Newtown Families: “Go to hell!”

Did you hear what Minnesota radio host Bob Davis recently said about the Newtown victims?

I have something I want to say to the victims of Newtown, or any other shooting. I don't care if it's here in Minneapolis or anyplace else. Just because a bad thing happened to you doesn't mean that you get to put a king in charge of my life. I'm sorry that you suffered a tragedy, but you know what? Deal with it, and don't force me to lose my liberty, which is a greater tragedy than your loss. I'm sick and tired of seeing these victims trotted out, given rides on Air Force One, hauled into the Senate well, and everyone is just afraid -- they're terrified of these victims...I would stand in front of them and tell them, 'Go to hell.'  

Part of my job as a rabbi is to see the good in everything. So here’s the good in this: Folks do not want to ally themselves with such vileness. Trash like this is making us all take a good hard look at ourselves—all of us. Gun owners and non-owners; Republicans and Democrats—reasonable folks who naturally see things from different perspectives—are fed up with being divided from one another, whether in order to boost radio listenership or to keep N.R.A. money coming in to campaign headquarters. 90% of Americans want to see enhanced background checks. This issue is not going away.   

Please continue to support the work of Demand A Plan, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and Americans for Responsible Solutions. 

Rabbi Mark Sameth  - named one of the 36 most inspiring rabbis in America by The Jewish Daily Forward - is the spiritual leader of Joyful Judaism: Pleasantville Community Synagogue an inclusive, progressive synagogue – with members from twenty towns, villages and cities all across Westchester and “A Hebrew School Your Kids Can Love.” Read The New York Times article. Follow Rabbi Mark on Twitter . Weekly meditation at the synagogue every Saturday morning at 9 am is open to the public; everyone – without exception - is welcome and warmly invited. OUR MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS ON. See “Top Ten Reasons to Join PCS” - as well as service times and events - at www.ShalomPCS.com.