“Zealots are people who, when they forget their original purpose, redouble their efforts.”
Senator Al Simpson
There’s a lot of noise in our country lately, and it’s not from fireworks. There have been demonstrations, riots, and marches all over the world, for all of recorded time. And there have always been zealots. Lately, the media insists on presenting graphic images of horror and destruction on a twenty-four-hour basis. The only way to maintain a semblance of sanity is to turn off the tube, and maybe all social media.
The dictionary definition of a zealot uses words like fanatic, unreasonable, extreme, excessive, and going to any length to maintain or carry out his or her beliefs; a description that applies to ordinary people who have taken to the streets to burn, loot, and bully anyone who dares to disagree with them. Not to mention various politicians, corporations, and super stars.
Is this really the country we want to live in? Are solutions any closer because of the violence and terroristic rhetoric? Mind you, I still believe America is our best hope, and freedom is worth striving for. We are far from perfect, and terrible mistakes have been made by leaders who were misguided zealots. But how do you, I, and the fellow next door, help stop this madness that seems to be increasing by the hour?
It all reminds me of the recent disaster in Yellowstone. If that seems like a stretch, just stay with me here. Excessive snow pack in the mountains is generally a good thing. Spring thaws mean life giving water in streams, and for irrigation in meadows. But, this year torrential rains helped melt the snow too quickly, and the deal picked up speed as it went downhill, destroying everything in its path. Unless you’re a climate change zealot, you’ll probably agree that Nature is a capricious neighbor, and there was nothing that residents could have done to prevent the tragic results. But here’s where the comparison lies. Every drop that joined in the torrent added power and fury, and is partly responsible for the outcome.
I believe every negative word, sarcastic comment, and snarky post that’s put out there by you, me, and the fellow next door, runs downhill like the Yellowstone waters, and adds to the destruction of our society. If it’s unhelpful, and you wouldn’t want it said to, or about you, then shut up. There are ways to promote peace that don’t involve weapons or words of war.
My fifth-grade teacher believed in free speech, and personal rights, but cautioned us that our rights ended at the other person’s nose and ears. That philosophy helped avoid a lot of playground fights.
My dad preached that an opinion shouldn’t be offered unless asked for. How we act speaks louder than what we shout.
The Good Book tells us that a soft answer can help turn away wrath.
An old Indian legend of two wolves inside all of us, says that the one we feed the most will be the survivor.
You’re free to agree or disagree with the above. Free to join the crowd that shouts or goes about quietly looking for ways to do good. That’s what America is about, and many lives were lost to preserve these privileges.
Meet me here next week and meanwhile, do your best. Somebody might like it.