CAUSE HUNT
If we are are really serious about hunting for the basic causes of crime and violence in our society, I think we had better start looking a bit closer to home.
It is only natural that we would seek to put the blame on someone else. There is always a ready supply of reasons why it is someone else who is suspect because many of us make a hobby of cataloging the faults which others seem to parade about while we minimize our own shortcomings.
And, I don't expect that to change one little bit, either.
Just attempting to “keep up with the news” in both fearsome and futile today. Since modern technology allows not only to hear news, read about it see in various forms and, and in some cases actually become immersed in the real happening - once removed, of course, by TV 's outreach but very much aware of the violence and inane actions of friends, allies, foes, enemies, neighbors or foreigners.
It may even be that our awareness of wrong throughout the world warps our sense of proportion somewhat and we tend to place emphasis on that which may harm, us in some way while overlooking the good being done, perhaps, at the same time. Providing food and water for a needy person in The Sudan, for instanced while chasing away oppressive Muslim rulers who have held them in slavery for years with genocidal intent is a combination of acts on our part.
It is difficult to impose rules on a person. So often we think we can bring about harmony by setting forth accumulations of items which seemed to have worked in other climes, only to find they do not transfer without modifications and changes. We seem to have such a view of Democracy at this moment, thinking that we can export it as an entity. It is not a pre-packaged product which can be shipped form point-to-point, assembled and used as it is. To achieve a firm respect the Law we need to go to the rudiments once more and attempt inculcate such ideas in the mind of our children, to modify existing rules and regulations to suit our own present needs and not expect one size to fit all. We need to reassure all segments of our people that we respect the Law. It extends - not just the suited individuals who represent it, but respect and admiration for the fundamental realities which form its base.. If the Law, and those who represent it, are constantly held up to ridicule - especially those based on political considerations – it becomes powerless. Law enforcement based on stricter religious tenets has proved to be un-workable at numerous times in man's history. This a common path for reformers and ,if it is not properly proportioned it can produce dictators and oppressors. Puritan excesses of Oliver Cromwell and those of strict Calvinists can serve as a base for study which will convince yourself that such is not a wise path to follow.
.
The home remains the prime area when lasting reformation can take definite form and endure. Parents must teach their children to respect the Law in all of its manifestations in order to build trustworthy character among future leaders and followers alike. We all need to stay active, alive and eager in good works for each other.
A.L.M. January 14, 2005 [c467wds]
CAUSE HUNT
If we are are really serious about hunting for the basic causes of crime and violence in our society, I think we had better start looking a bit closer to home.
It is only natural that we would seek to put the blame on someone else. There is always a ready supply of reasons why it is someone else who is suspect because many of us make a hobby of cataloging the faults which others seem to parade about while we minimize our own shortcomings.
And, I don't expect that to change one little bit, either.
Just attempting to “keep up with the news” in both fearsome and futile today. Since modern technology allows not only to hear news, read about it see in various forms and, and in some cases actually become immersed in the real happening - once removed, of course, by TV 's outreach but very much aware of the violence and inane actions of friends, allies, foes, enemies, neighbors or foreigners.
It may even be that our awareness of wrong throughout the world warps our sense of proportion somewhat and we tend to place emphasis on that which may harm, us in some way while overlooking the good being done, perhaps, at the same time. Providing food and water for a needy person in The Sudan, for instanced while chasing away oppressive Muslim rulers who have held them in slavery for years with genocidal intent is a combination of acts on our part.
It is difficult to impose rules on a person. So often we think we can bring about harmony by setting forth accumulations of items which seemed to have worked in other climes, only to find they do not transfer without modifications and changes. We seem to have such a view of Democracy at this moment, thinking that we can export it as an entity. It is not a pre-packaged product which can be shipped form point-to-point, assembled and used as it is. To achieve a firm respect the Law we need to go to the rudiments once more and attempt inculcate such ideas in the mind of our children, to modify existing rules and regulations to suit our own present needs and not expect one size to fit all. We need to reassure all segments of our people that we respect the Law. It extends - not just the suited individuals who represent it, but respect and admiration for the fundamental realities which form its base.. If the Law, and those who represent it, are constantly held up to ridicule - especially those based on political considerations – it becomes powerless. Law enforcement based on stricter religious tenets has proved to be un-workable at numerous times in man's history. This a common path for reformers and ,if it is not properly proportioned it can produce dictators and oppressors. Puritan excesses of Oliver Cromwell and those of strict Calvinists can serve as a base for study which will convince yourself that such is not a wise path to follow.
.
The home remains the prime area when lasting reformation can take definite form and endure. Parents must teach their children to respect the Law in all of its manifestations in order to build trustworthy character among future leaders and followers alike. We all need to stay active, alive and eager in good works for each other.
A.L.M. January 14, 2005 [c467wds]
