...And As the Week Goes By.

Sometimes all we can say is that there is good (and therefore hope) out there yet.  Maybe I shouldn't go so far as to say that... People always seem to find plenty to say.  Hence the discussion all over the media for the past few weeks.  I'm as guilty of this as many others.  The current discussion has admittedly been held on varying levels of maturity and open-mindedness.  Where does freedom of speech have reasonable limitations, if any?  How precicely do actions separate themselves from language and thought? 

This week the sadness continues in our country beyond, unfortunately, the traumatic situation in Tuscon to other issues including a physician who has been suspected of conducting an incredible number of late-term abortions in the most brutal manner and a laundry list of other charges.  We will wait to see what the investigative facts show, if shared with the rest of us.  We have also, on the anniversary of JFK's innaugural speach, been able to witness at a distance a historical move against organized crime in the country.  China and the United States also had a meeting that I believe may have an impact on our lives beyond what happens in immediacy.  Vindication very ironically lives alongside deep sadness and loss in all these examples. 

I grow more aware each day that there is a very fine line between the "good guys" and the "bad guys" and that most often, we are each capable of being either.  It is our actions, which spring out of origin frequently from our words, that matter most.  We need (and I use the word "need" with purpose) to see our fellow Americans on the other side of our own personal opinions as worthy opponents in dialogue and problem solving.  With this naturally comes respect, willingness to discuss alternative and viable options, and compromises.  Compromise is not weak, but requires a multitude of minds and hearts, and courage to put one's country and countrymen/women above their own best interests at times.  Have we learned to apply nothing from the speech that JFK so notably made 50 years ago?  We enjoy so much listening and reflecting on his noble words, but if we do not put into action what he and others since him have advised us to do, we are simply acting in ignorant laziness with blantant disregard to our neighbors, and in effect to ourselves! 

When the conversation in the media involves issues such as the rhetoric between political parties being as "harsh" as some feel it is on both sides, or that symbols have been used to show certain political districts in their "cross hairs," we have already lost a very essential level of self-respect.  It's not an issue in my mind of freedom of speech at this point.  I would personally like to (and make an attempt to) hold myself to the standard of using words, along with actions and gestures and interactions of any kind, to promote kindness, class, and respect for myself and others.  Should we all at least attempt to hold ourselves to that standard, I believe that the vast majority of these issues of rhetoric and fear would become null and void.  This is not to say that I or anyone else does not, nor can not be expected to fall short!  When we do, sincerely showing regret for our words/actions/rhetoric would be of the utmost importance in building (and hopefully eventually maintaining) respect above and beyond differences in opinion that may exist.  In this type of environment, I would like to believe that differences in opinion may not only exist, but be expressed with kindness and respect and completely void of fear and resentment.