"What matters is not wealth, power or fame, but how well we have loved."

[Manifestor_of_Light]

We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame - but rather, how well we have loved, and what small part we have played in bettering the lives of others.

--From Obama's Tucson speech.

I am stunned at how profound and spiritual this statement is. Very humanist and very Jewish.

No wonder the Freepers can't stand it. They feed on hate and fear and negativity. They are spinning Obama as stupid, Palin as intelligent, George W. Bush as a great orator....wow. They are not interested in a president who as the consoler in chief, appeals to the "better angels of our nature" as Lincoln said. Tom Brokaw said the tradition started at Gettysburg.

They are so eaten up with rage and hatred that I feel sorry for them, if only because of the damage they do to their own bodies and spirits.

[Rhiannon12866]

1. K&R. Very well stated.

Thank you. O8)

[SpiralHawk]

2. "Thank you for your words, Mr. President." - Honorable Citizens of the USA

[quaker bill]

3. True

[rfranklin]

4. Cognitive dissonance...

The Belief Disconfirmation Paradigm--Dissonance is aroused when people are confronted with information that is inconsistent with their beliefs. If the dissonance is not reduced by changing one's belief, the dissonance can result in misperception or rejection or refutation of the information, seeking support from others who share the beliefs, and attempting to persuade others to restore consonance.

An early version of cognitive dissonance theory appeared in Leon Festinger's 1956 book, When Prophecy Fails. This book gave an inside account of the increasing belief which sometimes follows the failure of a cult's prophecy. The believers met at a pre-determined place and time, believing they alone would survive the Earth's destruction. The appointed time came and passed without incident. They faced acute cognitive dissonance: had they been the victim of a hoax? Had they donated their worldly possessions in vain? Most members chose to believe something less dissonant: the aliens had given earth a second chance, and the group was now empowered to spread the word: earth-spoiling must stop. The group dramatically increased their proselytism despite the failed prophecy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance

[Delphinus]

5. Yes!

I have believed something similar to this all of my life - I will go to my grave believing that love is the only answer and that love is the only way.

From Emily Dickinson:
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

6. kick for the early risers.

[Fly by night]

7. Freepers have no spirits (or souls). They cannot damage their own bodies quickly enough for me.

It's the least they can do to better the lives of others.

[OneGrassRoot]

8. This hit me even more: "....nd what small part we have played in bettering the lives of others."

There is a certain segment of our population that simply can't comprehend this and see it as a weakness. The most hardcore Tea Party people and the greedy, of all socioeconomic levels.

Thank you for this.

K&R

:hug: