President Obama spoke last night at the memorial service for those killed and injured by an enraged killer. President Obama's words focused upon the need to restore morality in our nations political arena for the benefit of all Americans. Read the link noted by clicking on the title of this blog to read his speech. His words echoed the belief that understanding, tempered dialogue is essential for civilized governments to work for the benefit of the people. Please open the link and listen or read the President's words as he reached out to change the vitriolic dialogue of many politicians and mold a climate for conciliation and cooperation for the good of our country. His words must be understood and acted upon for the betterment of our nation and the world.
He knows, much better than most of us, that words can be potent and their use or misuse can cause unintended consequences, or intended consequences. History is laden with hateful inciteful words spoken and written by leaders who deliberately tried to cause chaos or change for their personal cause or beliefs. Words are uttered by leaders to mobilize nations at time of dire need. Words virtually always proceed action, either to plan or implement a plan. Action follows.
Unintended words spoken or written as`an immediate knee jerk reaction to an event or someones' words are generally irrational and likely to worsen understanding rather than improve. We humans are unconsciously guilty of such irrational reactions. Deliberate thought before responding is essential to minimize misunderstanding and irrational behavior.
I believe that our President displayed a deep sense of morality and compassion as he memorialized the dead and wounded. He attempted to open the door again to political opponents for rational, thoughtful dialogue to solve our nation's problems. He spoke with humility and hopefulness that this tragedy will help restore a national sense based upon our common interests and national needs.
Words are used for a purpose. Words have meaning. Words are intended to promote action or at least agreement. Words have consequences. The speaker's words are received by a reader or listener, and the latter may remain unmoved or may be stirred up. Action may or may not follow, but the words, spoken or written, have a purpose. President Obama's words must be heard by all in our country, and we must respond to calm the turbulent political rhetoric and return to sensible solution-centered dialogue.
To do otherwise will cause intended consequences of more hateful rhetoric to incite disruptive actions and more intended consequences, even random violence against those who have differing opinions. Random violence can erupt and cause mass violence. The history of Hitler and Nazi Germany is an example where his hateful speeches against "inferior" non Aryans and others including Jews, blacks, and homosexuals erupted into a genocidal pogrom followed by World War II, and the eventual deaths of tens of millions of people and the virtual destruction of large parts of Europe,Japan, Russia, and nearly the complete destruction of Germany as it was under Hitler. Words have consequences. Words can incite actions that are as destructive as was intended by Adolph Hitler, who can be considered as the master of hateful speech.
The climate in Germany when the Nazis were in control was tailored by using words that told the German citizens that they were the superior race of Aryan whites who deserved to control the world. Hitler and his propagandists, under Goebbels, spread the word of superiority and soon the Germans included in the pure Aryan bracket believed the word and became puppets as part of Hitler's plans to control the world. Words have consequences.
Germany, just prior to Hitler's dominance was suffering from high unemployment and inflation that caused enormous discontent and economic hardships amongst the workers. The workers were unsure of their next meal, and looking for a quick solution. Hitler entered the scene and soon beguiled the people with his National Socialist Agenda (shortened to Nazi) and the belief that he would bring a quick solution for the pure German Aryan Nation under his dictatorship. The unsure and worried masses of people who sought a savior accepted Hitler's words, and the mass genocide of scapegoat Jews,Gypsies, gays and lesbians, and other undesirables including German dissenters, began in the mid 1930's that terminated in September 1945 when finally WWII ended with the USA and its allies victorious. The cost of Hitler's words and the actions that it ignited are immeasurable. Tens of millions of lives were snuffed out; many millions in gas chambers or shot dead as they clung together not knowing what would happen next. Countries were devastated and millions of innocent men, women, and children who survived were left to recover midst carnage, desolation, and decaying body remains buried under the remains of once habitable buildings, and cultural edifices. Words have consequences.
President Obama has again shown that he is committed to reconciliation of political differences though rational dialogue and compromise. He understands that hateful words can cause hateful actions. He again asks us to measure our words and seek mutual understanding. We must do so for the sake of our country and the world.He opened the door for compromise and rationality.
We must follow President Obama and walk though the door to reconciliation and political compromise..
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