I Prayed have prayed
Father, we pray for those who were persecuted during the pandemic, especially those who we persecuted for telling the truth. As we work to forgive those who oppressed and wronged us, God, we pray that You would restore to those who were wronged all that they lost.
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2020 was a dark time. As covid emerged as an unknown threat, many people made hasty, shortsighted decisions. Is it time to forgive them?

This author, writing for The Atlantic, suggests that we offer amnesty to those who wronged us and made incorrect decisions during the pandemic, especially during its earliest stages. On one hand, we are called as Christians to forgive one another and to pray for our enemies and those who persecute us. On the other hand, many are still struggling under mandates and restrictions imposed by the government.

Intercessor, what do you think? Is it time for amnesty?

From The Atlantic. In April 2020, with nothing else to do, my family took an enormous number of hikes. We all wore cloth masks that I had made myself. We had a family hand signal, which the person in the front would use if someone was approaching on the trail and we needed to put on our masks.  Once, when another child got too close to my then-4-year-old son on a bridge, he yelled at her “SOCIAL DISTANCING!”

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These precautions were totally misguided. In April 2020, no one got the coronavirus from passing someone else hiking. Outdoor transmission was vanishingly rare. Our cloth masks made out of old bandanas wouldn’t have done anything, anyway. But the thing is: We didn’t know.

I have been reflecting on this lack of knowledge thanks to a class I’m co-teaching at Brown University on COVID. We’ve spent several lectures reliving the first year of the pandemic, discussing the many important choices we had to make under conditions of tremendous uncertainty.

Some of these choices turned out better than others. To take an example close to my own work, there is an emerging (if not universal) consensus that schools in the U.S. were closed for too long: The health risks of in-school spread were relatively low, whereas the costs to students’ well-being and educational progress were high. The latest figures on learning loss are alarming.  But in spring and summer 2020, we had only glimmers of information. Reasonable people—people who cared about children and teachers—advocated on both sides of the reopening debate. …

Obviously some people intended to mislead and made wildly irresponsible claims. Remember when the public-health community had to spend a lot of time and resources urging Americans not to inject themselves with bleach? That was bad. Misinformation was, and remains, a huge problem. But most errors were made by people who were working in earnest for the good of society.

Given the amount of uncertainty, almost every position was taken on every topic. And on every topic, someone was eventually proved right, and someone else was proved wrong. …

We have to put these fights aside and declare a pandemic amnesty. … [We] need to learn from our mistakes and then let them go. We need to forgive the attacks, too. Because I thought schools should reopen and argued that kids as a group were not at high risk, I was called a “teacher killer” and a “génocidaire.” It wasn’t pleasant, but feelings were high. …

Moving on is crucial now, because the pandemic created many problems that we still need to solve. …

Do you think it’s time for a pandemic amnesty? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

(Excerpt from The Atlantic. Photo Credit: Anshu A on Unsplash)

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Jan Delavega
November 7, 2022

As Christians, we do believe in forgiveness. But that does not mean that there are no consequences. Those who made bad decisions–especially those who knew they were bad at the time– need to feel the repercussions. We should not continue to hold up as authorities those who were pretending to act in our best interests but were actually abusing their power.

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Christina Lucas
November 7, 2022

I already posted 2 comments; this all got me thinking how horrid many of the people were. This city is very blue. Everyone is welcome as long as you tow the propaganda. People caused employees constant irritation. Complaints about masks not right, while they left trash, toilet tissue wipes, masks, empty wrappers, cigarette butts, everywhere. One gal always came in, bought one item, walked around the store to watch for mask wea violations. Gestapo? KGB? She took photos, one of me-mask not proper. Store was going to leave it alone; she went up to corporate. I got written up. Next week all masks came off. These creeps had not life and did care if they got you fired. No penalty will work; this all became their religion. 2 years picking up trash for community service is what I recommend. It was a nightmare of continuous anger and festering for what. This is all these types have. This is their excitement, their cause. SICK. Let God forgive. them. We have to make sure we NEVER FORGET. NEVER LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN. GOD BLESS OUR NATION AND MAKE US STRONG AS OUR FORE FATHERS. .
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Karen Secrest
November 6, 2022

We can pray. forgive but use our own God given knowledge to com e against those who knowingly and with evil greedy intent determined to impose their will on others. The only reason we in this country are not living under CCP government is GRACE. we are a country under GOD AND ALWAYS WILL BE. A 7 fold returns is demanded. Recpense for having polluted he very atmosphere we breathe. We come not by might not by power ,but by the Holy Spirit

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Christina M. Lucas
November 6, 2022

No amnesty. The weak and weak minded are still there. The control and I am better than you because I am dumb and a follower. If I suffocate you must. The health affecting psuedo”vaccines”, which even the inventor says were only intended for the weak and seriously ill are still being encouraged. The drug companies have a cash cow. The promoters have there reputations and veracity on the line.
Time to disrupt, correct and cleanse as we did in WWII.

