In the wake of the shootings in Tucson, much of the conversation has been about civility. I was just watching CNN as Wolf Blitzer interviewed Sheriff Dupnik of Pima County, Arizona. The sheriff was asserting that the caustic atmosphere created by people making caustic political comments contributed to making Jared Loughner go out at shoot…
Since the Foley scandal broke I’ve read and heard a number of commentators talk about the danger of evangelical Christians staying home on election day. The suggestion is that especially the conservative “family values” voters will be so put off by the Foley scandal and the apparent lack of action by the leadership to deal…
A little bigger than the one we were playing with! Image via Wikipedia “I know what’s wrong with it,” said six year old Steven. From the eminence of 12 years old, I was showing Steven my electric trains, most of which I had salvaged from other sets and lovingly repaired. Suddenly one of the engines…
I was watching Rachel Maddow last night and she commented on the “rejection of religious right” candidates during the last election and gave examples: Alan Keyes and Mike Huckabee. Now there are a couple of problems with this, some of which could be identified by right wing opponents of Mike Huckabee who don’t think he’s…
In his regular column in Newsweek, Rabbi Marc Gellman comments on the need to speak out about the situation in Darfur. I want to call attention to his column, Responding to Evil, and suggest you read it, if nothing else so that you will see this: The most important thing I have taken from WieselÂ’s…
I’m not even sure if civility is the right word here, but it will work. I’m talking about remaining courteous even while expressing vigorous opinions. Civility isn’t cowardice. Rather, it is choosing the most effective way to express one’s opinion. It may lead to civil disobedience, a situation in which one offers oneself in a…
Thanks for this clip. When people are in power and doing a good job (in their profession) – and are likeable – it probably happens more often than we know – turning a deaf ear, making a very weak response and soothing one’s conscience, apples and oranges (I’m a great coach – this is not my responsibility) – on and on. Of course, it was Paterno’s responsibility – and others’ who knew what was happening. When did coming to the aid of a victim and calling the police and “risking” the reputation of a sports team become the norm? Always, always the disadvantaged, vulnerable, minorities – and, yes, people in high places – can be victimized. Witnesses and people who know and keep silent are as guilty as the perpetrator.
There is nobody whose reputation and position entitles them to avoid accountability. I’m just glad someone eventually brought it all to light!