BTW, in my latest book, Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green (co-authored with Jay Conrad Levinson), I discuss, in one of the later chapters, what that kind of ideal world might look like and how we could still get there. http://www.guerrillamarketinggoesgreen.com

I have to disagree, though, when you say he was elected, twice. The election irregularities in both 2000 and 2004 were staggering, and we will never know who *really* won either of those elections, but my strong sense is it wasn't Bush, either time. 94,000 people were denied access to the ballot in Florida in 2000 (never mind the hanging chads and false Buchanan votes and all the rest of it), most of them likely-Democratic voters. Similar problems of a smaller scale but still more than enough to swing the count took place in Ohio four years later.

BTW, in my latest book, Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green (co-authored with Jay Conrad Levinson), I discuss, in one of the later chapters, what that kind of ideal world might look like and how we could still get there. http://www.guerrillamarketinggoesgreen.com

I have to disagree, though, when you say he was elected, twice. The election irregularities in both 2000 and 2004 were staggering, and we will never know who *really* won either of those elections, but my strong sense is it wasn't Bush, either time. 94,000 people were denied access to the ballot in Florida in 2000 (never mind the hanging chads and false Buchanan votes and all the rest of it), most of them likely-Democratic voters. Similar problems of a smaller scale but still more than enough to swing the count took place in Ohio four years later.

Forgiveness is essential for oneself, because if you aren't able to forgive a person, you're still hooked into them emotionally, so in a sense they “control” you. That's not a good feeling.

Forgiveness is finding yourself free of the offender. That's priceless.

And beyond just speaking up, we're often tested to see if we'll Stand-up.
True pacifists only survive under the protection of those willing to fight.
King, Gandhi and others (who lived long enough to have an impact) have one thing in common – they were appealing to the better nature of basically civilized peoples. Those we face now – certainly the ones who knocked down the towers – are the modern version of India's Thuggee – and deserve the same fate.
How far a man's sense of community and justice for all extends beyond the square yard he stands on is a big, personal question.

But back to Rev King – every community needs its members to call out bad practices and bad guys. When you know bad stuff is being done you call it and name names. If you're willing, you also actively work to prevent it. It's never a happy place to be and it can end badly for those with the courage to do so — but there's a reason we don't write books about those who watched it on TV or volunteered for Headquarters-only duty.

I understand that many follow the choice to NEVER to say anything, never stick their head up — always provide happy entertainment, and forever “positive affirmations” and upbeat this and that – fine. Good for them and their business. Not everyone has the cajones of Gandhi, or King, or a USMC Lance Corporal.

A applaud the courage of your prior post and respect your personal decision to forgive or not.

“Forgiveness is almost a selfish act because of its immense benefits to the one who forgives.” Lawana Blackwell

When we harbor bad thoughts or feelings of revenge, or even feel like we have been wronged, or find ourselves thinking we need to forgive, we keep resending resentment and negative thoughts to ourselves and others.

If we can forgive, we can stop burning down our own emotional and spiritual houses … and the houses of others.

If we can forgive, we can stop resending resentment and negative thoughts to ourselves and others.

It doesn't mean we forget the lesson that was brought to us, or our need to interpret and find new ways to communicate and behave in a manner that honors our personal values and spirit.

Thanks for this discussion Ryan! Great food for thought!

Diane Anderson

p.s. Now … how do we communicate better and come up with solutions that create experiences where we don't end up harboring resentment? A good question for copywriter(s) that use “problem/solution” writing techniques!

I'm just getting my writing services up and running and have heard that in these days and times, it's important to get “up-front” money for one's projects!

Any other suggestions?

I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for contributing.

Ryan

When we say “forgive and forget,” I think the “forgetting” part is really about forgetting the emotions — not what actually happened. You can't really forget bad stuff that happens to you. But you can let go of the negative emotions.

Nice, Ryan! I had never thought of that.

Thanks for the insight.