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George Leaf
November 6, 2022

Seems all the panic driver hospital data came from four hospitals is one large city. And all other data was ignored. Experts with working positive results silenced, fired, ridiculed. All these politically appointed and empowered to demand compliance and their political sponsors should pay the required penalties for practicing unlicensed medical experiments upon the population by government ( political) edict. Nuremberg Protocol is international law. Room 200 is preserved.

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Jo Benson
November 5, 2022

NO, we do not give amnesty to the people in government and global leadership positions who perpetrated a “behavior study/experiment” against the world. Thousands of people died as a result of their collaboration with each other for the sake of greed. It is already proven that scientist and doctors could not isolate any virus in COVID-19; a court case in Canada brought this to like (it is also on the CDC website – check it out). Everyone should watch “The Fall of the Cabal” on BitChute, before you make a blanket statement of forgiveness. There were many people killed for telling the truth (they were found dead – not from the COVID-19 bioweapon shot). The hospitals became very wealthy with “bribe-death” money by letting the “tagged” COVID-19 identified patients die by starvation and thirst. 99% of the people who went to any hospital tested positive for COVID-19 – how convenient. Remember Haman, who plotted to kill the Jews in Babylon. It was discovered BEFORE any died, but he was sentenced for “treason” anyway (it was a crime against the nation and the citizens). It is time for the body of Christ to be the Ekklesia Jesus wanted them to be. THE PEOPLE WHO CAUSED THIS DEATH, FEAR, DESTRUCTION, FAMILY RIPPING, DEPRESSION, DISPAIR, AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT HAPPENED SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. IF NOT, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. WE ARE AT WAR. THEY SHOULD BE HANGED BY THE NECK UNTIL DEAD FOR TREASON AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.

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Betsy West
November 5, 2022

It all seems like a bad dream. Did we really experience this in America? My job was declared “unessential” and for the first time I was living on Unemployment benefits. I was in charge of our outdoor Farmers Market and the only way we were permitted to be open was with chalk lines on the pavement (social distance apart), plexiglass shields for our farmers with fruits and vegetables to sell. Hand sanitizer stations, only one way in and one way out of the market and the stairway was blocked to One Way only. Masks and shields on every face, no pets permitted, no music (it would cause people to linger), etc. etc. etc.
It was so very surreal.
Although it is behind us now. there are still so many who walk in fear. Masks on (even when driving alone in their cars), gloves on hands, and distancing from others. I pray that their nightmare will one day end and Freedom will return to the American public.

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Kate
November 5, 2022

Absolutely NO.

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Mike B
November 5, 2022

Christians should always be ready to forgive a personal wrong. (or at least prayerfully voice forgiveness until the heart embraces it) God has made it abundantly clear that we are to do this. Forgiving a personal wrong is entirely distinct from giving amnesty to a public official that has abused power. We can (and should) forgive the personal wrong while holding these individuals accountable before the law which they were sworn to uphold.

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Loretta Paradise
November 5, 2022

When a person harms or kills another person in any manor – we have to forgive. God commands it. BUT – there are consequences per society’s law. The Bible is very heavy on our consequences, both good and bad. In the Bible God gave examples of consequences to wrongs done to others. Forgiveness of the wrong-doer, yes. Removal of the consequences of the deeds done by going against the law of society, no. Mercy where warranted, yes. Removal of consequences, no. Our streets are full of the lack of consequences. It is called lawlessness. We are all accountable for our actions, even every aspect and part of the government. Death, maiming – temporary or permanent – stealing of ALL sorts, physical items, body, soul and spirit, The list goes on. The divisions of this within our nation and other nations is incalculable. The damage report is high and climbing. The fear-mongering, money grabbing, power hungry destruction has been perpetrated on people at their most vulnerable times. Many died or are permanently damaged because of these sins. And they are evil sins. The mandates, losses of jobs and imprisonments just for living against these power hungry people is inexcusable. They definitely need forgiveness with prayers, and we need to forgive them so we can go on. Again, it is a commandment of God. But people often forget – God is also a god of justice. But they still need to be held accountable. Law has to return to the land. Without righteous law we see and experience what is in our land and the lands of others at this time. Abba, grant wisdom and discernment when faced when coming face to face with truth and consequences. Show us Your will in the doling out of accountability to those who have done great, and sometimes evil, harm to others in this time. We need Your wisdom and strength. Thank you with all our hearts and souls. Thank you Jesus. Amen

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Sue Tracy
November 5, 2022

Father, Lord we praise you, you are The Lord God Almighty, we need your hello our world is in crisis on so many levels; we humbly ask your Devine intervention on our behalf. Restore our country and your people to be conformed to obey your will and stop anyone who’s desires are not from you, protect the upcoming election and bring those you have chosen and give them your favor and the victory that can make a difference for Americans.
Let Your plan forAmerica and her citizens prevail. Lord thank for the privilege of prayer we ask in Jesus’ Name Amen

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Martha
November 5, 2022

These people need to be held accountable for their deceit! They killed thousands of people and more are going to die from this death vaxx they insisted everyone have to combat a false pandemic. I hope everyone of them sues and wins against our devious govt!!

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Marcy Moisio
November 5, 2022

I agree that there should be amnesty. But I thank Father God that I’m not the one to choose who gets it. There must be some accountability for those who chose to continued to deceive the people. Praise God that He is still on the throne and that He is still at work.

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Curtis Guhl
November 5, 2022

Those who have abused their power can not write their own amnesty conditions. Sure we were all under the influence of a government which we believed would act in our best interest. Unfortunately many knew otherwise further being involved in coverup. The Bible makes it clear he who who covers up sin will not prosper. I believe this is the direction the country should judge our leaders, rather than the country should be judged by God. Thank you

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Lorraine Tetreault
November 5, 2022

I have to say, during the Covid pandemic many people panicked. I watched Joni table talk on Daystar a lot and the doctors there were not as concerned and told people how to help fight getting it. I followed what they said and gave the rest to God. We did not walk in fear but wore masks when the places we went said to. We did abide by the wishes of the placed we went. We did not get the shot and yes my son in law who is a police officer got it. My daughter, whom we live with, took care of him and he got over it. He also has asthma but the treatments she gave him were a small Vicks inhaler machine and steam treatments every hour or so or when he coughed. He got over it and then I got it. It was no different than the flu. I did the same thing she did, and by the way I am 73. There is something to say for trusting God. I did and I talked to him every day. He is my source. We took supplements according to the docs on Joni and built our immune systems and all have been fine. I personally think they wanted to panic people. Wisdom and knowledge work wonders when believing in God. I pray every day for people who lost someone to this terrible epidemic. I pray that you will cherish all the days you had with them and trust God to take care of you and yours. Love in Christ.

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    Christine Lucas
    November 6, 2022

    Yes, worked for Kroger with OT. I got it before COVID-19 had a name. It went thru my doctor’s office prior. The flu. I just got it again last April. I was run down working 50 hours a week for months. I paid bills. I recovered. The doctor almost did not test me. It was the flu. I went because I had to return to work. I just turned 73. I do not get the flu shots, pneumonia shot. Definitely not the schmax. I am healthy and want to remain so. I was forced to mask and suffered. We did not have to mask behind the public doors. It was for show/drama. I never went anywhere else as i will not suffocate myself. I have great immunity.

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Kay Manning
November 5, 2022

In 1982 God began speaking to me about intercession. At that time, I didn’t even know what that meant. I asked God. What is that Lord I’m willing, but I don’t know how. I went to our weekly women’s meeting and my pastor said, “if anyone is interested in intercession I have these tapes of Dave Roberson”. I was excited cause I knew that was God. That was 40 years ago. I said all that to say this. Intercession is praying God will and purposes down into our natural world. Attitude is everything and can hinder you and even stop your effectiveness, therefore, it is imperative that we forgive those who have wronged us, and that sometimes is difficult. I pray often the scripture “create in me a clean heart Lord, and renew a right spirit within me” for our battle is not physical but spiritual to the pulling down of strongholds. If we don’t learn to walk in God’s love and forgive those who have wronged us, we are ineffective and are as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. Walking in love is not an option, it’s a command from God who is love. The pandemic has hurt a lot of us, but we must forgive those who are just a tool in the enemy’s hand. We might just be their only hope of freedom

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C
November 5, 2022

I forgive all of those liars!
They have to answer to GOD, not me! Never forget this pandemic was planned! Our schools in my city, (I’m a teacher) closed only from March through May. In August we went back permanently. As far as what the students lost, most curriculums since Common Core are beyond dumb! Go to your schools and look at your childrens’ curriculum. The level of teaching in most schools is very low because of low-level curriculums. Happily there are some exceptions, but not many. Our church never closed as my pastor said we obey and trust GOD who said “to fail not to assemble yourselves together!” Not government! However, we had better never forget 2020 and how after November, the government became American citizens’ enemy! They trampled our Constitution and the bill of rights; even to today! They want power and money and will trample on their own mother to get it! The ones that need or may ask for amnesty will stab you in the back in a heartbeat! Stay alert saints, stay vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, is walking about seeking to devour you and your family! FATHER GOD please let us forgive the usurpers, but not let our guard down as the Bible says that YOU won’t have us ignorant of satan’s devices! Please send YOUR angels to surround and protect all of YOUR heirs of salvation, us, in JESUS MIGHTY NAME! Amen!

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Rae Mosiman
November 5, 2022

We can forgive but there are still consequences for those who pushed for the mandates and all they entailed, even though the science didn’t back their decisions. All who were persecuted for telling the truth should be fully reinstated fully to their previous positions with full retractions made clearly in the media and in all businesses.

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Karen E. Kendrick
November 5, 2022

I am praying for Gods ANGELS to be placed at every ballot box..every machine..every counting station .. every person you hand that ballot over to so there is no repeat of the 2020 election.
I am also praying for people to pray before casting their ballots & let The Lord guide them🙏🙏

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