Coarse discourse
The quickening descent of American politics into ribald, mean-spirited, and coarse discourse should be no surprise: it has been on this trajectory for several decades now, propelled not just by movies and music -- which no longer need commentary -- but the pssitacism, the constant, numbing negative drumbeat, of talk radio-TV. Unfettered anger and uncharitable approaches have been brainwashed into us (listening, as so many do, to radio while they work or drive, often just partly aware of what being said, although it enters to subconscious).
And so now we are at the point tremendous factionalism.
That major candidates could be tearing into each other the way they now do, and gain popularity, is astonishing even if it shouldn't be astonishing, upsetting even though one can see the frustration of the hitherto "silent majority."
Punches are thrown at rallies.
Profanities are used.
Insults about manhood fill the air.
Height and weight and looks are fair targets.
There are salacious reports.
On TV, once-staid news commentators use language that only a short time ago was confined to bars and sports stadiums.
When the head of the Democratic party cusses in front of nuns who are protesting the health mandate -- the law that would force them to pay for contraception -- it's just another news item that quickly passes. How inured we are!
This from Thomas a Kempis: "Shun the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity. Many a time I wish that I had held my peace and had not associated with men. Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience? We do so because we seek comfort from one another's conversation and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse thoughts.
"Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very much or of things we dislike intensely. But, sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and divine consolation.
"Therefore we must watch and pray lest time pass idly.
"When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify."
We only have a set number of hours on this earth; it is wise to use that time well.
The undercurrent of harsh commentary, of execration, of cussing, is now burbling -- gushing -- into the very fabric of American society. It is now what our flag is fashioned with. It goes for every walk of life, and every political party. It is what we wear. It is how we drive (now, too often, so rudely).
While there is no question that a number of major issues have been neglected for far too long, and that the middle class has been all but forgotten -- with Washington unable to accomplish just about anything, even when it has the notion to -- good Christians are allowing themselves to edge toward a vortex.
No one knows to what end result. But one can guess it will not be a good one.
--MHB
[resources: Retreat, Michael Brown in St-Louis-southern-Illinois, April 23]
[Note: Spirit Daily pilgrimage announced for Guadalupe]
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