Like most of you, I often get forwarded e-mail messages that
contain inaccurate, unfair, and unkind information. And also like you, I hear
things being said on the radio or on TV that are of a similar nature.
Recently, I have received several forwarded e-mail messages
from a friend and former colleague. A few days ago I responded by saying that I
was disappointed in him. Since he is a minister, I wrote that I expect him not
to forward e-mails that are inaccurate, unfair, and unkind.
I realize that from time to time I may express opinions on
this blog that some of you do not agree with. But I have never knowingly or
intentionally written anything that is inaccurate, unfair, or unkind. If any of
you ever think that I have done that, please let me know. It is natural for
people to have different opinions, but they ought to be able to agree on the
facts.
Bernard Baruch (1870-1965) was an American financier and
presidential advisor. You have probably heard his oft-quoted words, spoken in
1950, but here they are again: “Every man has a right to his own opinion, but
no man has a right to be wrong in his facts.” (I am sure he thought that the same was true for women.)
Rotary International has an
excellent “four-way test” that is often repeated at their meetings. This is the
first of the four tests: “Is it the
truth?” That is what Rotarians seek to ask themselves about everything they
think, say, or do. What a difference it would make in society if we all asked
ourselves that question and sought to say only that which is truthful
(accurate).
“Is it fair to all concerned?” is the second part of Rotary’s
four-way test: Fairness is an attitude marked by impartiality and honesty; it is free from
self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism. Fairness sees all people as being of
equal value, so it doesn’t treat some people better than others just because
they are friends.
And then there is the important matter
of kindness. Someone has said, “Kindness is
loving people more than they deserve.” That is probably true. Thus, unkindness
is treating people worse than they deserve.
During this election season, I wish that our politicians,
and their supporters, would only say things that are accurate, fair, and kind. But
I guess there is little chance of that happening. Still, we all need to decide
on whom to vote for on the basis of a rational evaluation of the positions the
candidates take on the important issues of the day. Certainly our votes should
never be swayed by inaccurate, unfair, or unkind remarks. And we shouldn’t seek
to sway other peoples’ votes by that means either.
Good citizens and people of integrity will try never to be
guilty of saying (or passing on) information (or campaign propaganda) that is
inaccurate, unfair, or unkind. So let’s pledge that we will seek, as much as
possible, to be accurate, fair, and kind in all that we say and do. And let’s
encourage our politicians (as well as our friends) to do the same.
