Yes, public civil and political discourse has become a thing of the past. But before we point fingers, did we as individuals have any role in the unspeakable tragedy in Arizona? I believe we did when we accepted half-truths, simple answers and sensationalism to solve complicated issues.
Do we solve the problems of mentally ill people by accepting less funding for programs? Do we accept legislation that allows concealed weapons to enter public spaces? Do we urge students and teachers to carry their own weapons to ward off acts of violence? Do we provide decent wages and training to the police, other civil servants and workers? Do we accept the spoiling of our environment by powerful interests? And do we accept less than equitable solutions for issues in our educational, health and justice systems?
Until we as individuals, support representatives who advocate funding, legislation and regulation that speak to quality of life issues, we will enable the destruction of all we hold dear.
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I agree with all of your points and would like to paraphrase a Letter to the Editor in the NY Times. How dare Congress ask taxpayers to pay for their personal security when their love affair with the NRA has made it potentially murderous for us to go to our local supermarkets. No security for them until there's security for us!
ReplyDeleteIf we are enablers in the Arizona tragedy when we "accept half-truths, simple answers and sensationalism to solve complicated issues" I believe it's because it's hard to find responsible media coverage.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I noticed that that in spite of reading the daily large metropolitan newspaper,I was uninformed of issues and candidates. It showed when it came time to vote. I cancelled that subscription and now subscribe to the local suburban paper -- and I'm learning much more. The suburban sticks to nuts and bolts reporting of facts and back up their opinions with information. As for TV, the major channels spend their time on weather and sports. The cable channels have talking heads debating with each other. I'd be happy to have all the objective facts, on an ongoing basis -- so I could be informed. And imagine that many people may not even realize that there is much substance missing from the news they are getting!!