It’s better to learn to live together

It’s better to learn to live together

The prophetic insight by Mar- tin Luther King that “we shall either learn to live together as sisters and brothers, or perish together as fools” came to mind upon learning of the horrific outburst of deadly violence in Arizona Saturday.

While the major focus was and remains upon Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, there is a powerful message symbolically contained for us all in the death and short life of the youngest victim of this barbarism.

Christina-Taylor Green was born on 9/11/01, perhaps the darkest day in American history. Her birth and vibrant life gave truth to the biblical prophecy that “a light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.” Christina danced ballet, played baseball, loved to swim, and was just elected to her school’s student council, a victory that motivated a neighbor to take her to this fateful event in Tucson.

She had also just celebrated her first Holy Communion at her church, St. Odilia’s Catholic Parish. Odilia of Alsace, the patron saint of good eyesight, was born blind but recovered her sight miraculously upon baptism. Will Christina’s death and America’s baptism in fire restore our vision? No, if we continue the blind hatred which engulfed us in the wake of 9/11 and the recent rise of fascist-like fervor. Yes, if we the people embrace the light from above to guide us as one nation under God through these dark days.

Odilia of Cologne was killed by barbarians. So was Christ. So was Christina. Did she die in vain? Yes, if we follow the barbaric advice of her young killer and his ideological accomplices not to retreat but reload. No, if we the people follow the wise counsel of MLK to repent and revive the true Spirit of America. Which will it be? Martin, Christina and Christ await above for our response from below. So do our children and their children’s children.

Werner Lange, Newton Falls

Some things matter

Words. They are all we have. 4,400 of them exist in the U.S. Constitution, 1,436 in the Bill of Rights, and another 1,337 in the Declaration of Independence. We are a country built on words that lead to actions. Words that have led to consequences. Words matter. They just do.

Paul Hugenberg, Poland