With the midterm elections just over and the 2024 campaign gearing up, (which looks like it will be a blood bath), I felt compelled to write this. It's necessary, sometimes, to speak out even if you are a shy creature.
I've been deeply distressed listening to many of the advertisements and speeches given lately. It seems to me that public speakers with large followings should be extra aware of the impact of their words. There are many people walking around these days, particularly young men it seems, who are mentally disturbed and easily influenced by leaders they admire. A word, a phrase, or a constant barrage of information designed to inflame and incite may be what sets them off, and mass shootings or cars running into crowds are the result. Helping those troubled by dark thoughts should be everyone's responsibility, and one way we can do this is through our speech.
We all speak in anger at times and say things we shouldn't in the heat of the moment, but to purposely construct speeches using sarcasm, foul language, and words meant to belittle or even destroy others is a different matter. Insults don't seem to be a very intelligent way to win followers or persuade others to your way of thinking. Fiery and passionate speeches can be delivered without insults. Think of Martin Luther King's speech; think of how many people he inspired and continues to inspire today.
We teach our children to follow the golden rule in Sunday school, so why is it we accept, condone or even admire disrespectful behavior in adults, especially those who lead? What sort of example are we setting for young people?
Some might argue that it's the principles behind the words that matter, and of course darkness and greed and corruption can hide behind flowery phrases, so it's up to the individual to make choices about what and who they believe in. But I think many forget how powerful words are. They can be a weapon just as deadly as a gun or knife. No, people don't drop dead from them immediately, but words accumulate over time and last far longer than the moment they are uttered.
Words spoken today and everyday shape and create our future. If you believe this, then maybe we can all take it to heart and work towards a higher standard when we speak and post and tweet and make choices in who should lead us.
