I was raised to apologize and mean it when I did something wrong

[cynatnite]

It's not that difficult of thing. It shows a lot of courage to stand up and apologize for something you did. It builds integrity. You are a better person because of it.

The Palin's, Limbaugh's, and Becks of the world run as fast as they can away from taking any form of responsibility for their roles. They created a culture of hate and violence. It's as close as it gets to actually pulling the trigger and committing murder when someone follows through. This horrible tragedy isn't the first and if they don't stop what they're doing it most certainly won't be the last.

If they were capable of showing any humility and responsibility, they would acknowledge that their rhetoric had horrific consequences.

Of course, this is just a fantasy and they'll stick to their "guns" no matter what.

[Brickbat]

1. Not only that, I was raised to not say something unless I meant it. Both my parents were writers

and it was made very clear to me from an early age that if I said it, I would have to be able to stand by it. There was no "You're such an ass...JUST KIDDING!" at my house. That value stuck with me all my life (and I went into journalism and writing myself), and to this day I don't say something unless I mean it. Why waste breath? Why waste intent? Why poison yourself by saying things you don't mean? Why listen to words that say horrible things and spend all that energy reminding yourself that the speaker is being rhetorical and "funny"? It amazes me that people who defend Coulter and Limbaugh and O'Reilly can sit there and say over and over again, "They were just kidding! They don't really mean it." Doesn't that get tiring after awhile?

Sorry to piggyback on your rant. I do agree with what you said.

[cynatnite]

2. Very well said...

I was raised to treat others as you would be treated. That meant no name-calling, treating others with respect, and all that. My mother is a RW repub who questions Obama's birth and she's always preached to us that if you can't say somthing nice, don't say anything at all. These things stuck with me, too.