens to joe

2. zatonoichi:  @Crystal221  People who keep loaded guns in the house for “protection” are many times more likely to be maimed or killed by gunfire than people who don’t. FACT.   realpyrateking:  @zatonoichi @Crystal221  And may Joe the Fraudster find that fact out.”

Seriously, potomaciflier?  You are wishing for something awful to happen to this man?

For realpyrateking… You disgust me with your comment.  You are actually hoping that this man is killed or seriously injured??

Way to stay classy, guys.  Way to take the high road.  You two are the types of people that I really take issue with.  Wishing death on people simply because you disagree with them.  You are so short-sighted in your own views that you find it impossible to think objectively about something someone says, simply because they have a different opinion from your own.  I hope you find peace.

To close, this was yet another horrific tragedy perpetrated by a psychotic madman, but abolishing guns and impeding or stripping the 2nd Amendment from the Constitution is not the answer.  The answer lies within us as a civilized society, to decide within ourselves, to raise our children right, with morals and the common sense to know right from wrong.

Thank you for reading.  Your comments are much appreciated, regardless of whether you agree with me or not.  Good day.

Memorial Day: What It Means To Me (Coming Full Circle As A Nation)

Memorial Day.  What is it about, really?  I mean, I know what it’s about, but what is it really about?

As I began to think on this, and although I despised History class in school, since then history has always been a favorite interest of mine.  So I started to wonder about the origin of one of our greatest, most special National Holidays.  I turned to Wikipedia for the answer.

Of course, we all should already know that it is a federal holiday of our great Nation “wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered.”  You also may already know that it was formerly known as Decoration Day.  But how did it come about?

If the history part may bore you, you can skip on down to my main point….  but the historical significance of the Holiday really tells why we are able to have this day in the first place.

Well, here is your answer.  Read on:

“It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.  By the 20th Century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in military service” to our Nation.

“Following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, there were a variety of events of commemoration.  The sheer number of soldiers of both sides who died in the Civil War, more than 600,000, meant that burial and memorialization took on new cultural significance.  Under the leadership of women during the war, an increasingly formal practice of decorating graves had taken shape.  In 1865, the federal government began creating national military cemeteries for the Union war dead.

The first widely publicized observance of a Memorial Day-type observance after the Civil War was in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865.  During the war, Union soldiers who were prisoners of war had been held at the Charleston Race Course; at least 257 Union prisoners died there and were hastily buried in unmarked graves.  Together with teachers and missionaries, black residents of Charleston organized a May Day ceremony in 1865, which was covered by the New York Tribune and other national papers.  The freedmen cleaned up and landscaped the burial ground, building an enclosure and an arch labeled, “Martyrs of the Race Course.”  Nearly ten thousand people, mostly freedmen, gathered on May 1 to commemorate the war dead.  Involved were about 3,000 school children newly enrolled in freedmen’s schools, mutual aid societies, Union troops, black ministers, and white northern missionaries.  Most brought flowers to lay on the burial field. Today the site is used as Hampton Park.  Years later, the celebration would come to be called the “First Decoration Day” in the North.

David W. Blight described the day:

“This was the first Memorial Day. African Americans invented Memorial Day in Charleston, South Carolina. What you have there is black Americans recently freed from slavery announcing to the world with their flowers, their feet, and their songs what the war had been about. What they basically were creating was the Independence Day of a Second American Revolution.”

However, Blight stated he “has no evidence” that this event in Charleston inspired the establishment of Memorial Day across the country.”

Wikipedia goes on to say:

“On Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon.  It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

“The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country.  At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

“The National Memorial Day Concert takes place on the west lawn of the United States Capitol.  The concert is broadcast on PBS and NPR.  Music is performed, and respect is paid to the men and women who gave their lives for their country.

“For many Americans, the central event is attending one of the thousands of parades held on Memorial Day in large and small cities all over the country.  Most of these feature marching bands and an overall military theme with the National Guard and other servicemen participating along with veterans and military vehicles from various wars.

“One of the longest-standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, an auto race which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.  It runs on the Sunday preceding the Memorial Day holiday.  The Coca-Cola 600 stock car race has been held later the same day since 1961.  The Memorial Tournament golf event has been held on or close to the Memorial Day weekend since 1976.”

Isn’t that cool?  I think so.

Now to finally get to the point of my ramblings….

What is Memorial Day really about?  To me, the meaning is best remembered by a ring.  It goes like this:

Sacrifice of our loved ones who passed from this earth while sworn to uphold the Constitution of these great United States of America, to the death, if need be.  The Sacrifice that these brave souls made, not only of their lives, but of being, many times, thousands of miles away from their homes, thousands of miles away from their loved ones, while being paid but a penance for their willingness to die for their Nation… for OUR NATION… all this while knowing that should they have been lucky enough to have returned home, that there was a good chance they would be ridiculed and disrespected by those ungrateful for the things they gave up, in order for them to have the right to persecute them for their service.

To Honor and pay tribute to those who have died while sworn to fight to the death for the Honor and Dignity of our great Nation.

To preserve the Dignity of those same people, so that they would not have died in vain.

For the Blood of those who died, while sworn to Sacrifice themselves, to Honor those who have taken that same reverent oath before them, in order to preserve their Honor and Dignity, so that they would not have died in vain.

To Remember why we, as Americans, have the Freedom to Assemble, in this case, to Honor the Sacrifice, Dignity, and Blood of those who died after taking that Oath of Enlistment, or Oath of Office, as the case may be,

So you see, Memorial Day should be a day in which we come full circle as a Nation, to Remember and Honor that Sacrifice, Dignity, and Blood of the true National Heroes, those whose blood has been shed for the last time in service to OUR NATION, in order to preserve the Constitution of these United States of America, which give us our inalienable rights as Americans.

Let us not waste it, for to do so would be a great disservice to those people.

I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and are able to spend it with those you care about.

Thank you for reading my ramblings.