A morning of contrasts.
As this is written, a gentle snow falls and blankets the streets with the first white stuff we have seen in a while. I wonder how many Dads will be taking a car full of kids to the ski hill or toboggan run, and buying pails full of hot chocolate.
The contrast is most obvious on the morning news programs, which are filled with the execution of Saddam Hussen that took place a few hours ago. CNN producers insist on running graphic video of the noose being placed over his head. Mercifully, they stop it before the task is complete, but the vision of that scene burns in memory, and runs repeatedly as background to endless comment about the implications of his death.
To be fair, I’ll declare my bias: I no longer support the death penalty. That change took place some years ago when a friend asked a question often put forth by opponents: “Why do we kill people to prove that killing people is wrong?”
What’s troubling about the Hussein case is not so much whether he deserved to die, but rather the spectacle being made of it. What does it say about us? Media fills the airwaves and, presumably, we watch it. Inquiring Minds ask why? Your thoughts welcome at alan.speak@yahoo.ca
Feedback Department
Never underestimate the intelligence of your audience. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale told me that many moons ago. Recent offerings to the W&W Inbox confirm how right he was. In the Christmas blog I asked about counting blessings versus wallowing in whatever grief currently sits in your life. A lady who identifies herself in her email as “A mom from PEI” tells of a tradition started by her parents and continued each Christmas morning since her kids could talk. Before they open presents, they spend half an hour over toast, tea and other goodies, and share the blessings they have received during the year. Some items on this year’s list bear noting for the rest of us: I’m happy it’s warm in here and we have good food. I’m glad my Grandma visits us often. I got a new bell on my bike. The music at Church last night was really cool. The dog sleeps with me and cuddles during the night.
By The Way Department:
Nice Lady from PEI asked if it’s okay to pass along the location of W&W to other cyber- friends. You bet. The more the merrier, and the wider the audience the broader the views and ideas we might all get to share. Feel free to send it wherever you like.
And on a Personal Note Department:
May your New Year be filled with the gift of good health, someone to love, and someone to listen. And may you be the “someone to listen” when someone else really needs it.
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