"Our nation cannot continue on its current path"
A couple of weeks ago we received this letter from senator Orrin Hatch. I've removed the addressee information.
Senator Hatch is correct. We need more civility.
The reason I've decided to include this letter is a phrase from a statement about mid-page on the first page, which states, "one thing is certain: Our nation cannot continue on its current path."
He then states that we either "remain passive observers to the problem, or endeavor to act, to make the necessary changes--in ourselves, in our families, and in our communities--that will lead to a more civil, prosperous society."
He is right in that we need to act if things are to change for the better.
However, he leaves out what happens if we remain passive observers to the problem, or, more correctly, what happens if the change back to civility doesn't happen.
"Our nation cannot continue on its current path" is more ominous than the diplomatic tone of the letter tries to maintain. It might be argued that the statement could be prophetic, not that Mr. Hatch is a prophet.
If things do not change for the better, our nation will not continue. It cannot continue on its current path.
I do see glimpses of hope in the aftermath of the various disasters, devastations, and tragedies. The worst in humanity often brings out the very best. We see caring, kindness, generosity, overall goodness, compassion, and other noble attributes being expressed in the wake of troubles. It is partially because of this outpouring of these displays of goodness that I don't think the nation is quite fully ripe in iniquity.
However, add more anti-morality, anti-God, and anti-Constitutional rights and as more tragedies and disasters happen we will likely see an increased numbing effect on more people. More will look to the government for help and fewer will be willing to get involved. These disasters and tragedies will serve to further divide the people and fan the flames of hate and anger. Horrific events, such as mass shootings, will deepen and widen the chasms of divisions.
If partisan politics within Congress could be reduced it would help. But, how often do we see and hear politicians fanning the flames of division by refusing to compromise or even discuss possibilities with those of the other party? How often are politicians looking out only for their best interests, while the best interests of the American people are barely (if at all) considered? How often are members of one political party waiting and wanting someone in the other party to fail, just so they can point the fingers of blame? And, how often do politicians simply throw the blame at someone else, particularly if that person belongs to the opposing party?
Congress is not the source of the divisions, but they are evidence that the division exist and they are proof as to how difficult it will be for the general public to return to civility. Americans are have representational voices in Congress through the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and those elected representatives are representative of an America that is severely divided.
Personally, I do not think the return to civility can happen when an ever increasing majority of people have turned, and increasingly turn away, from God and the teachings of the Savior.
Senator Hatch's advice is valid: to speak responsibly, practice media mindfulness, and venture beyond the comfortable confines of our social circles. But, those alone will not return the nation to civility without a return to the traditional values, a return to God, that made America the greatest civilized nation in the world.
Senator Hatch is correct. We need more civility.
The reason I've decided to include this letter is a phrase from a statement about mid-page on the first page, which states, "one thing is certain: Our nation cannot continue on its current path."
He then states that we either "remain passive observers to the problem, or endeavor to act, to make the necessary changes--in ourselves, in our families, and in our communities--that will lead to a more civil, prosperous society."
He is right in that we need to act if things are to change for the better.
However, he leaves out what happens if we remain passive observers to the problem, or, more correctly, what happens if the change back to civility doesn't happen.
"Our nation cannot continue on its current path" is more ominous than the diplomatic tone of the letter tries to maintain. It might be argued that the statement could be prophetic, not that Mr. Hatch is a prophet.
If things do not change for the better, our nation will not continue. It cannot continue on its current path.
I do see glimpses of hope in the aftermath of the various disasters, devastations, and tragedies. The worst in humanity often brings out the very best. We see caring, kindness, generosity, overall goodness, compassion, and other noble attributes being expressed in the wake of troubles. It is partially because of this outpouring of these displays of goodness that I don't think the nation is quite fully ripe in iniquity.
However, add more anti-morality, anti-God, and anti-Constitutional rights and as more tragedies and disasters happen we will likely see an increased numbing effect on more people. More will look to the government for help and fewer will be willing to get involved. These disasters and tragedies will serve to further divide the people and fan the flames of hate and anger. Horrific events, such as mass shootings, will deepen and widen the chasms of divisions.
If partisan politics within Congress could be reduced it would help. But, how often do we see and hear politicians fanning the flames of division by refusing to compromise or even discuss possibilities with those of the other party? How often are politicians looking out only for their best interests, while the best interests of the American people are barely (if at all) considered? How often are members of one political party waiting and wanting someone in the other party to fail, just so they can point the fingers of blame? And, how often do politicians simply throw the blame at someone else, particularly if that person belongs to the opposing party?
Congress is not the source of the divisions, but they are evidence that the division exist and they are proof as to how difficult it will be for the general public to return to civility. Americans are have representational voices in Congress through the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and those elected representatives are representative of an America that is severely divided.
Personally, I do not think the return to civility can happen when an ever increasing majority of people have turned, and increasingly turn away, from God and the teachings of the Savior.
Senator Hatch's advice is valid: to speak responsibly, practice media mindfulness, and venture beyond the comfortable confines of our social circles. But, those alone will not return the nation to civility without a return to the traditional values, a return to God, that made America the greatest civilized nation in the world.
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