Today a 89 year old man with a Confederate flag and a rifle walked up to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, and opened the door.  His website and his book unfurl his feelings towards Jews and Blacks.  He is not so important, as is his symbolism.

In the last few weeks, we have seen three isolated violent incidents with firearms in this country; one against American sold, iers at their office, one against an abortion Doctor at his church, and now, days after Obama's visit to the German killing fields, a shooting at the Holocaust Museum. 

For the last two months, or more, we have heard individuals in this country decry the Obama administration, pray that he fails, say that Al-Queda should hurry up if they wish to destroy America, call a nominee for the Supreme Court a racist, and on and on and on.

This is a newsflash for us, and for those who have spoken such hate-filled speech; there are more old and young people like James Von Braunn.  They may look on success or failure, be educated or ignorant, and may be insane, or sane.

Mr. Von Braunn was not a terrorist from the middle east; he was a WWII veteran and an author.

Sometimes all people need is a little push, just a tap.  Sometimes all they need to hear is the "sign" they have been awaiting.  Sometimes, it is just words they overhear.

We have no idea what pushed Mr. Von Braunn, but this we must be aware of; there are countless others out among us like him, waiting, for an opportunity, a push, or just a sign. 

Obama and Powell and those who want a better, more peaceful world will use power and words to inspire the world.  And Rush Limbaugh and Shaun Hannity and Ann Coulter and others will blame, and ridicule, and use division to inspire their troops that stay in dark corners of America, waiting for the next sign.

If signs come, some will react.  If they fail to come, some will take the lead, and move further.

Some of us want this to truly be a country, and a world, that is inclusive and representative of all.  Some of us do not.

These are matters for ones heart.  The Limbaughs and Coulters of the world will have to ask the right questions, and have the epiphany--or not.  We never could, though we might hope to. 

Words matter.  Bad words inform, inspire, and motivate just as much as good ones.  They appeal even more sometimes, and seem easier to turn into action in a world like ours.

Words matter.