Holocaust Museum Shooting: Son's Heartfelt Statement

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I'm posting this as I think it tangentially relevant to some of what's being discussed in a few of the threads, in particular the topic of gaining society's attention because one is related to someone who has gained society's attention. In the Chaz Bono thread, I mentioned that irrational as it was, humanity always seems inclined to give borrowed fame to the children (and grandchildren, etc.) of famous people whether they want it/deserve it or not. On the opposite and perhaps more terrible side, I don't think anyone should have to feel the guilt, or need to apologize for something their parent or off-spring infamously did, independent of them or their wishes. But I give my kudos to this son, for using the unwelcome spotlight put on him, to most eloquently condemn such hatred.

A son of the 88-year-old white supremacist [James von Brunn] who allegedly started a shootout at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is slamming his father's "cowardice" and apologizing to the family of the security guard his dad is accused of killing. "My father's actions are unforgivable," Erik von Brunn, 32, [son of James von Brunn], wrote in a statement to ABC News. "I do not expect, nor will I accept forgiveness for what he has done. I realize there is nothing positive to be taken from this incident."

Erik von Brunn's father, James von Brunn, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Stephen Tyrone Johns, the museum guard who opened the door for elderly man to let him into the museum. In apologizing to Johns' family, Erik von Brunn said his father's hatred has tormented his own family for years, as well. "My father's beliefs have been a constant source of verbal and mental abuse my family has had to suffer with for many years," he wrote. "His views consumed him, and in doing so, not only destroyed his life, but destroyed our family and ruined our lives as well.

"For a long time, I believed this was our family's cross to bear," he added. "Now, it is not only my families lives that are in shambles, but those who were directly affected by his actions; especially the family of Mr. Johns, who bravely sacrificed his life to stop my father....I cannot express enough how deeply sorry I am it was Mr. Johns, and not my father who lost their life...".

Rest here.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

I'm posting this as I think it tangentially relevant to some of what's being discussed in a few of the threads, in particular the topic of gaining society's attention because one is related to someone who has gained society's attention. In the Chaz Bono thread, I mentioned that irrational as it was, humanity always seems inclined to give borrowed fame to the children (and grandchildren, etc.) of famous people whether they want it/deserve it or not. On the opposite and perhaps more terrible side, I don't think anyone should have to feel the guilt, or need to apologize for something their parent or off-spring infamously did, independent of them or their wishes. But I give my kudos to this son, for using the unwelcome spotlight put on him, to most eloquently condemn such hatred.


Rest here.

*Sigh!* And to think it's usually only teenagers who are mortified by their parents' behavior. Poor families!