The group in RI that I belong to is bent set on putting out a press release about this shooting, since it happen so close to home. I myself do not think this is a good idea. I feel it is opportunistic and wrong to use this event like that. I asked myself what good can come from us doing a press release on this. I asked myself who benefits, and I feels the answer to that it us. FOr that I reason I feel it is wrong to do so. This is the email I sent to the group. Please tell me if I am wrong or not. I am torn with this.. I feel the group will feel like am don't support them, but I really have a problem with this. Whta do you think of my email?
Hey guys,
Sorry to be the opposition on this but please consider what I am saying.
To act on this, or put out a press release does nothing to further our
mission. The only affect it would have would be to get our name and mission
out there to the public. While I am all in favor of this, I am not in favor
of using the tragedy of others to further our mission. It is morally wrong
to do that. I feel we can still further our mission without being
opportunistic and do what every other group does. There is nothing that
can come from us doing a public statement, except something for us. I have
no interest in that, in fact I feel it is unjust to do so.
We have the truth and love on our side. We have a mission based on truth
and love. As Gandhi would say our mission is based on being the change we
seek, but nothing good can come of us using this media event, and tragedy of
others to further our mission, and that is all a statement from us would be
at this point.
I am sorry to say that I cannot support us making a statement at this time.
It is self-serving and not beneficial to anyone involved, except us. If we
wish to make an offering of free counseling, or help to those
involved...great, I support that, but I do not under any circumstances
support a press release. It is too much of an opportunistic thing for me.
It goes against what I consider the principals of non-violence, and I cannot
do that with a good heart. I hope you will take the time to sleep on this,
and reconsider this impulsive decision.
Joe
|