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But enough—it won’t do for you and I to quarrel—though in politics, we are divided. I had understood at our last interview, that although you would not take sides… you would not do what you have now done, —take position against her, but that you would resign and return to private life! …I pray Almighty God, that your convictions of duty— will never prompt you to set foot on your native land…breathing fire & destruction upon a people who to repeated overtures of peace and earnest demands to pursue their own destiny in their own way, have been replied to with taunts and the sword brandished over their heads with the scornful division of presumptuous superiority, as from a superior race.
Farewell Percy—and however much we may differ on the present issue—let no unkind word escape—to lacerate the heart of the other. Defend the soil…if you will. Then you and I will never meet as armed foes;—cross her southern border with hostile purpose—and we shall face each other as brothers never should.
Your affect brother,
Thos F Drayton, 1861
Percival’s last line to his brother says it all: I am only doing duty to my country, which should be higher than that even to my family…One is to affect all time, the other only my generation which will soon pass away….
Percival Drayton, captain of the USS Pochahontas, was saddened that not only had the country become so divided, but this divisiveness made its way down to his family unit. His older brother, Thomas, loyal to his native region of the south, took up arms against Percy’s formidable northern charge for freedom for all. Although the brothers met as enemies at Port Royal, November 1861, they both survived the battle. Later, there is evidence of the two trying to mend their differences of loyalty through epistolary pardons, but it is not known if the communications were ever respectfully received before they perished.
*****
In this era of divisiveness, manipulated truths, flagrant untruths, and pernicious gaslighting, I have found the Bible to be the resource that continues to keep the compass directing me to the one true north. It is divinely every bit as relevant today as it was when it was written, 2,000 years ago.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:22-24
Excerpts used with permission: “Grace Under Fire: Letters of Faith in Times of War,” by Andrew Carroll.
Farewell Percy—and however much we may differ on the present issue—let no unkind word escape—to lacerate the heart of the other. Defend the soil…if you will. Then you and I will never meet as armed foes;—cross her southern border with hostile purpose—and we shall face each other as brothers never should.
Your affect brother,
Thos F Drayton, 1861
Percival’s last line to his brother says it all: I am only doing duty to my country, which should be higher than that even to my family…One is to affect all time, the other only my generation which will soon pass away….
Percival Drayton, captain of the USS Pochahontas, was saddened that not only had the country become so divided, but this divisiveness made its way down to his family unit. His older brother, Thomas, loyal to his native region of the south, took up arms against Percy’s formidable northern charge for freedom for all. Although the brothers met as enemies at Port Royal, November 1861, they both survived the battle. Later, there is evidence of the two trying to mend their differences of loyalty through epistolary pardons, but it is not known if the communications were ever respectfully received before they perished.
*****
In this era of divisiveness, manipulated truths, flagrant untruths, and pernicious gaslighting, I have found the Bible to be the resource that continues to keep the compass directing me to the one true north. It is divinely every bit as relevant today as it was when it was written, 2,000 years ago.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:22-24
Excerpts used with permission: “Grace Under Fire: Letters of Faith in Times of War,” by Andrew Carroll.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
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I'm wondering how that works when one side wants to fundamentally change America. And has reentered racism back into our society. And keeps pushing division upon our citizens. My family has fought and died for the Constitution and our way of life, freedom for all. Now the next statue to be torn down could every will be MLKs because he said to judge a man not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. Wich flies in the face of CRT. CRT is now being forced on our military. WHY?
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SFC Kelly Fuerhoff
SPC Les Darbison - I have no idea what you were replying to. There's far too many comments to sift through and this thread is months old.
People have helped the US too - shit we just got formula shipped to us. People have helped during our natural disasters at times. But you think the US government helps other countries out of the goodness of its heart? LOL no. Those are all political, strategic moves. That's it. Just like any other country who helps us or other countries. We aren't the only ones who send aid either. Stop acting like the US is this great bastion of anything. We aren't.
What do I know about the US? A lot - I don't live in some ignorant privileged bubble. We aren't the greatest. We haven't been in some time, if ever. We don't lead at anything. 10 million Americans live overseas. The trend is expected to increase. I've seen posts from Americans who live in other countries and things are a lot better in some other countries. Yes, if I could afford to do it once I retire, I would 100% move to another country.
People have helped the US too - shit we just got formula shipped to us. People have helped during our natural disasters at times. But you think the US government helps other countries out of the goodness of its heart? LOL no. Those are all political, strategic moves. That's it. Just like any other country who helps us or other countries. We aren't the only ones who send aid either. Stop acting like the US is this great bastion of anything. We aren't.
What do I know about the US? A lot - I don't live in some ignorant privileged bubble. We aren't the greatest. We haven't been in some time, if ever. We don't lead at anything. 10 million Americans live overseas. The trend is expected to increase. I've seen posts from Americans who live in other countries and things are a lot better in some other countries. Yes, if I could afford to do it once I retire, I would 100% move to another country.
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SPC Les Darbison
Behind THE USA the largest giver of global aid in natural disasters is the USA Citizens far beyond #3 no matter who that is.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
CRT is not being pushed upon the military. The military discusses Equal Opportunity, not past racism.
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SPC Les Darbison
BS there has been reverse discrimination all the why back to the early 70ties. In and out of the military.
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A reasoned, respectful discourse is a joy to participate in. You are correct, Susan Hunter that as emotion seeks to replace reason, we are well served to remind ourselves of our true purpose.
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Such divisions run so deep in some families they remain divided to this day.
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CW4 Jay Ossiander
SSG Billy Bunch - I am simply making the point that those who believe in multiple gods or no god(s) should also be accepted as part of our "nation".
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SGT John Lawrence
CW4 Jay Ossiander: The Constitution of the United States and the Holy Bible give everyone the exact same three words: Freedom of choice. And that is our right and what we all served this country for, I don't condemn anyone for their belief and how they believe but anyone that reads and believes the Bible know that each person is given the duty to spread or talk to anyone that wants to listen the gospel message. I don't force my beliefs on anyone, but I will share what God has done for me with everyone, that is the gospel commission that Jesus gave all of us, but like you said we all believe different and one day that I believe is coming soon we will have all the answers when Jesus does come back for His faithful. When that day does come, we will know who is right and who was wrong, there will be those that are inside the wall and those that will be outside the wall, where do you want to be?
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CW4 Jay Ossiander
SGT John Lawrence - Your comment simply serves to underscore your condescension towards those who don't share your belief system. "where do you want to be?" Proselytizing in this forum only serves to alienate other members.
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SGT John Lawrence
CW4 Jay Ossiander-You are incorrect toward my beliefs, as I and my church believe is that there will be people in heaven from every walk of life and belief not just my belief. In my church we know that most of our church members will be lost for the simple fact that they don't practice what they believe something that I try to do every day. I do not believe in once saved always saved because that is not in the Bible and as for other beliefs who am I to condemn them, and that is why I believe that there is only one God, time will tell but as time moves on the changes that we are seeing here in this country tells me that we are getting close to the return of Jesus second coming as predicted in the Bible, yes I know that you will say well "that's your belief" but again time will tell. Thank you for your comments though.
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