Bill Kemp
October 27 at 7:14 PM
Frankly, I wish you wouldn’t come.
We are in grief, here in Pittsburgh. Not just because of the number dead, or the fact that it happened during worship, but because many of us consider Squirrel Hill to be Pittsburgh’s most beautiful neighborhood — a short, busy strip of stores surrounded by places of worship, stately old homes, and the trees — yes, the trees — an arborist’s delight. Didn’t the killer know that when he entered the Tree of Life Synagogue, he was stealing this particular moment of beauty that all of us Pittsburghers share when fall arrives, and children rustle the yellow, red, and orange leaves; these gifts from previous generations who wisely respected God’s creation enough to plant trees.
Faith teaches us to put down deep roots into our respective traditions, but also to branch out in love for our neighbors. The block where Forbes and Murray meet, is lined with successful shops owned by immigrants from around the world. It is a community that mirrors Pittsburgh’s respect for diversity.
A mile away from the Tree of Life, a diverse group of medical researchers work together to bring about healing — a collaboration that depends upon a steady stream of talent arriving from Africa and the Middle East. At nearby Carnegie Mellon University, engineering classes focus on using technology to develop sustainable energy systems and efficient public transportation, things that don’t seem to interest you, Mr. President.
If you wish to continue to divide the world into winners and losers, Americans first and sh_ hole countries last, then please don’t come. You won’t understand the spirit of the place.
A few weeks ago, you declared yourself to be a “nationalist.” It seemed strange at the time. Obviously, you wanted the White Nationalist base of your party to notice. Well, one of them did. You may have many Jewish friends and even one as a son-in-law, but you haven’t bothered to learn the link between nationalism and antisemitism. Please don’t come to Pittsburgh and speak. Nothing you say will comfort us until you learn that words matter.
The news had barely sunk in and you were offering advice. You thought it made sense to support the death penalty. Most mass murders would agree with you. These shooters seem to desire to die in a blaze of glory, taking down as many first responders as they can in the process. You also said that there should have been an armed guard there. Like most religious communities, including some that I have served, Tree of Life, had less than one hundred in attendance. I can’t imagine the congregation’s leadership appreciating your input.
Before you come to Pittsburgh, at least take a moment to understand our history. We are in the heart of coal country. Our houses often settle and crack, or sometimes even collapse altogether, because coal mining companies have raped the very ground beneath our feet. As a child I suffered from asthma. Our region still has a high rate of respiratory diseases related to the burning of coal.
There was a day when laundry couldn’t be left out to dry on the line here, because coal dust would turn it grey. But we Pittsburghers have put those days in the past. We are busy growing green economy here, or haven’t you noticed?
You say today’s tragedy, as well as last week’s bombings, are the works of isolated mad men. We have read what they post on their social media accounts and what you post on twitter. It is hard to tell who is who, except they tend to spell better. Until you can see the connection between their madness and yours, please don’t speak to us.
Frankly, you scare us more than they do. We see you breaking things; big things like healthcare, nuclear arms treaties, international trade deals, and reasonable plans to limit greenhouse gases. I wish you wouldn’t.
Why don’t you stay home and read a book?
Sincerely,
Bill Kemp
