RELIGION or POLITICS - Can we talk??

Good morning on this glorious "hump" day, (from Florida (Paradise) where else?)

Years ago in my earlier life, there was a saying, ' A man is only as good as his word'. And actually, then, it was true, and widely depended on in dealing with each other.

Today, I bring you a thought provoking column written by Matthew Emerzian of McClatchy Newspapers.
The Headline was "NO MORE MEANINGLES WORDS, PLEASE".

It was a vent brought on by some of his day to day experiences dealing with people and their words.

He said quote;  I am sick and tired of people who have completely no regard for the importance of keeping their word. He questions, Why don't people care about honoring their word? Is integrity just not important any more in today's society? Then, are we so wrapped up in our own worlds that our narcissism always wins the day? I just don't get it!

Matthew went on to cite situations that occured in his day to day associations, that exemplifies his topical headline.

Like, he was supposed to have an important lunch meeting, the day before he wrote this column, which was planned two days earlier. On this lunch day, he emailed for confirmation - no response. So he sent a text messge - no response. He then called and left a message - no response. So no lunch. A couple days later he spoke to the person. There was no acknowledgement of this person being remiss or any attempt to apologize or taking responsibility.

Then, one  of Matthew's clients was long overdue in emailing him a new contract. He called the chap and felt good about their phone call. This was on a monday. Tuesday came and went. So did Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Nothing but questions by this time, of course. (He intimated that he'd keep the column reader posted) . He went on to share other such happenings, all in the same vein, and all in the same week, though he did explain that none had a negative impact on his life.

He then posed some serious questions in regard to this seemingly rampant conduct in our society today.

• What happened to self respect and respecting other people?
• What happened to integrity and meaning what you say?
• What happened to common courtesy and honoring your fellow man?

Why is this acceptable conduct? Is it because we are all stressed out and over worked? Or is it the economy getting us down? Or is flat-out lying just acceptable? Who knows?

Matthew thinks we (I agree) should get back to basics. (I inject here, that this idea of getting back to basics, applies to our government, as well).

Matthew observes that "basics" means things like emotion, integrity, truth, meaning, respect, friendship, honor, character,  which are human traits that keeps us separate from animals.

So, dear friends, I join him in this thought too, that, if you can't keep your word, then what else might you be having problems with in communicating with others?

Let's get back to basics by, when giving your word, keep it. If you are going to call a friend, or a parent you haven't called lately, do make these calls while the thought is there. If you have a meeting, get there 5-10 minutes early. Don't make promises you can't keep!!!

Now, for today, words matter, integrity matters. Let's not forget.

If you are reading my blog for the first time, WELCOME. If more than once, you are appreciated, please come back and get in the game, I want your thoughts and ideas too, even if I don't agree with you. Dialogue is GOOD.   Cheers       CJ