Tolerance

"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Things have become somewhat heated in my neck of the woods lately.  As a border state, Texas has become a hotbed of debate over "The Children."  The influx of thousands of unaccompanied illegal immigrant children has folks stirred up.  It is a complicated, complex situation that likely cannot be addressed quickly or easily.  There are notable differences in beliefs and strongly vocal opinions about what should be done.  That is not what I am concerned with in this entry.

My concern lies with the apparent lack of tolerance for these differing beliefs and opinions.  There has been a spewing, volcanic plethora of mud-slinging, name-calling, and downright ranting over differences in beliefs and opinions.  Far too many people are freely and righteously affording themselves the opportunity to express their stance on the issue without extending the same courtesy to others.  Tolerance is, at its heart, one of the concepts upon which the United States of America was founded, yet it seems to be quickly disappearing as far as this issue is concerned.

Yes, this is a situation that needs to be addressed.  Can we not approach resolution with compassion?  Can we not freely discuss this issue in an effort to find solutions rather than irrationally and rudely shutting down any opinion other than one's own?   Can we not afford to include common courtesy in the expression of opinion?  Can we not fairly represent varying opinions in their entirety without resorting to sensational sound bites?  Can we not behave like adults rather than immature children?  Can we not seek to find common ground without oppression?  If we cannot, then we are, in effect, not seeking solutions but creating more problems.  Opinions become meaningless if no action is taken to resolve differences with grace, dignity, compassion, and yes - tolerance.