We are in a heightened awareness of everything--because we are being trained, I believe, by media to be hyper-critical of everything.
Case in point: The criticism of Obama because he has not released the photo of Bin Laden after he was shot.
(1) If he had released the photo, he would be criticized for that just as much as he is being criticized now.
(2) To "think critically," that is, to ask a lot of questions, is healthy. I think we can all agree on that, or at least most of us.
(3) What is it, then, that makes my stomach turn, when I hear news people and celebrities ask Obama pointed questions, such as, "Why didn't you release the photo?" ? Is it that the questions are asked in such a way as to try to shame the President because he did something someone didn't agree with? Are there motives behind the questions that have nothing to do with finding the best course of action, but have more to do with just accusing the President? Perhaps it is the underlying accusation that there has to be a purely political reason for Obama's decision on the matter, implying that we can't trust him as a President to do anything on the Nation's behalf out of a desire to do the right, sound, and safe thing?
We seem to elect presidents based on the promise and hope of "great things" being done. But then, once they get in office, we tear them down completely, because we are "absolutely sure" that they have no interest in acting on the Nation's behalf at all. What is this demagoguery turned demonization? I think that the speech that comes from either motive is irresponsible. First, either extreme is flawed simply because labeling anyone by such good or bad extremes undermines the complexity of any human being living. None of us is that simple to be "all good" or "all bad." Secondly, both extremes are a rather harsh "judgement" of a person. We are such a fickle people--on one hand "not wanting to judge," but, on the other hand, being ready to raise someone to be a Messiah or cut their throat within a moment's notice if the mood hits us.
Responsible Speech is not led purely by emotion. It is measured. It is thoughtful. One senses, when Responsible Speech is engaged in, that the person speaking isn't just blaring out the words, willy nilly. One senses that there has been thought behind the words, that they have sane, purposeful intent, other than just to bash someone or raise them to the heights of glory in a rash sweep of bravado.
I am proud of this president for his Responsible Speech in regard to the Bin Laden photo!
