Words and Expressions

The most ironic thing happened this morning as I was reflecting on last night’s debate. As I was folding the laundry one of youngest son’s tee shirts from last year at Radnor Middle School caught my attention. It had been printed for the entire RMS community and said, STOP BULLYING! We don’t want our kids to bully in school and yet it seems our society encourages our adults to do it on television.

In the book The Four Agreements, written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a central theme is; words mean so much. He posits that in order to experience true happiness; “Be Impeccable With Your Word”. We need to choose our words very carefully. A person can write or speak a phrase with different emphasis and inflection, which can be perceived in so many different forms. There is a chapter in Miguel’s book that speaks to being impeccable with your word and in particular a sentence; “Your word is pure magic, and misuse of your word is black magic.”

During last nights Vice-Presidential debate not only were words used in a negative way but the animated actions and behavior of Vice President Biden reinforced the negativity. I had been looking forward to the debate all week, I could not wait to hear how the two men up for election would present themselves and in a sense sell themselves to the American public. Of course I was hoping that my team would win the debate but I also hoped that the two men would act like gentleman in the eyes of the public and especially in front of the younger generation. My teenagers watched the debate in hopes of being informed about the upcoming election and the two party electoral process.

I was appalled at Vice-Presidents Biden’s demeanor. The way he ridiculed and laughed at congressman Ryan was embarrassing and rude to say the least.  I was so ashamed at his behavior. He is the second most powerful man in this country and he behaved like a bully! He paid tribute to his party’s mascot. Where as Congressman Ryan was polite and respectful to the Vice-President.

Interesting how the media and morning political shows reviewed last night’s debate as each show had a different take although we all watched the same exact hour and a half of television. Obviously the MSNBC take was that Biden won hands down, he really beat up Ryan! Ok, stop there, he won because he beat him up?! I am not raising my children to think that if you act in a manner that is condescending, rude and disrespectful to make your point you will win! What happened to using words and respect to make a point? Last night if you have the opinion that Biden won, I think not. I think he looked like a fool! He laughed and laughed. Why couldn’t he have let Ryan speak and respectfully listen even if he didn’t agree with what the Congressman was saying? He repeatedly referred to Ryan as his friend in a sarcastic and cynical way.

Bottom line, I don’t care whom one votes for. That is their business. But when we have elected officials on prime time television acting the way our Vice-President did last night I would rather not watch! It was embarrassing for all.  My jaw was opened and I was appalled that the Vice-President of our country behaved the way he did. He should be ashamed of himself!!!