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Location: Plano, Texas, United States

Sunday, November 23, 2008

November 22, 1963

Ryan and I took a trip into downtown Dallas this afternoon, I guess it is technically yesterday afternoon right now but I haven't gone to sleep yet so it doesn't count to me. We went for a couple of reasons, one being that we have not yet walked around downtown Dallas and the other because it was the 45th anniversary of JFK being assassinated and we wanted to honor his memory.

They have a museum, 6th floor museum, that was overrun with visitors so we will visit that another time, and a gift shop (of course) where we purchased a coin to add to Ryan's collection. There were protesters and activists, tourists and solicitors all joined together at the short strip that serves as his memorial.

I wasn't alive when JFK was murdered. My parents hadn't graduated high school. I'm not a democrat. I don't necessarily support anything President Kennedy supported or am against anything he advocated for. I wanted to honor a man, a human being, who was gunned down in the middle of a street, his head split in two in his wife's lap. As an American, it hurts me and I wanted to show that I respect his memory.

Those who know me can imagine the emotions that ran through me as we walked the couple of blocks to the street. I was curious to learn more about what happened (I didn't even know Dallas was where it happened.....I need to study up on my history, pathetic!), I was sad that things like this happen. When we finally arrived, I was horrified.

I am not so ignorant and idealistic not to realize that this is essentially a tourist attraction, Ryan took some pictures of the plaques and the building where "the shots were fired". What completely appalled me were the people who jumped into the road, in between traffic lights and cars coming, and stood on the two "x's" that marked where he was shot and made gang signs while people took their picture. What a show of disrespect. There is nothing cool about standing, where a man lay dying in his wife's arms, and taking a picture that shows you making the "west side" symbol with your fingers.

I haven't posted in awhile. I haven't posted anything of emotional substance in awhile, I should say. I'm drained. I'm embarrassed and disappointed. Respect. It's that simple. We're all human, all in it together. I know it's idealistic but so what. That's me.

wishing we would all grow through His love....

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