(no subject)

[kuangning]

If you are not mourning Reagan's death, for whatever reasons... I understand. I didn't like his politics, and I thought his ethics left a lot to be desired, too. If you don't want to watch the news, I don't blame you. If you're tired of the eulogies, I hear you.

But.

If you are spending your time going out of your way (and your own journal) to be telling people who are mourning this death all the reasons they shouldn't feel what they are, quite obviously, feeling, then you, sir, or you, madam, are an ass, and I sincerely wish you didn't share my politics. Reagan's death means exactly as much as any other. The extra trappings are a bonus for him, sure, but saying he did not deserve to be honoured or mourned is distasteful, disrespectful, and abhorrent. In an ideal world, everyone who passes away would be loved and remembered. You're right, it's not right that some get so much less, when they deserve it just as much. But isn't it funny how the only time anyone ever says that is when they feel someone has got too much and they wish some would be taken away?

Try doing something that actually adds to someone else's lot, if you feel you absolutely can't bear to see Reagan honoured. Spend the time focussing on doing something that makes a good story and a warm feeling later. Ignore the fuss entirely -- and give the people who are feeling some pain the chance to feel what they feel without having to fight for the time and space to mourn. There'll be a right time to attempt to change their minds about the man. This is not that time. Have a little respect.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/killjoy_/]

Hear hear. What is it with people and things like this? =P Often makes me ashamed to share a species with them, much less politics.

[lysana.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I didn't like his politics or ethics, either, but the "he was a fascist pig and deserved more pain than he got" routine is boring me when it isn't making me angry.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Well said; thank you.

[midnightfae.livejournal.com]

*shrugs* The only reason I'm not mourning Reagan's death is, quite simply, he stopped living long ago. Death, in this case, was a mercy and hopefully, be he in heaven or on his second go-around, he's having a hell of a better time.

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

This is a really good point that many have missed. Alzheimer's killed the real person long ago and only now that his body has succumbed are people speaking out about the man and politician that he was.

[baldanders.livejournal.com]

if you feel you absolutely can't bear to see Reagan honoured. Spend the time focussing on doing something that makes a good story and a warm feeling later. Ignore the fuss entirely

I have no intention of getting in the face of Reagan mourners with my opinions; however, I feel no hesitation about being frank with my opinions in my own space; and I politely disagree with some folks about the idea of leaving the field of comment on Reagan's death to the mourners, for whom I have some sympathy, and the propagandists and hagiographers, for whom I have contempt.

As Atrios said: The occasion of a man's death is not the time to pile on him, but nor is it the time to let the mythmakers get away with manufacturing reality.

[serendipity.livejournal.com]

Yes.

[sioneva.livejournal.com]

I agree...while I have issues with Reagan's politics, his family, friends, and those who were touched by him deserve to be respected in their time of grief. Now is not the time to post nasty responses--save that for one's own journal, not comments to others.