Reflections on Tuscon

With the events of the past weekend in Tuscon AZ and several people killed and wounded, I wonder if we will learn anything from this incident or will things continue to go on like they have before the events that occurred.

I think back to 9-11 and how the country came together for a while but eventually went back to old habits of put downs, hate and division. I wonder what will it take for things to change. I heard a former congressman interviewed on morning television this morning making the comment instead of restricting firearms in a public setting he would welcome more firearms because he would feel safer. I imagine he thinks only his supporters would be the ones with the guns. I would find it difficult to feel safe if I was caught in a shoot out between people on opposite sides of the issue because when one would start shooting then it would give others permission to draw their weapons and return fire.

While I do not believe a ban of weapons is the answer, I do believe there is a proper place for them and a place not for them. We need to use common sense which seems to be in shot supply these days.

But more frightening than the weapons issue is the use of words in our society. People use words as weapons on a regular basis. Since the event this past weekend people on both sides of this issue have used words to blast the other side. In doing so the allegations have been made they (people on the opposite side of me) are to blame for the events that occurred last weekend.

Let's look at it from a different perspective, what if we saw it from the perspective that we are all to blame for this. Now I know several people may see this and say how silly is that since I was no where near the event. Several things help me to see this as a reality.

When I did not oppose cutting care for people with mental disabilities back in the 1980's and the doors were opened and put people that were institutionalized back on the streets of our communities, then I have to share in the blame.

When I use words which tear down people who look at an issue and come down on the opposite side where I do inciting division rather than dialogue then I am to blame. Or when I use language as weapon to injure or to divide rather than heal then I am to blame.

When I do not take time to listen then I am to blame.

The only way I can move beyond this problem is by taking responsibility for my part in our society by listening and speaking only when I have chosen my words carefully.