1. In schools we have pictures of presidents and other leaders. We respect the positions they hold, the public trust they secure, and the Constitution they uphold. As Martin Luther says in the Large Catechism, we should respect our God, our parents, our neighbors. As my corollary to the Golden Rule goes: What we do to others (loved ones, neighbors, community) we do to ourselves. If we respect them, we respect ourselves. Etc. . . .
2. We should always show “common respect,” as my paternal grandmother said, for positions of authority, not just for the fallible people who hold them or the party to which they ascribe. It is the position that should always be unconditionally affirmed and upheld. Why are there civic terms that have taken on strictly negative, perjorative connotations? Like politician, public, bureaucrat, and taxes, as well as public institutions such as government, education, and public health. I think it is what Sen. Edward Kennedy recently called the “Politics of Fear,” with Fear’s brothers: Anger, Suspicion, Cynicism and Hate.
3. I think we are at risk of becoming a virtually leaderless nation because we have confused leaders with politicians who have partisan affiliations and must purse our unreasonable expectations with impossible intentions while, at the same time, we have elevated contestants and personalities to role models and objects of adulation. We are becoming a nation of unruly, immature spectators, not responsible participants, who too often have little interest in collective allegiance, concern, commitment, or sacrifice in place of winning, wishful thinking, distorted values, and entitlements.
4. First, let’s cut out the perjorative labels and simplistic code-words as well as the dualistic thinking of putting leaders into two perpetually divisive camps or warring factions, liberal and conservative, while labeling their battleground the “public good,” confusing means with ends, and assuming that a change in “tone” somehow will dissolve disagreements which today have evolved into unnecessary, foolish conflicts. I think our public discussion, our civil and civic discourse, needs to begin with a broad perspective, a sense of reflection, a generosity of spirit, and a shared vision – attributes of our nation’s founders, nurturers and sustainers. Can you name nurturers and sustainers today and explain why and how? Start with your home and spread outward.
5. I think we need reasoned and reasonable thought, rather than wise advice. "Thought" we can consider, question and share. "Advice" we usually just accept or reject, often depending on our degree of maturity. I think true thought is like love and grace, especially in John's Gospel and Paul's Epistles. It shows patience, concern for the other, knows no boundaries, is without conditions, and expects nothing in return. "Reasonable" can be an important concept to achieve discernment and productive discourse today. The legal term "reasonable doubt" can give us pause, challenge our thinking, make us reconsider our perspective and judgment. The term "reasonable accommodation" can cause us to consider all possible, appropriate and productive means to assist those with disabilities and challenges to function effectively in the world, as they should.
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??: I'm still stuck on the Frontage Road of the Information Super Highway and I think I'm headed in the wrong direction -- can't seem to find the on-ramp. |
