This blog post has nothing to do with a book. I am making it in response to an article I read. Every one is blaming the other "side" when it comes to the event in Arizona. We all have opinions that we indiscriminately throw out on websites. These websites allow us to remain anonymous and attack each other with a vengeance. We make statements that we cannot substantiate, we show our ignorance by spewing ugly generalizations with out a true understanding of what the other "side" is saying. We let comments deteriorate into name calling and blaming. My answer is the same as all our mothers have tried to teach us while growing up. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Let your opinion be known, state it and state it with a pride in who you are. Don't attack others, don't belittle someone because their opinion is different. If you spend five minutes listening to someone else you might learn we are not as different as you might think. Both "sides" want a safer USA, one that can withstand the attack of an enemy. But we are becoming our own enemy with our attitudes and refusal to see the USA for what it really is and stands for. Most of the hate filled arguing is being done by people who do not vote. No voting means no right to complain and belittle others. When you refuse to do your part don't criticize those who are doing their best.
What happened in Arizona is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been touched by this. Let's stop blaming the right wing, left wing, and the sheriff. Pull together and do what America was created to do. Stand tall, support those injured in the tragedy and find a way to prevent it from happening again. And no, taking away every one's gun is not that answer. The mentally disturbed man who committed this crime wouldn't have cared if his gun was legal or not. Do some research on the state of mental health care in America. Talk with your friends about workable solutions that don't include taking our rights and freedom away. Pray for others and try to find a way to help. The name calling, belittling, and spewing of ignorance hasn't helped one person yet, it is not going to magically start making a difference. Kindness, love, and if necessary, agreeing to disagree on political views will make a difference. Vote, call, and write your congressman. Educate your children in ways to get along even when view points differ and lead them by example.
And remember, while we tear each other apart there is a widow grieving her husband who died protecting her, a mother grieving her nine year old daughter, a man grieving his wife of 55 years. Most of us will never know this kind of pain and loss. Most of us will never have to make a split second decision to die so that our spouse might survive. These are just a very few of the stories of those hurt on that horrible day. Stop bickering, stop speaking with such arrogance about to which party you belong. No one cares what political party that husband, wife, or daughter belonged to. Say a prayer, register to vote, or just go hug your spouse or children. Our hatred and anger only leads to more pain and I think we have seen enough of what that can do. Again, my prayers go out to all those touched by this tragedy.
