Banishment

The Bible story of Abraham banishing Ishmael demonstrates the use of banishment of a child who will certainly become a problem. Ishmael was fathered by Abraham and was certain to battle Abraham’s son Isaac. To prevent the conflict, Abraham banished Ishmael and his mother Hagar, who was Sarah’s slave. Ishmael is said to have settled in Mecca as a prophet who preceded Mohammad.

Banishment was used to separate troublemakers and criminals from clans and tribes in pre-historic times and throughout antiquity, often by community vote.

Banishment was used to empty out British debtor prisons in the 1800s and send these unqualified borrowers to Australia as indentured servants sentenced to work out their jail time on Australian farms and ranches. Those who saved their money bought their own farms and ranches.

Banishment was used by the French who sent prisoners to Devil’s Island in the 1800s.

Banishment is used by families who can no longer deal with their alcoholic and drug addicted children.

Banishment is used by corporations who fire employees they don’t want or don’t need.

Banishment is used in various forms. Shunning is avoiding contact with people who we don’t want to be around or whose conduct is negative to us. Tolerance must be earned.

We are naturally drawn to those who share our beliefs and principles and we exercise our freedom of association. We shun those who act counter to our beliefs and principles.

I value self-reliance, frugality and adherence to the 10 Commandments. I believe that all aberrant behavior has its own built-in consequences. I believe in free will and know that individuals will only behave if they decide to behave. Until they do, they will be shunned.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader