Christina Taylor Green, age 9, was murdered while going to see her Congressional Representative, Gabrielle Giffords. She was just elected to her school’s student council and so excited about being part of a new world of voting and thinking and decision making. She saw it as pure and fun and the essence of being a helpful, good person in the world.
In his speech at the memorial the President said many things. But the passage that stuck with me, that made me tear up, was the quote I have on the napkin. I agree with it, don’t you?
Let’s do what we can to make our efforts in democracy something our children can be proud of.
I don’t care if the guy who shot everyone in Arizona was influenced by right wing rhetoric or not. I knew long before that incident that words are powerful and hateful, disrespectful and violent words used by manipulative people, right or left, for their own selfish agenda of money, fame or power, without regard for the consequences, are dangerous words spoken by dangerous people.
I will not agree with all the media voices. I will not agree with all politicians. But I will trust they are doing what they think is right IF I hear respect and love in their words and in their voice. BUT I will NOT trust nor follow the people who say words that inflame hate, disrespect and vengeance no matter how closely I may be aligned with their political or social position.
I heartily suggest you consider doing the same and boycotting those who have decided to use those rhetorical tools to get what the want. Don’t give it to them. If they want your attention and your respect, make them work for it by using their voices with respect and civility.
