Pots and Black Kettles

I have been pretty quiet for a while on the blog front. Sure, life is busy, too busy, but more than that I have been thinking about how to "find my voice." In other words, how to write a commentary on life that is not closed but is part of a dialogue with cojourners who happen to stop by. To be sure, I have opinions and as those around me know those opinions can be strong. Still, I don't want to be strident when so many things in life are merely a matter of preference. Additionally I truly believe that "different is not wrong."

So rather than get stuck in paralysis of thought, I have decided to just put it out there and hope that you will be gracious with me, even as I hope to be gracious with you. If we agree to disagree, then so be it and "vive la différence."

I was saddened, though not surprised, when Sen Giffords and others were shot last week. I was not surprised because it seems our "public servants" are not interested in serving the public as much as they are interested in serving their carreers and legacies. I was glad to know that the shooter was a madman and not a conservative or tea party member. If anything it seems he was more of a leftist.

As it turns out he is simply crazy.

How ironic that voices on the left immediately began blaming, condemning, and even threatening people on the right. Actually, more than ironic it was pathetic and hypoctirical.

I am reminded of how fiercely a pacifist will fight for his/her life and kill rather than be killed.  Anecdotal, I suppose, but there is truth in there even as the saying goes, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” I’ve been in a foxhole. There is something profound about digging what may become your grave.

  

I encourage us all to acknowledge our own hypocrisy. We are all hypocrites. It really is that simple. With that in mind let’s not fight vitriol with vitriol, or think the worst about someone who is different.

To be perfectly honest, the voices I hear on the left,  Olbermann, Maher, Matthews, Maddow, Stewart are truly mean spirited, and arrogant and they seem to have no problem calling for the death of conservatives. Where is the acknowledgement that their speech is hateful, wrong, or hypocritical? Where are the apologies for totally gaffing by blaming the right for the shooting? This is truly a case of "the pot calling the kettle black."

So in the wake of the Arizona shootings where is the space for reflection? Why are voices on the left given a pass for wishing Palin dead, or laughing about the failed attempt on Cheney’s life back in the day? Our time would be better spent in self-reflection and an honest assessment of our part in contributing to the problem rather than blaming others.

What does this have to with community and leadership? I think that honesty, humility, and patience rather than knee-jerk accusations will make us stronger. Think about it.

Remember the Constitution?

Well, the latest version of the U.S. Congress is now seated and in session. I am not sure if that is good or bad. I am inclined to agree with the statement, "That government is best which governs least." (attr. to Thomas Paine) Honestly, I was kind of hoping for a shut down of government. We can talk about the implications and consequences of that in another post.

I will say this, I think that starting each session with a reading of the Constitution is a good idea. It may be the best idea from Congress in decades! Likewise, having to defend bills based on constitutionality will hopefully increase the amount of good legislation and put the breaks on the government takeover of the private sector and personal freedoms. Next, how about having the Constitution read aloud in public schools as well? I say only public because they are under the purview of the government as opposed to private schools, but including all schools would be nice.

My part will be to encourage us all to give the Constitution a read. Honestly, I think it may be a first read for me, as my memory of my social studies classes is somewhat dim.  So whether it is your first time or a familiar passage, give the Constitution a read. Here's the link and let us know what you think or learned!

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html

Yup, first read for me, I admit it. Now, I do have the preamble memorized, thanks to Schoolhouse Rock, but I don't recall reading the body of the document. Be advised, it is a bit dry and written in old English, but don't let that scare you!