One of the great privileges of being an American is the
freedom of speech. Unlike most countries of the world, we can still express our
views openly, within reason. Talk is everywhere, whether on radio, TV, cell
phones, Internet, etc. However, with such privilege comes grave responsibility,
whether in the public or private domain. Words are powerful, and can help or
hinder; they either build people up, or tear them down. The old adage, “Sticks
and stones can break my bones, but names (words) can never hurt me,” is really
not true. I have seen folks readily healed from knife and gunshot wounds, who
have yet to overcome the inner trauma caused by the cancer of caustic words.
The tongue
is a potent instrument. For instance, a positive word can greatly encourage a
child’s heart, while a negative tirade can crush that child’s spirit. Some
children have grown up with the constant “reminder” that they are “stupid, and
will never amount to anything.” How many families are in disarray and divorce-bound because of hateful
speech? Listen to how young people display verbal hostility and “bullying”
toward each other. Words have dire consequence.
There is certainly
room for free expression of varied opinions, whether on a national or local level.
Talk radio is a constant means for exchanging ideas, especially in the
political arena. With the Presidential election coming up, this warfare of
words will only escalate. Regardless of political persuasion, there’s no reason
why this world of ideas cannot be approached with civility and mutual respect.
With that in mind, I am thankful
for the outstanding service rendered by our Tribune Chronicle. The editorial
staff has demonstrated great concern for our community, along with an open
forum for the diversity of ideas. The two-hundredth year celebration was a
testimonial of our national history and the Tribune’s dynamic role in
journalism. The publishers need to be commended for their dedication to free
speech and their contribution to the legend of America .
It has been
both an honor and challenge to contribute as a “community columnist.” I’ve had
“fans” and critics, but it’s all been par for the course. Some articles have
been controversial, giving us opportunity to stretch our minds. More than once,
I’ve been “bent out of shape” by pieces printed in the Tribune; but some of you
have had a similar reaction after reading my “stuff.” Whatever the case, it’s
been a learning experience, and a meaningful adventure, not afforded to those
who live in Iran .
This matter of free speech also
warrants a personal evaluation. I am amazed at the incessant volume of “cell-phone”
use. Are we really communicating with one another, or is it just “chit-chat?”
Do we really have something to say, or do we just have to say something? Are we
effectively using this privilege, or abusing it? Then you have the TV
“celebrities” who can’t speak a sentence without profanity. With so many
“bleeps,” one begins to question, among other things, the size and depth of their
vocabulary.
Our character is revealed by our
words; to hear a person speak his mind for five minutes, exposes who he really is.
In counseling, words are vital in promoting understanding, and fostering healing
to those involved. Therefore, the need for heart-to-heart communication of
truth in our relationships is paramount. I believe that fewer couples would
divorce if they faced their problems with honesty and humility.
As
citizens, it’s time to use our freedom of speech while we still have it.
Insidious forces are at work to curtail and squelch this privilege. On every
level, our words have impact, which behooves us to use them carefully. Character
and verbal integrity are woefully scarce these days. The need to “say what we
mean, and mean what we say,” is overdue. How different our world would be if
words were properly used, rather than abused.
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