Roy Exum
Well, don’t I feel like the dummy! During my morning reading last week I came across “the safety pin story” that urged us to wear a safety pin in clear sight every day. This would be a visible signal to anyone who is scared or feels threatened after the presidential election, the idea was that the safety pin would signal that I am a safe guy, someone who doesn’t hate people who aren’t white, one who doesn’t want to be mean or ugly to anybody because of their sexuality or immigration status. Believe me, I thought it was a marvelous idea.
But yesterday I received almost a dozen emails that informed me the wool had once again been pulled over my eyes. As Michelle Goldberg wrote on the Slate website: “We need an outwards sign of sympathy, a way for the majority of us who voted against fascism to recognize one another,” even adding, “These are vicious days in America – the ‘deplorables’ are emboldened.”
The Hollywood Reporter said the safety-pin drill originated in the United Kingdom so the Brexit liberals could identify those of like ilk who agreed with them – not because immigrants who were afraid could find refuge.
Oh heavens. Or here’s another version: “If you see somebody wearing a safety pin – hopefully on their clothing instead of through their eyelid – you need to be very careful; you may have encountered a ‘wussified bigot.’ When you encounter them in the wild it is best to go the other way, lest you be subjected to their shrill, ear-piercing cries about how unfair the system is and their hatred for anyone who thinks for themselves.”
Ironically, my safety pin story and the reactions from some readers that I received on Monday remind me of one of my favorite stories -- the wonderful tale of the two wolves:
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“One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
“One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
“The other is Good – It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.” – Author unknown.
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I’ve decided to abandon the safety pin show, replacing it with a genuine smile and a pleasant ‘good morning’ to each and all instead – safety pins or no pins. I need to feed my “good wolf” There is another version of the wolf story that is alleged to have come from the slums of Calcutta. When they gathered Mother Theresa’s worldly belonging shortly after her death, this was found on a wall. It is a good reminder why Mother Theresa will be given Sainthood in the near future, and pay particular attention to the last line:
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“Do It Anyway”
“People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. -- Mother Teresa
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URGENT NOTE – Anyone with breathing problems, asthma or who is sick with “a cold” is urged to wear an air mask over their nose and mouth as long as there is any trace of smoke in the air. Do not think just because you don’t see smoke that the air is not saturated with invisible-to-the-eye particulate from our forest fires. If you experience breathing problems, seek medical attention quickly before the symptoms get worse.
royexum@aol.com