Gratitude and Being Nice

[Utah Man]

I'm fairly new to the Forum, and have posted and poked-around picking up interesting tidbits along the way - lots of good people here. Very intrigued by the recent thread on trolling on a platform that has a 'Be Nice' rule at its core. Here's some related thoughts from a favorite local editorialist here in Utah:

"Patriotic grace for me is a calling. It begins with gratitude for the gift of being born in this country. It extends into our actions — the way we live our citizenship. It comes with a certain sense of responsibility and honor to represent high ideals in our discourse and practice them in our lives. It’s something I hope to cultivate this weekend as we celebrate the birth of this remarkable country and strive to make it a more perfect union."

[7/3/15 Deseret News, Natalie Gochnour, associate dean in the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah and chief economist for the Salt Lake Chamber]

Enjoy the Independence Day holiday.

Ron

Natalie Gochnour: Patriotic grace blends gratitude for citizenship, a sense of responsibility and a representation of high ideals | Deseret News

[urnmor]

Totally agree however I must admit that at times it is easier said then done

[Lily&Me]

This is my favorite part...

It comes with a certain sense of responsibility and honor to represent high ideals in our discourse and practice them in our lives.

None of us are perfect, but it really comes down to what kind of person you want to be....if it matters to you, at all, what kind of person you are.

To some, it truly doesn't matter, or they are so personally traumatized and disconnected from purposeful behavior that they are unable to put a good face forward.

Lots of walking wounded out there, and it behooves us all to be aware that every person is the end product of their experiences to date.

Not that that deserves a pass, but an awareness of this in each of us can help us extend kindness and compassion to those who seem out of step.

We should all try our best. If you have a slip, get back up and keep trying.

Just my opinion.


Maggie

[Zil]

On my initial interaction, every one gets a "deserved pass".

[paiceman]

Suggestion today and tomorrow, want to be nice, don't shoot off fireworks, any place or any time as you probably have no idea who living in your neighborhood was a combat Vet. And fireworks for many are the worst.

[ColoradoLady]

As a USAF family, our patriotism is part of our daily life, as is our faith. We fly the flag proudly from a tall flagpole in our front lawn. My Joe was a 23 year USAF veteran, I was an RN for the AF, my daughter was also in USAF.

We celebrate the birth of our nation quietly....no fireworks. We do, however have a neighbor who will keep us up 1/2 the night with his explosions. I do enjoy professional fireworks displays...just not by amateurs who threaten everyone else's property. I've spent far too many nights over the years with hose wetting down my trees, shrubs, roof....in attempt to protect from fires....when nitwits lose control of their sky bound explosives, sending them onto my roof or landscape!!

When my Joe was alive, he did suffer from PTSD, and would spend holidays inside, with T.V. Up loud, hoping to avoid the noise.

Bottom line...consideration for your neighbors as we celebrate July 4th....is appreciated by all. Just saying!