Response

In all the years I’ve been sharing thoughts with you in these commentaries, I don’t believe I’ve ever responded to your opinions about the subject matter.

They are not intended to be some forum for reaction and counter reaction. That creates a useless environment of exchanges: “that was stupid!”

“Oh, yeah? Well, you’re stupid!”

“Neener, neener, neener.”

Now, see how valuable those exchanges are? These are never a matter of necessary agreement or disagreement. They’re only avenues of thought for your consideration.

But Tuesday’s piece was a simple acknowledgement of my admiration for Malala, the young Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban for her support of education and freedom for women.

Her eloquence and courage is lauded by people of every nation, and yet even my tribute to this remarkable 16- year-old was greeted by a few reactions I wasn’t prepared for.

One called her a “rabid anti-semite.” I would remind that person that not all Muslims hate Jews. That’s not a universal obligation of their faith.

Another went further saying that Malala and I both have been taught to hate Jews, Christians and Americans.

While I’m flattered to be mentioned in her company, I must beg to differ.

I hate nothing … even the intellectually impotent
“Neener, neener, neener.”

I’m Pat McMahon.

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