Sweeping generalizations by an individual, in a blog diary, in the media, or by a government are ALWAYS wrong. There are so many times that a few people have spouted hateful comments and generalizations about the United States, about Republicans, about Democrats, about Arabs and Muslims, about Christians, about anything ‘they’ don’t like. What happens is always predictable – attack and counter-attack.
During the past 2 months I have watched this blog from the sidelines and participated in the ‘big’ blog. The attacks are by a few…and participated in by the many. So – it looks like those that spew the rhetoric of hate are sowing the seeds of discontent and distrust that keeps them in power. Or maybe it just salves their egos to be one that has the power to disrupt.
All major theologies teach lessons of tolerance and patience and peace. Generically here I will include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hindu, Shinto…and so many others. I believe, and this is a big jump for some, that almost all of us want peace and are basically compassionate caring people.
So what happens?
- Many of us have been fighting for decades for peace. We have worked for the good of humankind – around the world – for all these years.
- Many of us have been working for political change for years and years. Some are new to the political process but they are jumping into the fray with their heart and soul.
- Many of us are religious and have worked with our respective churches for peace and compassion around the world.
- Many of us are painfully aware that governments – of many countries – do not represent the will of their people.
- Many of us are tired of the few that make claims and assertions that a brash and hateful generalizations about any people or country.
- Many of us are no longer willing to turn the other cheek and being caring and compassionate to the hateful. We will fight for the dignity of accuracy and integrity in words and speech.
Now what?
We have choices if we are we willing to exercise those choices.
Do we tolerate hate and hateful speech or do we call for peaceful solutions?
Do we tolerate rhetoric or ask for specific points of fact?
Do we walk the walk and promote peace and change or do we accept the status quo?
This is not a political diary it is philosophical discussion of where we choose to be.
This is not an open forum for more rhetoric…but a forum for what we see and expect of ourselves and the world around us.
What choices do we choose to make?