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
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