Let cooler heads prevail

Wrought-iron patio entrance with Islamic symbols, Alcazar de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.

The tragedy of September 11th haunts many of us, as evidenced in various memorial ceremonies and reams of copy in publications around the world. But watching media reports of hysterical - and ill-informed - anti-mosque protests in New York; Newt Gingrich's release of a shockingly paranoid, fear-mongering and fact-challenged film and Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck's cynical money-making appearance at a "patriot" meeting Saturday, I was reminded of the poet Khalil Gibran's philosophy:

"The true wealth of a nation lies not in its gold or silver but in its learning, wisdom and in the uprightness of its sons."

Either our coffers are running low or the crazy fringe elements of our society are too noisily promoting intolerance, trying to drown out voices of reason. These increasingly unhinged people do not speak for us. In the United States, our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and justice for all, not just for special interest groups trying to line their pockets by manipulating emotions and inciting violence and hate.

It is my hope and prayer that we make a sincere effort to listen and learn from one another, no matter our faith, creed or country of origin. For all our sakes, cooler heads must prevail.

Comments

[A House and Home]

I love that photo. I love the Real Alcazar in Sevilla. The trailer for the video is crazy. I have never seen this before. This is insane.

I love the last few lines of your post, your prayer. It is what we all need to be praying.

But let's not let the crazy fringe, the extremists, the hate and fear mongerers speak for us. There will always be those like the crazy guy in Florida that wants to spread hate and fear and also gain power and influence for themselves. In our country, he has the freedom to say what he wants. Sure. And even do what he wants. Fine. but who cares? It should take away from his power because we can all see that he is crazy, not add to it!

Let's not give him power. He is a crazy fundamentalist that speaks no more for Christianity than radical Islamists speak for Islam. Let's not give any of the crazies power. We all know that moderation prevails. We all know that at the heart of every religion is LOVE. Bottom line. LOVE.

[Marilyn]

Oh, Tara, so perfectly said. It definitely scares me when I hear and see on the news these crazy people. Sometimes I just want to hide my head under a pillow and not see and hear. It is so sad.

[Diogenes]

Travel and education are the antidotes to intolerance.

But passports and affordable universities are in short supply in America these days.

[gracey ighut]

well said Tara. indeed, cooler heads think the wisest!

[Mary H.]

"Like" :o)

[Gillian]

Well said. What are they trying to achieve here? Will they be happy when the entire world is at war?

And why must we all be one faith or religion? I think diversity makes for more knowledgable people...we can learn from each other.

Can we coexist and be a little more tolerant of others? Yes!

xoxo

[Gail]

Well said!!

[Sheris White]

Excellent Tara!