Applewood's Blog

What has happened to our country?  When did the Bill of Rights become a tool for abuse and dishonor?

It is generally accepted that people have the right to pursue happiness in this country so long as that pursuit does not interfere with any other's right to do the same thing.  This common civility and mutual respect for others is generally accepted behavior.  Why does this same type of thinking not apply to the right of self expression?

Politicians and the media outlets are saying just about anything to achieve their desired goals.  Their speech includes innuendo, slander, and disrespect.  When a country sinks so far that legitimate debate about opposing points of view is put aside in favor of public accusation, falsehood, and disrespect then the citizens are left to form opinions without the benefit of the truth. 

If we continue to abuse the right of free speech by speaking in this way, then the loss of this right cannot be far behind.  The politicians who resort to name calling, innuendo, and distortion to make their points should know that there is a cost.  If they cannot act with honor, respect, and civility then they have NO right to expect to be treated any differently.  Citizens are no different. 

Resolving differences one on one is a thing of the past.  Resolving issues face to face requires courage.  It is actually easier to hang all the dirty laundry out in the public for all to see.  We wonder why our youth hold adults in contempt.  We are amazed that there is no respect for the military, the police, the fire departments, the churches.  It is because there is no honor or respect in the words being spoken by our media or our leaders.

I have no issue with politicians slugging it out in committee or on the floor of the houses  of congress, but why does it have to be done in the media?  Let the results speak for themselves.  I do not want, nor do I think most of the people (and the rest of the world)want to see our politicians acting like school yard bullies, tattle tails, and hoodums so that they can get their way.  This behavior undermines the respect that we once enjoyed in the world.  It isn't doing a whole lot for the next generation of Americans either.