The coming and goings of great men and persons of state are oft times marked by flags, banners, horns and fanfare. All sorts of pomp and circumsatnce to fix meaning to great men lives and great ideas. In the end, the flags and pageantry are for the living, to remind us of who we are, our values, and hopes and dreams.
Yet, where is the similar community sense of loss when one of Minneapolis citizens is lost to an act of violence? Should not the city's fly at half mast for victims of murder, or should they fly at all? Is not the life of one of "our" own as valuable as a head of state? Is not the murder of one person a failure of not only one individual (the criminal) but a failure of the greater community? Indeed there are groups and organizations in Minneapolis who have reconized the lost of a single citizen and how that loss affects the community. But these efforts have yet to turn the tide of violence. It's not just murder that should be abated, its all acts of violence. My daugther turns five today. In Pre-School they share a simple refrain to bless any special event. The children hold hands and state "We wish for Peace, Love, and Happiness for all the children of the World". Oh, to have the wisdom of a five year old. Musing in Hanalei Greg Reinhardt REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
