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Observations at the end of the year As the year ends, I would like to make a few observations. These conclusions are, of course, only my opinion, but, since this is an opinion column, it seems appropriate. Others, thanks be to the American culture and to the United States Constitution, are free to agree, disagree, or totally ignore them. Observation 1 – There is a decline in civility. Perhaps we have always been an uncivil society but I think this problem has grown over the years. Maybe it’s due to the Jerry Springer-type programs, the smear and mud-slinging tactics that occur in politics, the lack of discipline in the home and school, or even the vicious accusations spewed by small people who think themselves large as they anonymously post on the blogs, forums, and bulletin boards of the Internet. As someone who regularly gets pummeled by unsigned emails for columns I have written, I have developed a thick enough skin not to be too concerned by critics who remain hidden. Yet, it still is dismaying to realize that uncivil people appear to be on the increase and not on the decline. On the news channels, guests routinely try to shout down their counterparts as they make their own points. On talk radio, both conservative and progressive, there is often heard a vindictiveness and a verbal brutality designed, not to inform, but to offend those with opposing points of view. Even some preachers seem to feel the need to blast away at those who have opinions or theologies different from the own. Observation 2 – The only voices being heard are those on the extremes. If I say that I have great doubts about whether the United States should have invaded Iraq, those on the right castigate me and accuse me of being unpatriotic. If I say I also believe that, since we are now in Iraq, we cannot simply walk away, those on the left treat me as a warmonger and a Neanderthal. Every issue, it seems, is polarizing. No one seems to be able to rationally discuss anything without an argument ensuing. I believe in a strong defense and protecting our borders. Yet, if I were a Mexican or a Central American, I would want to come to the U.S. to make a better life for my family. I am pro-life but I also have serious doubts about the death penalty as it is presently exercised in America. I believe that if somebody who can work and doesn’t work they shouldn’t eat. I also believe we have an obligation to the poor, the downtrodden, and the oppressed. I believe in capitalism and, yet, am disgusted by rampant consumerism. I do not believe in socialized medicine yet I recognize that somehow people who cannot afford medical insurance should be able to access the healthcare system — especially the elderly, the working poor, and children. It seems to me that Senator Joe Lieberman, a Democrat with whom I would not agree on some issues, is one of the few politicians who are, at least, willing to talk about something other than the “party line.” Are there men and women of good will who can lay down their own agendas long enough to accomplish something positive? Observation 3 – There is a growing lack of humor in people. If one tells a joke, someone is bound to get offended. If you ask, “How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?” you run the risk of being sued by the professional organization of psychiatrists (or whomever you substitute in the joke). Nowadays, people laugh at the pitiful folks who eat mouthfuls of maggots on “reality” shows, or the skateboarders who smash their private parts against a steel rail, or the bungee jumpers who miscalculate the length of cord needed and simply crash to the ground far below. Comedians, except for the class acts like Bill Cosby, see the need to fill their routine with the most foul and putrid language available. Somehow, this is funny. Subtle humor, clean jokes, or tongue-in-cheek stories do not register with those of the “Jackass” mentality of humor (“Jackass” was a movie, a “comedy,” and is not a reflection on those who do not know how to laugh unless someone gets hurt doing something idiotic). People need to lighten up. Observation 4 – America is still the best country ever. In spite of all our flaws and shortcomings, we spend billions of dollars helping people around the world devastated by earthquakes, floods, famine, hurricanes, and wars. If something happens to us — a Katrina or a 9/11, for instance — we are on our own. For the most part, no one offers to assist us. Still, we reach out to those who suffer around the world, or over in the next state, or down the block. We are generous to a fault. America is still is a place where motivated people can make a buck, get educated, build a life, and give the hope of a better world to the coming generations. Millions are still streaming, legally or illegally, to America. This fact alone testifies to its goodness. But all this is just one man’s opinion and, in the end, that’s all this column is. Happy New Year and may God bless and prosper you! login to post comments | Father David Epps's blog
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