This is my prayer for you, Ms. Griner. As an American, I am happy you are home, and reunited with your family. I do not choose to discuss lifestyle or politics today. You are an American, and you have a right to be back in the United States of America. It is my understanding that Viktor Bout’s family is equally joyous at his return.
What I want you to understand though is that Americans will die as a result of this exchange. You are free to pursue now your American Dream–the NBA, where you play basketball. Mr. Bout is now free to pursue his dream, which is to kill Americans.
And make no mistake, Americans will die in the future as a result of your freedom. You will not know their names, nor will I, for some time. But, make no mistake, your experience in Russia must have established for you a new reality on the difference between true freedom–however flawed you view it–and true suppression. Mr. Bout will ensure, directly or indirectly, that Americans die.
So, please, honor them now in advance. Men and women–and possibly children–will pay the price for your freedom. Their families will never be “reunited” because their loved one will have perished. The government of the United States has decided to spare you, in exchange for the future death of American citizens. It is my prayer that you be grateful for the sacrifice the countrymen you have disparaged will make in the near future for you. And that you will show the same grace and compassion for them and their beliefs as they, as Americans, have shown to you today.
It is my further prayer for you that you become an activist now to bring home every American who has been seized–regardless of their politics, their gender, their color, or any other thing you value. They are Americans, and they deserve not to be left behind. Your credentials, and those of Steph Curry as well, should help them and their families.
And it is my final prayer for you–coming from someone as different from you as you can imagine–that you cease disrespecting this country and your fellow countrymen who will have made an ultimate sacrifice so you can pursue the American Dream. I honor what you have done. Now let’s see what you learned from this, and who you become, and what you do in the future.
Welcome home, Ms. Griner. You are welcome here!
From, “someone who could be the next intended victim of Viktor Bout.”
And it is my prayer for my fellow Americans that you spread this Blog “far and wide, even into the seats of power.”
A gracious example of the true character and compassion of America. Respect of others regardless of who they are and granting their rights to be who they are.
If Ms Griner chooses to do the right thing, she will take a major step in securing the freedoms she has regained for many others. Degrading the country that saved her, on the other hand, would be a “slap in the face” to some of the best people there are–the citizens of the true America.
I trust you will make the right choice and help to heal the divide.
Marcy, I hope so too!
It is not my thoughts and prayers at the moment but I know time will chaNge that. She must have had some powerful allies on her side in D. C. Perhaps she will become More thankful for being an American. Time will tell.
I totally understand Pat!