The world is a dangerous place to live,
not because of the people who are evil,
but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.
— Albert Einstein

From the Sojourners  blog site (“faith, politics, culture”) regarding comments to others’ posts:

“Comment Code of Conduct

I will express my disagreements with other community members’ ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)

I will not exaggerate others’ beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)

I will hold others accountable by clicking “report” on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they’re expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)

I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)”

I’m telling you this right now. If EVERY human followed this code on the internet, millions fewer would go to bed hungry, more families would have shelter, and hate crimes would dwindle dramatically. The goodwill in every computer savvy heart would expand to the world outside the monitor. The energy drain that is the result of toxic thought would reverse itself because we wouldn’t be sending negative vibes into the ether.

In the absence of self-important negativity, “You’re important” empathy would tentatively tiptoe, then joyfully leap into furiously typing fingertips to form words of respect and peace.

You know what? I’ve decided this would address the Global Warming issue as well:  imagine the cooling off period our planet would experience if the “flame” posts  ceased to circle the globe!

Here’s a great way to help end the flame wars. Never leave a comment unless 1) you sign with your real name, or 2) at least write as if you’re signing with your real name.  Don’t you wonder how many inflammatory missives would never have hit the ether if claiming one’s posts by identity was required?  Oh, the humanity! Oh, the civility!

Do me a favor. Scroll up and read the code again. What if we all follow the code in every aspect of life, not just in cyberland? I’ve got some real work to do in that area, but I like the imagined “me” I could become if I step it up a bit.

I’ll call it my Christmas gift to the collective spirit.

Peace, friends.

Credit to Sojourners: visit    http://www.sojo.net/