A couple of news stories have dominated the news and my mind in the last week or so. The first was the shooting of the three RCMP officers in Moncton, NB. What a sad and tragic situation. The second is the fire that swept through the townhouses in Brampton destroying many homes and causing the death of one 10-year-old boy. Both of these stories have stirred up tremendous sympathy and grief but even more important to me has been the awesome outpouring of support and care that has surrounded the families effected. News reporters said the funeral service in Moncton, witnessed by thousands of Mounties in their red serge, was overwhelming. Support agencies in Brampton, just a few days after the fire, were asking people to stop donating clothing and household items. They have been overwhelmed with donations for the families that were left homeless.
The news is a funny thing. It is not uncommon to be told that we only hear bad news stories and that it is only bad news that makes the headlines and so often this is true. But the overwhelming love and kindness poured out in the face of these two tragedies has made news. I think these stories are emblematic of the many ways that communities regularly rally around those effected by the bad news headlines.
There is a lovely poster that I keep in my office. It shows that every world religion has a major tenet that describes its core value. They are all similar and they focus on how we treat one another. In Christianity we call it “The Golden Rule” and it is often memorized at an early age. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This basic human value is expressed in every religion. And when the human community functions at its best it is when we do just that.
As a PS to this blog let me note that it is election day in Ontario. It has been a fast and furious campaign – thankfully. I can only stomach so much of the mud-slinging and accusations that politicians seem to think is necessary these days. I won’t tell you how I am voting – that is a private matter but I don’t mind saying that my favourite colour today is Green.
