Sarah Jane Moore: Why Do You Believe What You Believe?
Posted: Thursday, May 28, 2009
by Laura Trahan
Sara Jane Moore. A name that I had never even heard before but instantly has had such a huge impact on my thoughts and feelings for today.
I watched along with millions today as Sara Jane Moore was introduced and interviewed on the Today Show by Matt Lauer. The grandmother looking figure looked just what I would have thought a Sara Jane Moore should look like.
When asked why she tried to kill Ford, Moore explained that is was a different era. "I still believe if I hadn't done it, someone else would.... It was a time people don't remember. We had a war in this country, the Vietnam War," she said. "The only way it was going to change was by revolution."
She went on to admit that her actions were wrong and it took her a while to figure it out. In fact, it took over six years in solitary confinement before she realized who she was and what she did. She realized that she had been misled in terms of what she believed was happening.
" I think that I was misled, that I was mistaken. I think I made a serious error," she told Lauer. "I had to learn later that everyone else didn't feel that way."
She said she begin to feel "used." It got me to thinking. How could this woman be so mistaken to the point that as a single mom of four she would do something to not only endanger her life, but as serious as killing the president of the United States.
Then I began to wonder. She mentioned being "fed" these feelings and issues. Could someone be so brainwashed or able to hear beliefs to the point of being riled up to killing someone in defense.
I think we all know the answer to that. I think sometimes we all want to help. We all want to matter. We all want to make a difference.
The only thing that puzzles me is her age. I can relate to being moved to passionately fight for a cause, but I was much younger.
Many do not know this about me, but I was raised in Arkansas. Former President Bill Clinton was my governor the majority of my life and then President after that. By the time I was 18, when he took office-he had served as governor for 12 years.
My father, who was very active in the Democratic Party, took me to every rally within a 100 mile radius from the time I was four. I thought Clinton was the most honorable man I had ever seen. I celebrated alongside millions in downtown Arkansas the night of the election at his block party. Packed like sardines cheering.
When news first broke of affairs, I bought into the propaganda of conservatives paying people to make up lies. I bought into the perfect image of the man. It isn't the only time I can look back on and feel stupid for the things I believed.
I bought into things friends told me and even denied mistakes made by family members. There are times even today that I believe what people say and take on their fights only to find out later I was misled. So what do you believe in? How do you keep yourself from making mistakes as big as Sara Jane Moore?
I eventually have grown older and I venture to say wiser. I learned to not repeat other causes until I was sure I truly felt or believed that way. I consult God more on my actions. All of this took a long time and I can honestly say I am not there yet.
I guess my question now moves to: How do I get my kids to not make the same mistakes and be influenced by others opinions and beliefs? We all at some point become anti-establishment. What keeps us or how do I teach my kids to not cross the same line Moore crossed? Just a point to ponder. I would love to hear your views in the comment section below.
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