I heard something today that has saddened me beyond belief. Sometimes life gives us teachable moments and some people rise to the challenge while others totally fail. A student (not at my school) asked a question of their teacher as to why their school did not observe a school wide moment of silence in honor of those lost on 9/11. The teachers somewhat irritated response: Theres no law that says we have to is there? No, there is no law that says we have to, you cannot legislate morality no more than you can legislate intelligence. I doubt if the 59 souls on US Air Flight 93 asked if there was a law as to whether they could fight back against an evil they had not seen first hand until that fateful day. They knew it was likely their flight would not end well and they did what Americans have done for generations, they stood up and fought for the country they loved. They lost their lives, but undoubtedly saved many lives by taking the plane down in Shanksville, PA rather than letting it reach its intended target. The workers in the twin towers never asked if there was a law forbidding their actions when they started the long journey down through a smoke filled stairway. They were no doubt frightened and shocked, but took the time to help their fellow man. Many first responders ignored orders and waded into what must have been hell on earth to try to help others to safety. Almost 3000 Americans lost their lives that day on American soil. No I didnt know any of them, but I bet the child whos mom or dad didnt make it home, or the husband, wife or parent of someone who took that final phone call from their loved one and heard the words, Im not going to make it out, know that I love you I bet they think a moment of silence is in order. So in short the answer is, sometimes you do something because morally its the right thing to do.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:01:48 +0000