we can learn!
After 9/11/2001, this country became AMAZINGLY unified! We were all ready to beat down the terrorists and the common enemy of hate, together.
Then, after a few complacent, and relatively terrorist-attack free, years, we fell back into our same old UGLY habits. I have heard before (though I can't quote when or where, or even the exact words!) the thought that if a country (group, entity, whatever) doesn't unite to fight the enemies outside their group, entity, country, etc, they will soon find enemies within - and that, it seems, is what has happened.
The huge debaucle that was the election year became a year-long fight between the parties. The dividing line between Republican, Democrat and undeclared became a brick wall. No communication or working together can happen when there is a brick wall dividing the participants, people!
Anyway, just when the changing of the guard was happening in Washington DC, another senseless act of violence had to make us all stop . . . . literally stop . . . badgering, arguing and pointing fingers (even if JUST for a few small moments!) and take note that we are ALL human.
Not one of us, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or political party is infallible and immortal. I think the Tucson tragedy (which is frighteningly close to my home!) was a little memo from the evil powers that be: Guess what: your time on earth can be shorter than you've planned! There are PLENTY of mentally unstable people in the world who care to show their own distaste for the human race, such as it is, and end it for others!
We all, whether near to or far from the actual location of this terrible incident, have to stop and think! Your neighbor is your neighbor, or actually, your brother or sister, as children of God. Don't let petty differences keep you from appreciating the similarities that we all share. Henry B. Eyring said, "the children of God have more in common then they have differences . . ." We need to capitalize on that! We need to focus on the strengths that bind us, instead of the weaknesses that may divide.
God does and will continue to bless America - we all need to live worthy of that blessing, and act accordingly. Myself included.
