We need to act in respectful, civil manner
The recent tragedy of young Phoebe Prince, who hung herself after several months of intense bullying at her school, has caught everyone’s attention. Yet, unfortunately she is one of many. The discussion has revolved around who is to blame for her suicide. It seems that there is no accountability. Who is to blame that a lovely young 15-year-old girl was driven to kill herself?
It has been said that her fellow classmates, who taunted her repeatedly can’t be held responsible, because they are too young to realize what they were doing was harmful. Which is the same as telling them they are not accountable for their actions. Young people know when they are being cruel, and they do intend to cause harm by bulling. It is their responsibility for making Phoebe miserable, and for her suicide. But the fault doesn’t’ end with those nine students.
Just look around at the state of the nation. A senator yells, “You’re a liar.” during the presidential address. Members of congress encourage protestors into a frenzy until they spit upon fellow congressman. Racial slurs are yelled at decent people. Pro-life advocate Stupake is called “baby killer” during session. Aren’t these all acts of bullying?
Bricks are thrown through several democratic office windows. Threatening, obscene phone calls are made to congressman’s homes. Threats are made upon our elected officials. Aren’t these acts of homeland terrorism? A gas line is cut at a congressman’s brother’s home, isn’t this attempted murder? A militia group is arrested before they carry out their plans to assassinate a law officer, in hopes of killing many more. All 50 governors are threatened to leave office within three days. Hate groups across the country have nearly tripled.
Our own editorial page of the paper is full of hateful rhetoric toward fellow Americans, neighbors, and our president.
How do we expect our children to behave civilly, when we as adults have forgotten how? Everyone is at fault for this young girls suicide. Every parent who allows television to raise their children, every teacher who has lost the desire to teach. Every elected official who has decided that their side must win at any cost to our nation. Be it lies, deceit, or inciting violence in their party.
People across the country are behaving in disrespectful, and in an ever increasing violent manner. What developed the day Obama took office is a decline in civility, and a hysterical grab for power. We are witnessing the decline of our values created by hate, and bigotry. Yet, we expect our nations children, to be good, honest and respectful citizens.
Hopefully this is not what the future will look like. Is it too much to ask adults to be good parents, to be good citizens? Is it too much to ask we work together instead of driving deeper the division that has made this country a poor role model to all our children?
CINDY AASE
Sagle