A lot has been written about body language, but in reality the words coming out of our mouth somehow marks us more than anything else. Actions they say speak louder than words and so we are often judged not only by what we say, but how we act. Often however, what we say or what we hear others say causes us to act in a particular way and more importantly, impresses certain ideas and ideals in our brains which in turn causes us to behave one way or the other. There is great power in words.
Many are blaming a lack of civility on the shootings in Tuscon just a week ago. Others are blaming a mentally unbalanced individual. Both are probably right. For what he heard most likely influenced how he felt about Gabby. People don’t act in a vacuum, something motivates them. And so, we are now calling for more civility, at least in our language, if not in our hearts and minds.
I remember when I experienced my first presidential election – it was Truman vs. Dewey in 1948 and although I was only nine, I recall my parents talking about it. We even visited the Presidential train when it pulled into town.. There was the usual political rhetoric and name calling in this campaign as in any campaign, but when it was all over and Truman was elected President, everyone got behind him and worked for the benefit of our great country. We don’t seem to do that anymore and the political atmosphere and attitude seems to be “Let’s get them out!” It should be “Let’s work together.”
And so, I am saddened by the state of our political landscape and the vitriol and venom that is spewed out on our great landscape. As Americans we should be better than that. We should be more civilized than that. The words coming out of our mouths should not incite folks to anything but honest assessment and debate. Our words should never incite to riot, or ruin, or a rampage killing spree in Arizona or any other place.
I hope the dead and the wounded in Arizona will not have died or been shot in vain. I hope we all learn a lesson that what we say means something and that our words need to be considered and considerate words. Not war like words or aggressive words or words to stir us to vengeful or violent acts. We need to be very careful what we say for whatever comes out of our mouths can never be taken back. Our words, as well as our actions, are a measure of our civility. Let them all be godly.