Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
One week after the horrific Uvalde mass killing spree, so much has been published, broadcast, and spoken around the dinner table and water cooler. It’s fair to say that everyone is devastated by what happened. Everyone agrees that something needs to be done. The divide comes when all of us are asked what needs to be done. I’m certain no matter what I say in this column, there will be those of you who cheer me on and agree, others who will agree with some of what I say, and still others who believe I’m way off base. That’s ok. It’s too easy to head straight to the politics of it all. Both the Left and the Right run straight to their respective talking points. Both sides are passionate. Both have valid points and both have elements of their arguments that do nothing but increase the rhetoric and unfortunately serve to divide along political lines and create quotes for clever flyers and television commercials bashing the other side come election season.
Three major elements are common to almost all of the recent mass shootings. I’m not going to spend a lot of time addressing the issues of guns. I have my strong opinions on that but I believe there is a much, much broader issue. For me (and I’m not speaking for anyone else), to talk ONLY of guns is not much different than talking about regulating computer software that allows a thief to use his or her skills to steal your identity and money without addressing the person who commits the crime. The other element is that of mental health. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed. The slogan “see something, say something” is the responsibility of all of us. The other issue is the need for proper security in our schools and elsewhere.
But there is a much broader problem that is often overlooked and discounted and it’s not popular to talk about. It is the systematic effort over the last several decades to discredit our shared values, our faith-based culture, and societal norms that recognize a sense of right and wrong. It’s the breakdown of society and culture that more and more devalues human life. From the dismantling of the family structure to a loss of morals and societal expectations and responsibilities being taught in our school systems.
French aristocrat, diplomat, and philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville traveled to the United States in the early 1800s and is often quoted as observing “not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness and genius of America. America is great because America is good. If America ever ceases to be good America will cease to be great.
What I’m referring to is not popular to talk about but it needs to be said. A society that loses its standards of right and wrong and its moral compass is doomed to fail. This aspect must be part of the larger discussion if we are to see change.
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
