"For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing."
---Simon Wiesenthal
As I have mentioned before, it is important for me to see both sides of every issues. I may agree with one side, but I accept that the other side generally has valid points. I have been listening to the candidates during the republican and democratic debates and understand where both sides are coming from on quite a few issues. I am thankful that I live in a country that allows me to weigh these issues and decide which candidate's beliefs align most closely with mine, and I understand that it is our differences that make us great.
What I don't understand is our hatred and fear of the unknown. When we are young we gravitate toward scary things. Haunted houses on Halloween and roller-coasters that swing us through darkness make us laugh while we continue to explore the unknown. We don't see color as an obstacle to friendship, or a different language as an affront to our own. At what age do we begin to fear that which is different, and more importantly, when do we begin to believe that what we are is superior?
If my grandparents were not accepted into this country, I would not have been born. I am not alone. Most of us living here today have roots elsewhere. Our ancestors saw promise in this great country and fled the hardships in their own. They were not hated for following their dreams, they were admired for seeking a better life. Our country has always accepted the abused from other countries. We are great because of it. We must not let fear mongering pundits change that about us.
America is filled with good and accepting people. The majority of us believes that everyone, no matter race, religion, gender or sexual preference deserve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Many years ago Richard Nixon coined the term "silent majority" to describe the part of the population who did not speak their minds and let their feelings be shown. Unfortunately, too many of us are in the "silent majority" today. As long as the political venom is not being directed our way, is it perhaps better to look the other way? NEVER! Simon Wiesenthal lived through the horrors of a people who looked the other way. His words are true, and we can not allow evil to flourish in our land. If not for others, then for ourselves...we must realize that if we allow others to be condemned, there will be no one left to stand for us.
Speaking of evil flourishing, both of my reviewed books showed that this week. In Breakdown, Jonathan Kellerman brought back Dr.Alex Delaware and his detective buddy Milo to ferret out a murderer and save the day. Joy Fielding, in She's Not There introduced us to a mother who never gave up the search for the child who was taken from her. Both books were good escapism, and I recommend them.
As always, complete reviews will follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly
---Simon Wiesenthal
As I have mentioned before, it is important for me to see both sides of every issues. I may agree with one side, but I accept that the other side generally has valid points. I have been listening to the candidates during the republican and democratic debates and understand where both sides are coming from on quite a few issues. I am thankful that I live in a country that allows me to weigh these issues and decide which candidate's beliefs align most closely with mine, and I understand that it is our differences that make us great.
What I don't understand is our hatred and fear of the unknown. When we are young we gravitate toward scary things. Haunted houses on Halloween and roller-coasters that swing us through darkness make us laugh while we continue to explore the unknown. We don't see color as an obstacle to friendship, or a different language as an affront to our own. At what age do we begin to fear that which is different, and more importantly, when do we begin to believe that what we are is superior?
If my grandparents were not accepted into this country, I would not have been born. I am not alone. Most of us living here today have roots elsewhere. Our ancestors saw promise in this great country and fled the hardships in their own. They were not hated for following their dreams, they were admired for seeking a better life. Our country has always accepted the abused from other countries. We are great because of it. We must not let fear mongering pundits change that about us.
America is filled with good and accepting people. The majority of us believes that everyone, no matter race, religion, gender or sexual preference deserve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Many years ago Richard Nixon coined the term "silent majority" to describe the part of the population who did not speak their minds and let their feelings be shown. Unfortunately, too many of us are in the "silent majority" today. As long as the political venom is not being directed our way, is it perhaps better to look the other way? NEVER! Simon Wiesenthal lived through the horrors of a people who looked the other way. His words are true, and we can not allow evil to flourish in our land. If not for others, then for ourselves...we must realize that if we allow others to be condemned, there will be no one left to stand for us.
Speaking of evil flourishing, both of my reviewed books showed that this week. In Breakdown, Jonathan Kellerman brought back Dr.Alex Delaware and his detective buddy Milo to ferret out a murderer and save the day. Joy Fielding, in She's Not There introduced us to a mother who never gave up the search for the child who was taken from her. Both books were good escapism, and I recommend them.
As always, complete reviews will follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly
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