12 July 2008

In this the hayday of politically correct wild multi-culturalism it is popular to talk about loving each other as we blindly embrace cultures other than our own (while, of course, disparaging our own).  The insconsistency of concurrent put down of the Christian religion is missed entirely.

I propose use of a different word, one that is used, but not as often; it is respect.  I think we should respect everyone - until they prove it is not deserved.  That is a little different.  In fact we seem to preach respecting other cultures way beyond the point they do not deserve respect.  But take our detractors - our enemies.  Love them?  I say respect them; it is always useful to respect your enemies and that is much different than love.

But to respect, one must understand, and that is a good deal of the problem.  We want to respect blindly because that is the thing to do.  Respect what?  Whatever; respect just because it is the thing to do.  Ok, perhaps so, but we really need to know what we are respecting and why we are respecting it.  Respect does not entail even agreeing or embracing or wanting to emulate.  When people, or nations wish us harm, or try to bring us harm, we need to respect their capability to do so along with their motivation, patience and desire to carry it out. 

Respect is good; it is healthy; it is also useful.  We need much more respect - for the right reasons.