A Return to Decency

Many people are being fired from their jobs on television and elsewhere for making cruel and inflaming statements about Charlie Kirk.

What is it that’s being requested from those who disagree with Charlie?

I’d like to suggest that the behavioral standard being requested can be summarized in one word: decency

It precedes first-amendment rights and was as important in ancient Egypt as now, I imagine.

Let me define decency from Webster’s:

Webster’s definition of decency is the quality or state of being decent, meaning proper, suitable, or becoming in conduct, words, or behavior, often involving propriety, good taste, and modesty.

I know it’s not lost on anyone here that living decently is a pretty good way of saying living by the divine qualities.

If a person does not act “decently,” then all bets may be off. The liberals – especially woke culture – seem to be ignoring decency and living from excess in what has become a race to the bottom, “decency” being the main casualty. The conservatives are calling them on it.

In a liberal society, so the thought goes, we can say whatever we want. It takes conservatives to say “No, that ‘s not actually true. There are limits.” (1)

I have to acknowledge that I’m neither liberal nor conservative. I’m a centrist in terms of political philosophy and a reformer in terms of policy.

That doesn’t mean “I’m right.” What it means is that I believe that all wise decisions emanate from the middle, from the center, from the heart. The heart is an interdimensional portal and our gateway to communication with the higher dimensions. That doesn’t change just because we’re talking about “politics.”

“Decency” spans the political spectrum and indeed every other social spectrum as well. It’s the sine qua non of international relations and negotiations. Imputations of deviousness or deceptiveness are fatal to these talks. “A man is as good as his word” prevails here. “Promises made, promises kept.” Keeping your word is a facet of decency.

But so is having no intention to harm. If I go further, I’ll have to reproduce the whole of Robert Fulghum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. How to be a kind, responsible, and social person.

I asked ChatGPT to break down Fulghum’s ideas for us because they’re so relevant to what’s happening in society today. Here are the key concepts broken down in simple terms:

1. Sharing is Important

Concept: In kindergarten, kids are often taught to share toys and treats with others. This helps everyone get along.

Example: If you have a snack and your friend doesn’t, it’s nice to offer them a bite. This teaches kindness and fairness.

2. Be Kind to Others

Concept: Kindness is a core lesson in early childhood. Being nice, helping others, and saying “please” and “thank you” makes everyone feel good.

Example: If you see someone drop their books, it’s a good thing to help them pick them up, instead of ignoring them.

3. Take Turns

Concept: Waiting your turn is a basic part of socializing. It teaches patience and respect for others.

Example: When playing a game, you wait for your turn instead of rushing in front of others. This shows respect for other people’s time.

4. Clean Up After Yourself

Concept: Kids are taught to tidy up their toys, books, or snacks after using them. This instills responsibility.

Example: After finishing your art project, you put away the crayons and clean your space so others can use it too.

5. Respect Differences

Concept: In kindergarten, children are often introduced to different cultures, backgrounds, and ideas. This encourages respect for diversity.

Example: If a friend speaks a different language or celebrates different traditions, it’s important to be curious and accepting, not judgmental.

6. Ask for Help When Needed

Concept: It’s okay to not know everything, and asking for help is important.

Example: If you don’t understand something in school, you ask the teacher or a friend for help. This shows that you’re open to learning.

7. Be Honest

Concept: Telling the truth and owning up to your actions is taught early on.

Example: If you accidentally break something, it’s better to say, “I did it” rather than lying or blaming someone else. (Robert Fulghum as interpreted by ChatGPT.)

If I were to add to his list, based upon experience in the last 10 years, I’d add:

8. Remain Calm

9. Be Solution-Oriented

10. Negotiate in a Principled Manner

11. Prefer Win/Win Solutions.

I’m almost certain Charlie would agree with me: We need a return to moderation, principles, fairness – we need a return to decency.

Footnotes

(1) On censorship, see: