While the facts now indicate that the Tucson tragedy was not the direct result of overly heated political rhetoric, let's continue to seize the moment and tone it down. Let's discuss matters civilly among ourselves, including those with whom we disagree. Let us show respect for differing opinions and let us not demonize those with whom we disagree. Congressional members set a good example by sitting together with opposites resulting in a more orderly and civil presentation of our nation's condition. They disagree on issues, not on the worth and humanity of their opposites. Let their example permeate the political discourse and let us discuss and disagree civilly and respectfully. Those whose opinions differ from ours may be our adversaries, but they are not our enemies. They are our family, friends, and neighbors.
Also, we should take this opportunity to be more mindful of the needs of those around us. We need to occasionally leave our comfort zones to come to the aide of those who are asking for help and we should not ignore their subtle pleas. We all live in the same society and in order for that society to succeed, we need to be aware that we are not alone and that at times we may need to become proactive in aiding a person in need.
As Rodney King asked so succinctly and eloquently some years back "can't we all just get along?" I hope so, and I believe we will, if we all do our part.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Despicable Acts of Cowardice
"Sarah Palin sent condolences to Giffords’ family, but said nothing about her unconscionable SarahPAC map putting 20 House members, including Giffords, in actual crosshairs for supporting healthcare reform, or her infamous Tweet telling conservatives “don’t retreat, reload.” Giffords’ 2010 Tea Party challenger, Jesse Kelly, hasn’t apologized for inviting supporters to “shoot a fully automatic M16″ to “get on target for victory” and “remove Gabrielle Giffords from office.” " Joan Walsh Salon
Responsible people of influence do not use the rhetoric of violence to make their points and anyone in politics or the media who uses this vernacular should be condemned and shunned. The attack on a member of Congress is an attack on the American rule of law and way of life. Those who exhort others to commit such attacks do not have any place in American society. A 9 year old child lies dead this morning because of this attack, an innocent child whose life was only beginning. We cannot tolerate this. We cannot allow this. This must stop and it must begin with an end to the rhetoric of violence and hatred spewed forth by the ignorant. Those who encourage these despicable acts of cowardice, intentionally or otherwise, do not have any place in American society. I say intentionally or otherwise, but one can hardly read the utterances above and not conclude that the results in Arizona were the intentions of the speakers. Those who speak the words that encourage the actors are no less guilty for the resulting criminal acts.
Responsible people of influence do not use the rhetoric of violence to make their points and anyone in politics or the media who uses this vernacular should be condemned and shunned. The attack on a member of Congress is an attack on the American rule of law and way of life. Those who exhort others to commit such attacks do not have any place in American society. A 9 year old child lies dead this morning because of this attack, an innocent child whose life was only beginning. We cannot tolerate this. We cannot allow this. This must stop and it must begin with an end to the rhetoric of violence and hatred spewed forth by the ignorant. Those who encourage these despicable acts of cowardice, intentionally or otherwise, do not have any place in American society. I say intentionally or otherwise, but one can hardly read the utterances above and not conclude that the results in Arizona were the intentions of the speakers. Those who speak the words that encourage the actors are no less guilty for the resulting criminal acts.
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