HLM

“And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.”          Galadriel in Lord of the Rings

Perspective. Never accept the status quo.  Always dig, research.  Look beyond the obvious.  That's why I encourage people to do research themselves.  I offer food for thought.  It's up to others to make the menu work.

There is great concern about child rapists.  Rightly so, we must expose and stop them, rescuing kids without panic.  I'm glad to hear of recent arrests and further exposure of the monsters.

As said, the child rapists are in all walks of life.  And many know them as family, friends and/or neighbors.  Again, this is not to  incite paranoia nor distrust.  It is wise to be cautious however.  There is, in many cases, betrayal.

Many child rapists are capable of hiding their evil.  No matter who they are, once discovered, all else is at best tarnished.  It most often destroys.

It has been brought to my attention that a person, prominent in clan affairs, is a convicted child rapist.  I was stunned.  The man has been a font of knowledge and history concerning the clan.  It has brought betrayal on several levels, as such discovery always does.

Betrayal of trust, for the kids, his family, associates and all of us who are proud of our clan, is the fallout with which we deal.

The crimes he committed are his, not anyone else's.  He alone is guilty of child rape.  We need not take the rap for him.

A clan is an umbrella.  We are all under it as members, a worldwide family.  In a family, we find many different situations.  We are not rubber stamped.  There can be quite a mix of good and evil.  And in spite of 'ties' we can choose with whom we associate. 

Once I got over the shock and actual sick feeling, I examined what this has or could do to the reputation of the clan.

Our history goes way back and can be traced to Viking/Norman roots.  There are the sociopolitical elements, with many lives and lines researched.  There are also more fantastic pieces of our genealogical puzzle.  Those have always been under attack.  Now opposition has fuel for the fire thanks to our 'wayward' criminal member.

I'm proud of our history and am related to several notables.  I've always noted those who question certain aspects of our heritage.

I have always said that no matter your genealogy, this is your life.  Today is your turn to live.  Good or bad past, we have the choice to lead/live our lives for weal or woe.

I can't walk on water nor turn it into wine.  But certain people are a gift not just to bloodlines, but to all of us.

Nothing done can assail us and succeed in stopping us unless we let them.  Morality is God's gift to the world and we choose to do right or wrong.

Get through the hurt and maintain honor, fortitude, nobility of heart; what we should be.  Help others, be there for them when evil touches.  Rescue the kids.  Stop and expose those who destroy.

For my fellow clanspeople, I suggest we live according to our motto.  Commit Thy Work To God.