I grew up in Arizona, finished high school there, got my bachelor and master’s degree there. I lived in Tucson for several months, and had often said that if I ever decided to go back to Arizona (not likely) that Tucson would be the only place I’d consider living. This weekend’s tragedy struck too close to home, for me and for many people I know. It resonates across the country, and indeed, the world. The shooter is remaining silent as to his motives, but speculation runs high. The most common theme so far is that this is the result of political rhetoric, most of it stemming from the Republican Tea Party and it’s unofficial spokes person, Sarah Palin.
If this is true, it will take a much better writer than myself to express the amount of evil this represents, and the absolute repugnance that rattles in every fiber of my soul. I’m not pointing a finger at any one person, but at the entire system and how it has devolved from what it is supposed to be. I’ve seen that many congressmen have been calling out for a cessation of the use of violent words and images in political discussions.
You see, we no longer live in a world where we can take very much for granted. Particularly, we cannot take for granted our words. Words are powerful. Whether they are written or spoken, words carry the potential to create ideas and incite action. Some people are very good at putting words together in a way that is almost spellbinding. Others couldn’t make a coherent sentence with a dictionary and a flashlight. We use our words to convince others that what we believe is correct.
The problem is that so many people don’t understand that. They will say the first thing that comes to their mind without thinking about it. They will start arguments simply because someone disagrees with them, rather than considering what the other person is saying. The will try to encourage others to believe the same things they believe, rather than allow the others to believe what they choose.
It’s time for everyone, not just those in religion and politics (or bloggers), to understand the impact of words. Communication is the most important talent we have been given. To use it unwisely or without thought is a crime. It all boils down to respecting other people’s ideas and opinions.
Just sayin’ . . .
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