We Are Not Enemies
Wednesday's attack on the nation's Capitol shook many of us to our core. What transpired is wholly unacceptable, and such attacks must not be tolerated nor encouraged. That a mob could overtake one of our country's most sacred spaces and threaten the very clockwork of our republic is frightening, confusing, and deeply offensive. We watched as it transpired, stunned, and wondered how it came to this and why such a thing was possible.
We didn't have to wait long, though. The last 36 hours have been a cacophony of blame, outrage, and disgust. Rightly so.
We must condemn these acts and hold accountable those who are directly and indirectly responsible.
But, as I watch the news and read through my social media feeds, I am shocked and saddened by the language people choose to use. If we learn nothing else from this, it's evident that words have power and consequences. How we respond to situations and one another matters. We are responsible for the effect our statements have on others. This is true even if - perhaps especially if - we disagree with them.
The last ten months have shown us precisely how divided America is. The list of things that could divide us is infinite - and disastrous. Think about it: you likely disagree with roughly half of your fellow Americans at any given time and on any given issue.
There is no path forward in which the US can prosper and do good in the world - whatever you think that good may be - if the republic does not stand.
We will not gain understanding by denigrating others. We will not persuade nor enlighten by disregarding the views of others.
Americans have worked through our differences before, and we must commit to doing so again. It seems to me this starts with how we conduct ourselves personally every day. I leave you with words that have helped me as I consider this week's events and how I may best serve my fellow citizens and the republic. Abraham Lincoln first shared them during his 1841 inauguration as he assumed leadership of a deeply divided nation.
"We are not enemies but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory...will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
Well said. “We are responsible for the effects our words have on others” . I would add that those in a position of leadership, bear the most responsibility, and thus need to be held accountable. If there is no accountability, surely our republic is doomed.
Retired Executive Director at Colorado Society of Association Executives
4 年Very well said. Thank YOU. I never thought in my lifetime I'd see such behavior.
Director of Sales and Marketing at Somerset Inn
4 年Thank you for sharing Donna and well done!
Senior Sales Executive at Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
4 年Very well articulated Donna. Thank you for sharing.