more wisdom

I was struck by conversations in multiple arenas this week when the Intramuralist humbly submitted the opinion that Pres. Obama has misused his presidential platform rhetorically. The basis for the opinion was that Obama’s “ ‘yes’ hasn’t always meant ‘yes’ and his ‘no’ hasn’t always meant ‘no’ “. He often says things that seem exaggerated, untrue, or designed to control the public narrative and impression. Note that the yes/no adage is a prioritized practice in my household. I have since wondered what additional practices we might appreciate seeing prioritized in our public servants, as after all, they are one of us, elected by us, supposed to be representing us, and thus serving us. What if they consistently practiced the following… adopting the wisdom of both scripture and Twain?  🙂

Tell the truth (… “then you don’t have to remember anything”).

Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Think before you speak.

Always do right.

If a person offend you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures (… “simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick”… oh, wait… they’re already good at that).

Ladies first.

Look after the orphans and widows.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Clothe yourself with humility.

Confess your wrongs (… “acknowledge it like a man and say you didn’t mean to”).

Turn the other cheek.

Let no debt remain outstanding.

Never handle firearms carelessly.

Obey your parents (… “this is the best policy in the long run, because if you don’t, they will make you”).

Pray for your enemies.

Forgive and be forgiven.

Get your facts first.

Be very careful about lying (… otherwise you are nearly sure to get caught. Once caught, you can never again be in the eyes to the good and the pure, what you were before).

Remove the log in your own eye before focusing on the speck in another.

Value mercy over judgment.

Seek God first.

Just wondering… winking somewhat, too.

Respectfully…

AR