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Family
Values
Although
politicians often
refer to family values, they rarely attempt to explain what
they are. It seems that their moral leadership only goes so far.
Different families have different values, according
to their ethnic background, religious beliefs and individual preference.
The question arises: Is it possible to speak
of family values as if they were a homogenous commodity
throughout the land?
While specific values may differ among families,
a core commonality unites them all: a belief that human life is precious.
If we really believe that, then the values we embrace will be decent,
humane and interconnected.
Human life is precious.
It needs to be protected and nurtured with care.
It needs the concerned dynamics of family support, a caring mother and
father, loyal siblings, a community that looks beyond the immediate gains
of profit to affirm what is good in us all.
There are nations where leaders do not consider
human life to be precious. How many millions died in the last century
alone to illustrate this fact?
In America, however, we say that are willing
to fight to preserve our family values. We create laws that generally
protect them. We have commissions and agencies and recreational programs
that cater to the preservation of family. We also have soldiers who are
trained to defend us, ready to put their lives on the line for the welfare
of us all.
But in order to thrive, family values need a
richer soil than laws and programs and a ready army. They need genuine
compassion, concerned parenting, vigilance, open communication. They need
love and meaningful traditions. Forgiveness. Freedom from greed. An atmosphere
of friendship. Family values infer helping and tolerating one another,
even our neighbors, for we all belong to a single family.
Can one honor family values and say that the
cost of universal healthcare is too high? Can we actively support these
values while shipping jobs overseas? What about an unjust war that assaults
innocent children and families?
Can family values allow men more rights than
women? Can they say no to someone just because he or she is different?
Are they served by dividing the nation into the haves and have-nots?
Or by forcing your religious views on someone else?
Seeds for Thought asks everyone to think
about family values, and what they mean to us all. Speak out about them,
without timidity. Question leaders about how their policies support family
values. Remind them that family values is what humanity is all about.
