When Wrong Is Wrong

Three days ago, there was an article here title, “The World To Big? Think Small”.  In that article was a refence to “asshats” in talking about right and wrong and beliefs.  The belief of what could be considered right and what could be considered wrong.  That my right is not always right and my wrong is not always wrong.  The same goes for every other person.

The irony is what comes next and the reason for the correction.  The premise of that statement was to allow breathing room for those times people can be wrong.  That was not right.  This realization came from reading “What Unites Us” by Dan Rather, Elliot Kirschner and illustrated by Tim Foley.  There are many good insights and thoughts in the book. 

However, a cord was struck when Dan talks of Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor.  Elie lost his parents and sister during the Holocaust.  He received the Nobel Pease Prize, and in his acceptance speech he said:

I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.  We must always take sides.  Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.  Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.  Sometimes we must interfere.

“The World To Big?  Think Small” was wrongly approached when it failed to properly address those times when wrong is wrong. Period. There are times when there is no grey area. There are times and places where a scientific mindset works best.  Be prepared to learn, grow, change, modify an opinion or viewpoint.  Be ready to say ,“I was wrong”, when new evidence presents itself.  Rethinking and being open to challenges and changes to views is a great characteristic.

That does not mean to give space and respect to those that are wrong about taking away people’s rights, taking away people’s humanity, dignity, and right to exist peacefully in the U.S. and the world.

Writing that people are “asshats” and leaving it at that is to be silent.  It provides a pass to the tormentors and not stand up for the tormented.   It was written with the idea of respect to all, without the strength of word to deny the oppressors and tormentors.

There is room and a need to be flexible and respectful.  There is a time and place to make a stand.  A time to create space for debate. There is never a time to be passive about those who would hurt others because they do not like something about them.   

That is the point of today’s writing. To say I was wrong.  I will keep writing, learning, improving, growing, aiming to get a little better daily.

A Vegan Father… reading to learn and grow.  Wrong isn’t wrong, if it’s a path to better.

Posted. Not Perfect.