"The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better in our private lives - to be better friends and neighbors, co-workers and parents. And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let's remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy, but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud. It should be because we want to live up to the example of public servants like John Roll and Gabby Giffords, who knew first and foremost that we are all Americans, and that we can question each other's ideas without questioning each other's love of country, and that our task, working together, is to constantly widen the circle of our concern so that we bequeath the American dream to future generations.
I believe we can be better. Those who died here, those who saved lives here - they help me believe. We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us. I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us."
Watch the full video of President Obama's speech at the Tucson memorial service here.
My Facebook status today...
ReplyDelete"All of us, we should do everything we can do to make sure this country lives up to our children's expectations".
very inspiring and thought-provoking...thanks for sharing this...tqoe
ReplyDeletethe problem of violent and public harming mentally disturbed human beings needs a serious addressing This young man gave signals everywhere that he was dangerous...and our system failed...leading to so many deaths and injuries
ReplyDeletenot public discourse
although that sheriff coming right out and starting such discourse was shameful and now we know he had much to hide and reason to toss blame to his political rivals
But civility...yes we need more of it